The global travel search platform Skyscanner (www.tianxun.com) surveyed outbound travelers and found that approximately 40% wish to take a spontaneous trip. For the upcoming Eleven Golden Week, Skyscanner's data analysis predicts that popular destinations and regions including Japan, Thailand, the United States, Taiwan, Turkey, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Germany will be in high demand. Naturally, airfares to these popular spots will also rise accordingly. In addition to pricing concerns, another major hurdle is visas—most overseas destinations require a visa, which means many travelers spend a long time preparing their visa applications. Moreover, as many as 45% of outbound travelers worry about being denied a visa. To tackle both visa and airfare issues, Skyscanner recommends a “three-step” method for spontaneous travel. Even if you book your flights now, you can still enjoy an affordable and satisfying spontaneous getaway.
Step 1: Prioritize Short-Haul and Visa-Friendly Destinations
To travel spontaneously, start by avoiding overly popular or long-haul destinations. Short-haul trips and destinations with easier visa access are more realistic options. Without a doubt, airfares for popular and long-distance outbound destinations will be significantly higher during the Eleven Golden Week period. On the other hand, visa applications are a crucial consideration for any outbound traveler from China. According to a recent Skyscanner survey, 36% of outbound travelers prefer destinations where it’s easy to obtain a visa—such as places offering visa on arrival or visa-free entry—while only 8% are interested in applying for a Schengen visa.
Therefore, when selecting a destination, don’t hesitate to consider even popular short-haul spots. Take Jeju Island in South Korea as an example—it is one of the most favored destinations for Chinese tourists during the Eleven Golden Week. Since the visa is visa-free, it greatly increases your chances of traveling on a whim.
In addition, Skyscanner also recommends several popular countries with relatively simple visa procedures: Jeju Island in South Korea (visa-free), and visa on arrival countries and regions including Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia.
Wen Yuanyuan, Public Relations Director of Skyscanner China’s Marketing Department, said: “While understanding some basics of ticket purchasing can help outbound travelers save a lot, airfares are influenced by many factors and can sometimes be quite volatile. If you plan to book your tickets close to your departure date, you must keep a close eye on price fluctuations.” With the approach of the Eleven Golden Week, airfares will continue to rise due to limited seat availability. Skyscanner reminds outbound passengers to decide on their destination as soon as possible.
Finally, to prevent your travel plans from being restricted by visa requirements during the Golden Week, Skyscanner has compiled the following visa information. Wishing everyone a pleasant Eleven Golden Week trip ahead.
Worldwide Visa Information:
I. List of Countries or Regions Allowing Chinese Citizens Visa-Free Entry (Unilaterally) (14 in total)
Asia (1): South Korea (Jeju Island)
Africa (1): Réunion (French Territory) (Tahiti, Bora Bora) – Chinese citizens traveling as part of a tour organized by a travel agency approved by China’s national tourism authorities may enter visa-free for up to 14 days (inclusive)
Americas (9): Ecuador, Antigua and Barbuda, Haiti, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (British Overseas Territory), Turks and Caicos Islands (British Overseas Territory), Jamaica, Dominica
Oceania (3): Northern Mariana Islands (U.S.) (including Saipan), Samoa, French Polynesia
II. List of Countries or Regions Allowing Chinese Citizens Visa on Arrival (Unilaterally) (37 in total)
Asia (18): United Arab Emirates (transit via a third country), Bahrain, Timor-Leste, Laos, Lebanon, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkmenistan, Brunei, Iran, Indonesia, Jordan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Bangladesh
Africa (13): Egypt, Togo, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Comoros, Côte d'Ivoire, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya
Americas (2): Guyana, Saint Helena (British Overseas Territory)
Oceania (4): Fiji, Palau, Tuvalu, Vanuatu
III. Countries Where U.S. Visa Holders Can Obtain Visa on Arrival:
Countries allowing visa-free entry with a U.S. B1-B2 visa:
Mexico, Guatemala, Bermuda, Honduras, Serbia, Costa Rica, Panama, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Caribbean Dutch territories (Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, and other Dutch Caribbean areas), Montenegro, Philippines (stay up to 7 days)
Countries allowing conditional transit visa exemption with a U.S. B1-B2 visa:
Transit through South Korea (30-day visa exemption), transit through Singapore (96 hours, one stopover allowed per round trip), United Arab Emirates (96 hours, must fly with Emirates), Japan (72 hours), United Kingdom (24 hours), Canada (transit to the U.S. on the same day, visa-free transit allowed)