Home » ASIA » Lunar New Year 2026 Transforms Asian Travel as Longer Holidays Push Travellers Toward Distant Destinations and Premium Experiences Published on
February 3, 2026Travel patterns surrounding Lunar New Year 2026 are revealing a decisive shift in how the holiday is being used across Asia. Rather than brief regional escapes, travellers are increasingly turning the festive break into extended international journeys, travelling farther from home and choosing more refined travel experiences. The season is shaping up to be one of the most transformative Lunar New Year periods for the travel industry in recent years.A defining feature of this year’s travel surge is the growing length of holidays. International trips lasting a week or more have risen sharply, reflecting a move toward slower travel that allows visitors to explore destinations in greater depth. Long-haul journeys are expanding at an even faster pace, signalling that distance is becoming less of a barrier when additional time off is available.This evolution is being enabled largely by holiday calendars across Asia-Pacific. In several markets, Lunar New Year public holidays can be extended by combining weekends and personal leave, creating vacation windows that stretch well beyond the traditional festive period. In mainland China, travellers can turn the official nine-day break into a holiday lasting more than two weeks. Similar opportunities exist in Vietnam, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines, where flexible scheduling is encouraging more ambitious travel plans.As a result, destination choices are becoming increasingly global. Europe and Oceania have emerged as standout long-haul regions during the Lunar New Year season, benefiting from travellers who now have the time to justify extended flights. Northern Europe has gained particular attention, driven by interest in winter scenery, natural phenomena, and scenic transport experiences that contrast sharply with the warmer destinations traditionally favoured during the holiday.AdvertisementBeyond Europe, a broad mix of destinations is capturing traveller interest. Luxury island destinations continue to perform strongly, appealing to those seeking privacy and relaxation during the festive period. At the same time, culturally rich destinations across Europe and Central Asia are attracting visitors drawn to heritage sites, historic cities, and local culinary traditions. Emerging and lesser-visited destinations are also gaining traction, reflecting a growing desire for distinctive travel experiences and storytelling.Oceania has become one of the biggest beneficiaries of these shiftin …
