As we gallop into the Year of the Horse, travel for Lunar New Year 2026 is off to a flying start. Bookings across Trip.com Group platforms have seen strong double-digit growth compared to last year, showing just how eager travelers are to go farther, stay longer, and enjoy better experiences during the festive break.
Extended Holidays Across Asia Fuel Big Travel Plans
In countries like China, where the Lunar New Year break stretches up to nine days—and potentially over 15 days with added leave—people are making the most of their time off. Similarly, Vietnam, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines offer long holiday windows, giving travelers the chance to plan extended getaways.
Trip.com’s data shows a nearly 40% jump in cross-border bookings with stays of seven nights or more. Even more impressive, long-haul travel is up over 50%, proving that people are ready to explore bigger and more adventurous international routes.
Europe and Oceania Lead Long-Haul Travel Surge
Destinations in Europe and Oceania are becoming top picks this year:
- Norway is seeing a 200%+ increase in bookings from Singapore, thanks to popular attractions like the Northern Lights, fjords, and scenic rail journeys.
- Australia has more than doubled its visitor numbers from China, with hot spots like Sydney, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Outback driving demand.
- New Zealand bookings have jumped by almost 50%.
- Other trending destinations include the Maldives, Turkey, Spain, and Mongolia.
Multi-City Tours and Premium Travel on the Rise
With longer vacations, travelers are exploring multi-city tours. Popular routes include:
- Istanbul, Cappadocia and Ephesus in Turkey
- Los Angeles, Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon in the U.S.
- Osaka and Kyoto in Japan
Luxury travel is also booming. Compared to last year:
- First-class flight bookings are up 83%
- Business class bookings have risen 38%
- Five-star hotel stays are up 59%, especially across Southeast Asia
Clearly, more travelers are choosing comfort and quality over budget options this festive season.
Asia Still Leads the Way
While international trips are growing, Asia remains the heart of Lunar New Year travel. Cities like Seoul, Ho Chi Minh City, and Bali have all seen over 70% growth in bookings. Meanwhile, inbound tourism to China is also on the rise, led by Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou.
Whether it’s chasing the Northern Lights, relaxing on tropical beaches, or soaking in city lights, Lunar New Year 2026 is shaping up to be one of the busiest and most exciting festive travel periods yet — defined by longer breaks, upgraded comfort, and worldwide exploration.
