Core Insights - The 2026 Spring Festival holiday has been extended to 9 days, leading to a significant increase in outbound travel demand compared to 2025 [4][5] - Travelers are exhibiting behaviors such as "taking leave early" and "staggered travel," with peak travel days anticipated from February 7 to 9 [4][5] - Popular destinations include Thailand, South Korea, and long-haul locations like Australia and New Zealand, with many travel packages already sold out [7][8] Travel Trends - Outbound flight bookings surged, with a notable increase in demand starting February 9, reaching a peak just before the holiday [5] - The average price of flights from Beijing to Bangkok rose by 144% from two weeks prior, indicating strong demand [5][6] - A second peak in outbound travel is expected from February 17 to 19, with the highest volume on the second day of the festival [5] Destination Preferences - Southeast Asia remains a dominant choice for travelers due to proximity, lower costs, and favorable visa policies [7] - Long-haul travel is gaining popularity, with a 50% increase in bookings for customized group travel compared to 2025 [8] - Destinations like Egypt, Spain, and Turkey have seen hotel bookings increase significantly, with Turkey's popularity boosted by new visa policies [9][10] Consumer Behavior - The trend towards small group travel and deep experiences is becoming more pronounced, with travelers seeking personalized and flexible itineraries [10] - The demand for unique travel experiences is reflected in the popularity of destinations beyond traditional choices, such as Saudi Arabia and Madagascar [10] - Travel agencies are responding with innovative product offerings, including themed tours and exclusive travel packages [10]