Published on
September 22, 2025
The October golden holiday is experiencing an exceptional surge in overseas travel, with the US, Japan, Taiwan, and Vietnam leading the charge. As flight bookings for this period have surged by 37% compared to last year, these countries have emerged as the top destinations, attracting record numbers of travelers. Japan remains a traditional favorite, but Taiwan and the United States are seeing remarkable growth, with Taiwan in particular benefiting from a 78% increase in flight bookings. Meanwhile, Vietnam’s popularity continues to rise, cementing its position as a major contender for holidaymakers. As these destinations continue to grow, new hotspots are quickly gaining ground, reshaping the global travel landscape during this holiday period.
As the October “golden holiday” approaches, the demand for international travel is experiencing a notable surge. While Japan remains a dominant destination, countries like Taiwan and the United States are quickly emerging as favored spots for travelers looking for new experiences.
Data from Nol Universe, a prominent travel platform, reveals a significant 37% increase in overseas flight bookings for this year’s golden holiday compared to the same period last year. This analysis was based on booking data from Nol Universe’s platforms—NOL, NOL Interpark Tour, and Triple—for travel between October 3 and 12.
Japan continues to maintain its stronghold on the travel market. Osaka, Fukuoka, and Narita (Tokyo) led the list of the most booked flight routes, with Japan also topping accommodation and transportation reservations. This reaffirms Japan’s ongoing popularity as a destination that offers a mix of rich cultural history, vibrant city life, and natural beauty.
Despite Japan’s leading status, other countries are gaining ground. Vietnam, for example, has emerged as a major contender, ranking second in overseas bookings. Destinations such as Danang, Hoi An, and Phu Quoc have seen increased demand, especially for multi-day package tours. The “sleeping bus” service between Hanoi and Sapa also became a popular choice, highlighting the growing demand for more unique, experience-oriented travel options.
Emerging destinations like Taiwan and the United States are also seeing rising interest. Taiwan ranks third in overseas accommodation bookings, with a 78% increase in flight bookings to Taipei from last year. This surge underscores Taiwan’s appeal as a close and easily accessible travel destination. The United States, too, has seen a dramatic rise in accommodation bookings, with a 2.3-fold increase, placing it fourth in overseas lodging reservations. This surge indicates a strong desire to explore American cities and attractions as international travel rebounds.
In addition to regional favorites, long-haul travel has seen a resurgence. The Mediterranean and Eastern Europe regions are experiencing impressive growth, with bookings to the Mediterranean increasing by 105% and Eastern Europe seeing an astonishing 809% rise. This sharp increase suggests that travelers are returning to explore further-afield destinations, eager to immerse themselves in new cultures and experiences.
On the domestic front, South Korea is also experiencing a rise in travel activity. Domestic accommodation bookings have increased by 65% compared to last year’s holiday period. Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province remains a dominant destination, accounting for 18% of all domestic bookings. Other regions like Jeonnam and Gyeongbuk have experienced notable growth rates of 131% and 124%, respectively, indicating that travelers are opting for quieter, more scenic locations outside the bustling urban centers.
A key trend emerging from this holiday period is a shift towards nature-based and experiential travel. Bookings for camping, caravans, and glamping have surged by 131%, suggesting that travelers are seeking more immersive and family-friendly outdoor experiences. This reflects a growing preference for slower, more intentional travel that focuses on connection with nature and well-being rather than just sightseeing.
This year’s golden holiday travel surge highlights an evolving travel landscape, where long-established favorites like Japan and Vietnam continue to perform well, while newer destinations such as Taiwan and the United States are quickly gaining traction. Long-haul travel is also recovering strongly, with the Mediterranean and Eastern Europe seeing particularly impressive growth. On the domestic side, South Korea’s quieter regions are benefiting from a desire for more peaceful, nature-oriented vacations.
The October golden holiday sees a surge in overseas travel, with the US, Japan, Taiwan, and Vietnam leading the way. Record-breaking bookings highlight Japan’s continued dominance, while Taiwan and the U.S. emerge as rising favorites among travelers.
In conclusion, the combination of traditional and emerging destinations, along with a growing appetite for more nature-based and personalized travel experiences, shows that the travel industry is on an upward trajectory. As travel preferences continue to evolve, 2025 promises to be a year of diverse and enriching travel experiences, driven by the changing tastes of a new generation of travelers.
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