Are you this kind of traveler? Here are 5 traveling habits in 2026

AirAsia MOVE's insights from travel bookings set between July and December point to travelers now prioritizing value, convenience, and deliberate planning over volume alone Traveling has become increasingly common. People from older generations have often told me that, back in their day, traveling was never really something that crossed their minds. Today, however, as economic and global conditions evolve, travel has become a priority for many consumers across Southeast Asia. You may be thinking: Traveling? In this economy? This is exactly why people are becoming increasingly mindful of how they book their trips, spend their money and choose their destinations. According to AirAsia MOVE’s insights from the 2026 bookings for travel between July 1 to December 31, 2026, travelers now prioritize value, convenience, and deliberate planning over volume alone. In short, they are becoming smarter and more intentional with their trips, ensuring that they consider budget without compromising experience. Here are some of the habits that shape traveling in 2026: Spending smarter, not less Traveling does not go easy on the pockets. That is no secret. Flight rates today are around 35% higher than the average accommodation rates. Because of this, booking luxury and five-star hotels is no longer the first thing people do. Data from hotels across AirAsia MOVE shows that travelers have increasingly prioritized value over luxury in recent years, as convenience, comfort, and affordability have become top considerations. The mindset? People travel to explore the place—not stay in their hotel rooms the entire trip. Turning plans into bookings during payday Booking during payday? That sounds about right! Data from AirAsia MOVE also shows that about 40% of flight bookings are made for travel taking place between the 25th and 5th of each month, aligning with the usual salary cycles across many ASEAN markets. Many use this strategy to enjoy travel with less spending guilt because they have payday to look forward to! Choosing convenience above all What’s more convenient than visiting a country that’s just a short flight away while still getting your money’s worth? Nowadays, distance, time, and reach are huge deciding factors when it comes to picking travel destinations, and most choose the ones that are no more than four hours away. In fact, bookings for international flights under four hours have increased by 14% in the second half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. It’s not about how far it is, but about making the most out of the experience. Going international… and planning way beforehand Cramming is no longer an option. Yes, I hear it in my mom’s voice whenever I tell her about a trip: “Book now. That might become even more expensive later. Do it now so you have more time to lay things out.” The same is apparently true for most people today. Bookings are now made more than 120 days before departure. Again, traveling has become more intentional, so many prefer having longer booking windows. Millennials and Gen Z driving travel demand Millennials are the largest traveling generation on MOVE, accounting for 43% of all bookings on the platform, followed by Gen Zs who account for 23%. This highlights what was said earlier: traveling today has increasingly become a priority — especially for young people who want to see the world while they can. As travel becomes part of more people’s lives, habits have changed, making traveling more possible than ever. Traveling today isn’t just about the destination now. It is about what you are able to do, the places you get to see, the food you get to eat, and the culture you experience. Staying within budget is important, but getting the best worry- and guilt-free experience is just as important too. – Rappler.com How does this make you feel? Loading