As the holiday season approaches, more Filipinos are making international travel a priority, with booking trends showing a growing desire to balance familiar destinations with new experiences.
According to Trip.com booking data from the first half of 2026, Filipino travelers continue to favor nearby Asian cities while increasingly venturing to emerging destinations beyond the region’s traditional tourist hotspots. The shift reflects changing travel preferences, with travelers becoming more confident, experience-driven, and intentional in planning their holidays.
Asian favorites remain top choices
Regional destinations continue to dominate outbound travel among Filipinos, with Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo, Bangkok, and Taipei ranking as the most-booked international cities.
The continued popularity of these destinations aligns with broader travel trends favoring short-haul trips that offer convenience, affordability, and shorter travel times. Improved connectivity and competitive travel deals also continue to make neighboring Asian destinations attractive options for holidaymakers.
Interest grows in emerging destinations
While established travel hubs remain popular, Trip.com data also points to a growing appetite for exploring new destinations.
Among the fastest-growing international markets during the first half of 2026 were Palau, which recorded a 663% year-on-year increase in bookings, followed by Oman (+482%), Saudi Arabia (+145%), Vietnam (+122%), Australia (+80%), and Canada (+67%).
The figures suggest that Filipino travelers are becoming more adventurous, expanding their choices beyond traditional vacation spots as awareness, accessibility, and international connectivity continue to improve.
The trend is also evident within destinations already familiar to Filipino tourists. In Vietnam, bookings to Da Nang surged by 483% year-on-year, while Hanoi recorded 145% growth, indicating that travelers are exploring beyond the country’s usual gateway cities in search of more diverse experiences.
Experiences influence destination choices
Beyond choosing where to go, Filipino travelers are increasingly planning trips around the experiences available at their destinations.
Trip.com booking data shows that internationally renowned attractions remain major travel drivers. Hong Kong Disneyland emerged as the most-booked international attraction among Filipino travelers during the first half of 2026, followed by Ocean Park Hong Kong, Universal Studios Singapore, and Universal Studios Japan.
The popularity of these destinations highlights the continued appeal of immersive leisure experiences, with families, couples, and groups of friends prioritizing theme parks and attractions as key parts of their travel itineraries.
Seasonal tourism campaigns are also helping shape travel decisions. Initiatives such as Hong Kong Summer Fun 2026, which offers limited-time promotions on hotels, attractions, and travel experiences, encourage visitors to maximize their trips beyond traditional sightseeing.
Travelers plan ahead for the holidays
With one of the year’s busiest travel periods approaching, Trip.com says today’s Filipino travelers are placing greater emphasis on planning ahead, making informed decisions, and choosing destinations that offer memorable experiences alongside good value.
While familiar regional favorites continue to anchor holiday itineraries, growing interest in emerging destinations reflects an evolving travel mindset—one that embraces exploration while seeking meaningful and rewarding travel experiences.
