Written and reported by Li Xinyi, MOOK Travel Life Network
As summer vacation approaches, July and August are peak travel seasons for family trips and parent-child tours. The Consumer Protection Association has released reference prices for group tours from July to September this year. Nearly all tour prices have increased compared to the previous quarter, and compared to the same period last year (July to September), due to rising fuel prices, airfares, and transportation costs, travel expenses in most regions have also mostly gone up. Southeast Asia tours have risen by about NT$2,000, Japan by about NT$5,000, Korea by about NT$1,000 to NT$3,000, while increases are even higher outside of Asia—with North America and Canada seeing hikes of over NT$10,000, and Europe rising between NT$6,000 and NT$20,000. However, in July, as New Zealand enters winter, airline ticket prices have not increased due to the holiday season, and hotels and local businesses are offering discounts to boost sales, resulting in a decrease in tour prices by NT$7,000 to NT$15,000.
July and August mark the peak travel season, with tour prices rising in most countries, while India, entering its off-season due to the hot climate, sees a drop in tour prices. (Image provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
Taiwan saw over 2.8 million visitors from mainland China last year. Compared to the same period this year or to tour prices from April to June, prices have increased by NT$1,000 to NT$5,000. As the number of mainland Chinese tourists visiting Taiwan continues to grow, demand for flights during the summer exceeds supply, keeping group flight prices high and difficult to lower. Those planning to travel are advised to book early. In Japan, aside from the Kurobe Tateyama area where prices have dropped following the end of the snow wall season, other regions have seen increases of over NT$5,000 due to the summer vacation and the upcoming flower season in Hokkaido starting at the end of June. In Korea, the Yeosu Expo has begun and will run until August 12, with tour prices about NT$1,000 to NT$2,000 higher compared to the same period last year. The largest increases are in the Americas and Europe, rising by NT$3,000 to NT$8,000 compared to last year, mainly due to higher airfares and fuel costs. It’s worth noting that London will host the Olympics from late July to late August, and accommodation may be in extremely short supply, so early planning is advised.
For regions where tour prices have decreased, Egypt and India are in the midst of their hot summer seasons. Egypt shows no significant price increases, while India has seen a decline in tour prices—about NT$2,000 to NT$3,000 for 6–7 day tours, and about NT$3,000 to NT$5,000 for 9-day tours. Starting in July, as New Zealand and Australia enter winter, travelers who enjoy snow viewing and hot springs can choose to escape the heat and enjoy snowy landscapes in the Northern Hemisphere. Due to promotional pricing by local hotels in New Zealand, with prices cheaper than the previous quarter, and ample flight availability from China Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and Singapore Airlines, overall tour prices have dropped by NT$7,000 to NT$15,000. In Australia, Cairns has a tropical climate, while South Australia and Western Australia have Mediterranean climates, making the weather particularly pleasant at this time. Notably, Uluru in the Northern Territory, enjoying comfortable winter weather, has entered its peak tourist season, leading to a price increase of about NT$5,000 to NT$12,000.
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