Based on a comprehensive list of the most sought-after destinations for the period between June and August 2023 by Google Flight Searches, Tokyo and Singapore ranked as top travel destinations for Filipinos.
Tokyo, the bustling capital of Japan, entices Filipinos with its rich history, stunning architecture, world-class cuisine, and cutting-edge technology. Singapore, on the other hand, offers a blend of cosmopolitan living, iconic landmarks, and diverse attractions that attract Filipinos seeking a vibrant travel experience.
Bangkok, Thailand, secured the third spot on the list, followed by local destinations Caticlan and Cebu. In the sixth spot is
Hong Kong then Manila takes the seventh spot.
In 8th place, Seoul, the capital of South Korea, attracts
Filipino travelers because it blends ancient traditions and modern trends with historical landmarks, dynamic street markets, and vibrant K-pop culture. Kalibo, in the 9th spot, serves as a gateway to the scenic landscapes and warm hospitality of the idyllic Boracay Island.
Rounding off the list is Taipei, Taiwan, offering visitors a blend of traditional temples, bustling night markets, and a vibrant food scene.
Best time to snag a deal
A question that is often on everyone’s mind: When’s the baest time to book a flight? By looking at historical pricing data on Google Flights for trips departing from the Philippines, prices have usually been their lowest at around four to five and a half months before departure, with average prices bottoming out four and a half months before departure. Good news—there’s still time to find great deals on flights now.
Asia is a hot destination
Nothing beats traveling in Asia, though, so our region is still the top destination for most of us here. The top countries Filipinos are searching for on Google are Japan, Thailand, the United States, the United Kingdom, and South Korea. The strong popularity of the Land of the Rising Sun is undeniable, appearing 22 times in the top ten lists of countries we studied and topping seven of those.
With Japan, Thailand, and South Korea making up the top five countries, it’s no surprise that Asia Pacific is the top region for travelers, with 70 percent of the destinations they want to visit soon in the region. Of these, a third are in Southeast Asia, with Bangkok emerging as the top city, followed by Bali and Singapore – a sign that travelers are looking forward to sunny beaches, vibrant cities, and amazing food.
Travel picks up in 2023
Google’s data also found the top inbound travel in the first quarter of 2023—visits by non-residents to the Philippines were from the US, Japan, Canada, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates. And if you’re wondering where they’re heading when they visit, it’s probably one of these places: Sundowners Beach Villas in Zambales, Igorot Stone Kingdom in Benguet, Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati, and the National Museum of Natural History in Manila. These could make ideal trips if you’re thinking about domestic travel instead of flying abroad.
