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Shift in Holiday Preferences for Undas 2026
A significant transformation in travel behavior is unfolding across the Philippines as the 2026 Undas season approaches. Data released on 28 October 2026 indicates that Filipino holidaymakers are increasingly bypassing traditional domestic routes in favor of international getaways, specifically targeting key Asian hubs.
According to industry reports from AirAsia MOVE, the share of international hotel bookings has seen a dramatic spike, climbing from 18% in 2025 to 38% this year. While the majority of travelers still opt for local destinations, the rapid growth in overseas accommodation suggests a growing appetite for regional exploration during the All Saints' and All Souls' Days break.
International Booking Momentum and Hotel Data
The appetite for overseas travel is most evident in accommodation trends. While international flight bookings have seen a modest increase—rising from 14% in 2025 to 17% in 2026—the surge in hotel reservations tells a more aggressive story.
International accommodation now captures 38% of all bookings on the AirAsia MOVE platform. This suggests that travelers are not only flying abroad more frequently but are also committing to longer or more structured stays in foreign cities. It is important to note that these figures reflect platform-specific data and may not represent the total volume of all international passengers departing the Philippines.
Comparative Travel Metrics: 2025 vs. 2026
The following data outlines the shift in booking patterns and airport expectations for the Undas period.
| Key travel indicator | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| International flight booking share | 14% | 17% |
| International hotel booking share | 18% | 38% |
| Domestic flight booking share | 86% | 83% |
| Domestic hotel booking share | 82% | 62% |
| Domestic flight-and-hotel package share | 66% | 76% |
| Family hotel booking share | 6.5% | 17% |
| Average trip duration | 6 days | 6 days |
| Expected NAIA passengers, 27 Oct–4 Nov | 1.24 million | 1.25 million |
Taiwan Emerges as Premier International Destination
Taiwan has secured its position as the top choice for Filipinos traveling abroad this season. Taipei currently leads the rankings across three major categories: international flight bookings, hotel reservations, and bundled flight-and-hotel packages. The city's appeal is driven by its renowned shopping districts, vibrant night markets, and the iconic Taipei 101 tower.
Beyond the capital, Kaohsiung has also seen a rise in popularity, ranking third among international flight destinations. To accommodate this demand, AirAsia Philippines has expanded its Manila–Kaohsiung capacity, increasing weekly flights from four to seven throughout October. The ease of entry—specifically the 14-day visa-free privilege for eligible Philippine passport holders—continues to be a primary catalyst for this surge in tourism.
Diversification of Asian Travel Hubs
While Taiwan leads, other Asian neighbors are capturing significant market share. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, currently ranks second for international flights and fifth for hotel bookings. Vietnam's Da Nang has also become a major draw, securing the third spot for hotels and fifth for flights, thanks to its combination of coastal scenery and culinary attractions.
Other notable destinations include Bangkok, Thailand, which ranks fourth for international hotel stays, and Hong Kong, which holds the second position for overseas hotel bookings. Macau also remains a competitive choice, ranking fourth for international flight destinations. This diversification indicates that Filipino travelers are seeking a wider variety of experiences, ranging from urban shopping trips to cultural immersions.
Domestic Tourism Resilience in Boracay and Manila
Despite the international trend, the Philippines' domestic tourism sector remains a powerhouse. Local destinations still account for 83% of flight bookings and 62% of hotel reservations.
Manila remains the primary domestic flight hub, followed closely by Boracay, Tacloban, Cebu, and Iloilo. When it comes to where travelers stay, Boracay is the top choice for domestic hotel bookings, with Manila following in second place. Cebu, Iloilo, and Tacloban round out the top five. For many, the Undas period remains deeply rooted in tradition, serving as a time to return to home provinces and visit ancestral graves.
Manila Airport Prepares for 1.25 Million Passengers
The aviation infrastructure in Manila is bracing for a massive influx of travelers. Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) expects to handle approximately 1.25 million passengers between 27 October and 4 November 2026, a slight increase over the 1.24 million recorded during the same window last year.
New NAIA Infra Corp., the airport operator, has identified 30 October as the peak travel day, with an estimated 149,000 passengers passing through the terminals. To mitigate congestion, authorities are deploying additional immigration counters, increasing the presence of traffic marshals, and enhancing baggage support and security monitoring.
Evolution of Booking Habits and Group Travel
A notable shift is occurring in how Filipinos plan their trips. Data shows that 72% of flight bookings were finalized at least 15 days before departure, indicating a move toward more proactive planning.
There is also a clear trend toward group and family travel. Solo bookings, while still the largest category at 55%, have dropped from 66% in the previous year. Conversely, bookings for pairs have risen from 18% to 22%, and family hotel bookings have surged from 6.5% to 17%. Despite these changes in group size and planning timelines, the average trip duration has remained steady at six days.
Why This Matters: The Modernization of Undas Traditions
For the Filipino traveler, the data reveals a fascinating cultural evolution. Undas—traditionally a somber period of remembrance and provincial homecoming—is being reimagined as a hybrid holiday. While the core traditions of visiting cemeteries on November 1 (All Saints' Day) and November 2 (All Souls' Day) remain intact, the surrounding days are increasingly used for leisure and global exploration.
From a logistical standpoint, the surge in international hotel bookings suggests a shift in disposable income allocation and a desire for "experience-based" travel. The reliance on visa-free destinations like Taiwan shows that accessibility is the primary driver of international growth. For the traveler, this means that while the emotional connection to home remains, the definition of a "holiday" has expanded to include the discovery of neighboring Asian cultures, turning a period of reflection into a period of exploration.
