Core Insights - The summer travel season is officially starting, with significant increases in ticket bookings observed on OTA platforms, particularly for flights and train tickets starting from June 17 [2][3] - The first wave of travel peaks is expected in early July, primarily driven by student travelers, with three main peaks anticipated throughout the summer travel period [3][4] Travel Trends - The demand for air travel is projected to reach approximately 6 million first-time flyers during this summer, indicating a strong need for services at hub airports [4] - Family travel remains the primary demand driver, with an estimated 35% of domestic air travel during the summer attributed to family trips [4] - Popular destinations for summer travel include Beijing, Chengdu, and Kunming, with high demand for routes such as Guangzhou to Beijing and Shanghai to Beijing [4] Pricing Dynamics - Despite the surge in travel demand, ticket prices have not seen a rapid increase, with significant discounts still available for long-distance destinations [5][6] - New flight routes and adjustments in train schedules have contributed to stabilizing travel prices, making it easier for travelers to access popular destinations [6] Innovative Travel Options - The trend of "long layover" tickets is gaining popularity, allowing travelers to save money while exploring additional cities during their journey [7] - The demand for connecting flights, especially through major hubs like Beijing and Chengdu, is expected to rise, with these options often being more cost-effective than direct flights [7] International Travel Insights - The increase in international flight availability has led to a 15% decrease in average ticket prices for outbound travel compared to last year, stimulating demand for international trips [8] - Popular international destinations such as Canada, South Korea, and Japan have seen significant price reductions, with some tickets dropping by nearly 20% [8]