Every year, Undas, or All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, is a significant holiday in the Philippines, traditionally marked by family reunions and remembrance of those who have passed. However, a growing number of travelers are using this extended holiday as an opportunity to explore international destinations.
Rising Trends in International Bookings
Data from AirAsia MOVE, recognized as Asia’s leading travel booking app, indicates a notable increase in international travel for Undas 2026. Flight bookings for international trips have risen from 14% in 2025 to 17% in 2026. Furthermore, the proportion of hotel stays abroad has more than doubled, climbing from 18% to 38% during the same period. This shift highlights a growing interest among Filipinos in exploring new destinations during this traditionally family-oriented time.
Domestic Favorites Still Hold Strong
Despite the uptick in international journeys, domestic destinations continue to dominate the travel landscape. A significant 83% of flight bookings remain within the Philippines, albeit down slightly from 86% in 2025. However, hotel bookings for domestic stays saw a noteworthy decrease of 20%, shifting from 82% to 62%. Boracay continues to be a standout vacation spot, consistently ranking high for both flights and accommodations.
Cebu and Manila also maintain their status as popular travel hubs within the country, while Iloilo and Tacloban are emerging as preferred locations as well.
Top International Hotspots: Taipei Leads the Pack
Taipei has emerged as the leading international destination for Filipino travelers in 2026, topping the charts for flights, hotels, and bundled SNAP! packages. Other sought-after locations include Da Nang, which ranks prominently for both flights and accommodations, alongside Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok, which continue to attract travelers.
The popularity of these destinations underscores a favorable environment for Filipino travelers, especially with Taiwan offering visa-free entry for Philippine passport holders.
Travel Group Dynamics Shift
A closer look at booking trends reveals a change in travel demographics as well. Solo travelers represent the largest segment of travelers, accounting for 55% of flight bookings in 2026, down from 66% the previous year. In contrast, bookings by couples rose from 18% to 22%, while small groups increased from 6% to 10%. Family travel also saw a slight uptick, growing from 8% to 10%.
Similarly, family hotel stays surged from 6.5% to 17%, indicating a broader trend towards family-oriented trips. Despite these changes, couples remain the predominant group in hotel bookings, although their share decreased from 72% to 58%.
Planning Ahead: A Notable Trend
In a shift toward better travel planning, data shows that Filipino travelers are booking their Undas trips earlier. A remarkable 72% of bookings in 2026 were made at least 15 days in advance, compared to 51% in 2025 that were booked within two weeks of departure. The average trip length remains consistent at six days, reflecting that travelers are still favoring similar durations.
“What stands out is that familiar travel traditions and the desire to explore new places can coexist. Undas remains an important time for Filipinos to reconnect with family, but the holiday also allows some travelers to discover destinations beyond their usual routines,” said Malou Japson, country representative of AirAsia MOVE in the Philippines.
With AirAsia MOVE, users can access booking options for over 700 airlines and more than a million hotels, as well as SNAP! packages and various attractions. This breadth of services empowers travelers to plan fulfilling trips, whether they prefer domestic explorations or international adventures.
Tag: Destinations