Summer vacation rooms and flights are hard to come by; Japan tour prices see up to 5,000 yuan increase

▲ Due to rising airfare and hotel costs, summer Japan tour prices have increased by as much as 5,000 yuan. (Photo / Tokyo Disneyland, taken by reporter Chen Rui-zhong)

Reporter Chen Rui-zhong / Taipei reporting

As the peak summer travel season from July to September approaches, many parents are also planning family trips. The Republic of China Travel Quality Assurance Association today (May 15) released information on tour prices for July to September. The association stated that the current travel market is trending towards refinement and diversification, and it is expected that flight availability may still be insufficient this summer. Therefore, travelers planning to go on trips during the summer vacation must plan ahead.

Southeast Asia
During the summer vacation, family-oriented itineraries are the main focus. Compared to the previous season, due to increases in airfare and hotel costs, the overall price hike is around 1,500 to 4,000 yuan; however, because the market is stable, prices are similar to the same period last year.

Japan and South Korea
For Taiwan residents, the most popular region in Northeast Asia is Japan, where summer family travel remains the main theme. Popular destinations such as Tokyo Disneyland, Hello Kitty Land, and Universal Studios continue to be top choices. However, aside from increased airline ticket prices during the summer, the influx of budget airline passengers has led to a severe shortage of local hotels and buses in Japan. Coupled with rising travel costs in Japan, prices have increased by about 4,000 to 5,000 yuan compared to the same period last year.

The Hallyu (Korean Wave) effect in South Korea continues to thrive, making family trips combined with K-drama filming locations a key highlight. Additionally, due to a surge in Korean tourists visiting Taiwan, flights are in high demand, and popular destinations like Jeju Island are seeing an influx of visitors, leading to increased accommodation and airfare costs. Overall, tour prices have risen by 2,000 to 3,000 yuan compared to the same period last year.

Mainland China
Many parts of mainland China are entering their peak tourist season, particularly the grasslands of Inner Mongolia, which are a major attraction. In addition, East China, Northeast China, Southwest China, and Northwest China are also in their busy seasons, with special itineraries such as those in Northern Xinjiang and along the Silk Road coinciding with favorable timing. However, with adjustments in airfare, attraction ticket prices, and hotel rates, overall prices in mainland China have seen a maximum increase of 2,000 to 5,000 yuan compared to last year.

United States and Canada
The U.S. and Canada routes have benefited from falling ticket prices. Although there is a slight increase compared to April to June, prices are about 2,000 to 8,000 yuan lower than the same period last year. Popular summer itineraries include trips to Hawaii, national parks, and family tours in the western U.S.; Canadian prices have also been affected by ticket prices, decreasing by 3,000 to 8,000 yuan compared to last year.

▲ The summer vacation period is the peak tourist season for the Xinjiang region. (Photo / taken by reporter Huang Shi-yuan)

Europe
The European region enjoys cool weather and long daylight hours during the summer, making it an excellent time for travel. Additionally, with the euro exchange rate being lower, tour prices are about 3,000 to 5,000 yuan cheaper than last year. It is expected to attract a wave of tourists, and those planning to visit Europe are advised to sign up early.

Middle East and Africa
In the Middle East and Africa regions, hot weather has dampened travel interest. The Nepal region remains under a red alert due to earthquakes, and travel is not recommended. Additionally, direct flights to Turkey by airlines are expected to attract more visitors. Safari trips in South Africa, where wildlife can be observed, have also become a key selling point in the family travel market. Prices vary depending on the itinerary, with fluctuations of about 2,000 to 8,000 yuan.

New Zealand and Australia
July to September is winter in the Southern Hemisphere, but places like Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef remain suitable for family travel; the King’s Canyon and Uluru in the Northern Territory are also in their peak tourist season, ideal for summer trips. Additionally, the Sydney Harbour Bridge Run, promoted in Taiwan for the first time this year, has become a unique travel theme in September. The overall New Zealand and Australia routes have also seen a price reduction of 2,000 to 8,000 yuan due to currency exchange rates and fuel surcharges.

Indochina Peninsula
In the Indochina Peninsula, including Vietnam, Angkor Wat, and Myanmar, prices still vary slightly depending on the grade of hotels and meals. However, with the entry of budget airlines, there are now more options for consumers to purchase flight and accommodation packages. Overall prices remain the same as last year.