Travel isn’t slowing down in 2026. It’s simply becoming more deliberate.
People are still prioritising holidays, but they’re making different choices about when to book, where to go and what to spend on. Instead of chasing luxury or making last-minute plans, travellers are looking for better value, shorter journeys and trips that fit comfortably within their budgets.
Booking insights from AirAsia MOVE for travel between July and December 2026 point to five behaviours that are reshaping travel across the region.
Travellers are Spending with Purpose
Travellers aren’t cutting back on holidays—they’re being more selective about where their money goes.
Data from AirAsia MOVE shows that average spending on flights is around 35% higher than average hotel spending in the second half of 2026. The priority is getting to the destination, while accommodation is increasingly viewed through the lens of value.
That shift is reflected in hotel choices. Three- and four-star properties account for 76% of bookings on the platform, suggesting travellers are choosing comfort and convenience over luxury.
Payday is Driving Bookings
Research may begin weeks in advance, but many travellers are waiting until payday to confirm their plans.
Nearly 40% of flight bookings are made for travel taking place between the 25th and 5th of each month, closely matching salary cycles across many ASEAN markets. The pattern suggests travellers are budgeting more carefully and timing discretionary spending around their income.
Short-haul Escapes Continue to Win
Convenience has become one of the biggest deciding factors when choosing where to go.
International destinations within four hours’ flying time are seeing growing demand, with bookings for these routes up 14% compared with the same period last year. For many travellers, shorter journeys mean less time in transit, lower travel costs and more time to enjoy the destination.
As a result, regional getaways continue to offer the strongest mix of accessibility, affordability and flexibility.
Millennials and Gen Z Remain the Biggest Travellers
Younger travellers continue to dominate bookings.
Millennials account for 43% of bookings on AirAsia MOVE, followed by Gen Z at 23%. Together, they make up almost two-thirds of all bookings on the platform.
While both generations are keeping a closer eye on spending, travel remains a priority. Instead of taking fewer trips, they’re making more calculated decisions about where to go and how to get the most value from each journey.
The data points to a clear shift in how people are travelling in 2026. Holidays remain important, but travellers are approaching them with greater intention. They’re planning earlier, spending more carefully and choosing destinations that offer the best balance of cost, convenience and experience.
