Digital travel platform Agoda has unveiled its 2025 Travel Trends survey, highlighting the key factors set to shape the travel landscape in Asia in the coming year. The survey reveals a strong focus on relaxation, family-oriented trips, and the excitement of discovering new destinations as primary motivations for travelers.

Agoda’s findings indicate that travelers are prioritizing quality time with loved ones and seeking respite from daily routines. The survey also underscores the growing interest in exploring uncharted territories. Noteworthy is the popularity of theme parks, with one in eight respondents expecting to go on a trip to visit one.

Ittai Chorev, Chief Product Officer at Agoda, said: “At Agoda, we love seeing how travelers are planning their adventures for 2025. Whether it’s unwinding with family or exploring new places, we’re here to make every traveler’s dream trip memorable and are ready to help them every step of the way.”

Seven key insights from Agoda’s 2025 Travel Trends survey:

1. The more the merrier: Traveling with family tops the list
   For many travellers, family time equals quality time. More than a third of Filipino travelers (364%) plan to travel with family in 2025. Indonesians are the most fervent family travelers of all, with no less than 58% expecting to go on a multi-generational trip with loved ones. Family travelers (34%) are followed by couples (23%), and solo travelers (199%) in terms of most popular travel groupings across Asian travellers.

• Easy does it: Relaxation is the top travel motivation, by far
  Escaping from the hustle and bustle of daily life is by far the most important reason to travel, according to the survey. 75% of respondents cited relaxation as their most important travel motivation. Singaporeans desire relaxation the most (87%). While in the Philippines , adventure and activities follow in second (48%), with visiting family and friends in third (45%).

• Computer says ‘yes’: Tech assisting in travel planning
  Technology is playing a pivotal role in shaping travel plans. A substantial majority of Filipino travelers (870%) plan to use travel apps, while about one in eight (14%) are interested in virtual reality tours. Indian travelers appear to be most tech-savvy, with nine out of ten respondents claiming the use of travel apps when booking a trip.

• Travel For Less: Journey more, spend smart 
  Budget considerations remain a key factor among Filipinos, with a significant portion of travelers (74%) planning to spend less than $250 per night on accommodation.  But price is not a barrier to international travel -88% of travelers expect to take the same number of trips or more compared to 2024, with most of those journeys crossing borders (52%). Perhaps unsurprisingly, travelers from Hong Kong expect to travel internationally the most (82%). More than a quarter of respondents (27%) plan to travel both domestically and internationally.

• In and Out of Office: Traveling on and off the clock
  In addition to traditional business trips, which 23% of Filipino respondents expect to embark on, the survey also picked up on the emergence of digital nomads, borderless workers who work remotely. 1 in 25 expects to work remotely in 2025, with a focus on combining work and leisure, as more companies adopt flexible work arrangements. Most prospective digital nomads in the region are from the Philippines, where one in fourteen travelers expect to work while traveling.

• #Inspiration: Many ways to discover new destinations
  There’s nothing quite as exciting as exploring a place for the very first time. 84% of travelers expect to visit new destinations in 2025. Travel inspiration can come from many sources including personal interests and hobbies (70%), great value deals (37%), and recommendations from friends and family (34%). One in five (23%) gets their travel inspiration from social media, with Malaysians and Indonesians most inspired by Instagram and the likes (both at 29%).

• Life is a rollercoaster: Theme Parks are a reason to travel
  Asia’s many theme parks – Disney in Tokyo, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, Lotte World in Seoul, Universal in Osaka and Singapore, Ferrari World in Abu Dabhi, to name a few – are a major draw for year-round tourism. Over one in eight travelers (13%) expect to travel specifically to visit a theme park in 2025. Indonesians seem most excited by the prospects of rollercoasters and amusement, with one in five expecting to travel for theme parks.

Agoda’s offerings, including over 4.5 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, provide travelers with the flexibility to tailor their trips to their unique interests and preferences. For more information and to take advantage of the latest deals, visit Agoda.com or download the Agoda app.

Digital travel platform Agoda has announced its list of the most affordable holiday destinations for the end-of-year holidays. Travelers seeking budget-friendly accommodation options for Christmas and New Year’s Eve have many destinations in Asia to choose from, with Subic being the most affordable destination in the Philippines with an average room rate of 5,046.69 PHP per night.

Hat Yai, Thailand, leads the list as the most affordable on average in Asia with an average room rate of 2,699.39 PHP per night, making it the top choice for cost-conscious travelers in late December. Following closely are Surakarta, Indonesia, and Varanasi, India, with rates of 2,758.08 PHP and 2,875.44 PHP per night, respectively. These destinations provide a mix of cultural experiences and scenic beauty, perfect for holiday celebrations.

Michael Hwang, Country Director, the Philippines, at Agoda said: “The holiday season brings joy, cherished moments with friends and family, and the spirit of exploration. It’s also a time when expenses can quickly accumulate, making budget considerations crucial for travelers. At Agoda, we take pride in offering great prices, ensuring that with affordable flights, accommodations, and experiences, there’s more room in the budget for Christmas presents.”

To compile the Cheapest Destinations ranking, Agoda looked at the room rates of the ten most popular cities in each of the nine analyzed markets. Since the rank is based on averages, deal hunters are likely to find even lower rates in these and other destinations on Agoda.

The nine destinations are:

• Hat Yai, Thailand (Average room rate: 2,699.39 PHP)
  Whether it’s the holiday season or not, Hat Yai once again takes the crown in Agoda’s Cheapest Destination ranking.  The lively Southern Thailand city, known for its markets and delicious street food, comes alive during the holiday season with festive decorations and local celebrations. The Kim Yong Market is the perfect place for some last-minute Christmas shopping, with unique gifts and a lively atmosphere.
• Surakarta, Indonesia (Average room rate: 2,758.08 PHP)
  Also known as Solo, Surakarta offers a rich cultural experience with its traditional Javanese arts and crafts. The city is home to the stunning Keraton Surakarta and the popular Pasar Gede market. During the holidays, visitors can enjoy traditional performances and local delicacies, making it an ideal destination for a culturally immersive end-of-year celebration.
• Varanasi, India (Average room rate: 2,875.44 PHP)
  Varanasi, one of the oldest cities in the world, provides a spiritual and cultural journey. The Ganges River, with its famous ghats, offers a serene setting for reflection and celebration. As the year draws to a close, the city is adorned with lights and festivities, offering a unique blend of spirituality and year-end celebrations.
• Dalat, Vietnam (Average room rate: 3,638.31 PHP)
  Once again, Dalat is the most budget-friendly tourist destination in Vietnam. As Christmas and New Year’s Eve approach, Dalat transforms into a festive haven, with twinkling lights and joyful celebrations, creating an enchanting backdrop for unforgettable holiday memories. December typically brings cooler mountain air, ideal for an unforgettable end-of-year vibe.
• Miri, Malaysia (Average room rate: 3,814.36 PHP)
  Known mostly for its natural beauty, Miri might not be the first destination that springs to mind for a Christmas holiday. However, the city on the northern coast of Sarawak, in the island of Borneo boasts cultural diversity and offers a relaxing holiday experience. After exploring the Niah Caves or enjoying time at the beach, visitors can take in the Christmas decorations that light up Miri Times Square. 
• Subic, the Philippines (Average room rate: 5,046.69 PHP)
  Subic, with its sun-kissed shores and adventurous spirit, is a tropical paradise for the holidays. Christmas is an extended festive season in the Philippines, and Subic comes alive with its family-friendly attractions and vibrant local markets, providing a joyful setting for Christmas and New Year’s celebrations by the sea.
• Taitung, Taiwan (Average room rate: 5,868.25 PHP)
  Budget-savvy visitors or domestic travelers wishing to escape the big cities during the year-end holidays are best off in Taitung. Known for its stunning natural landscapes and rich indigenous culture, Taitung is located on the easternmost part of Taiwan and is the first to witness the island’s sunrise, making it a popular spot for New Year’s celebrations. In recent years, it has become increasingly popular as a year-end destination, with several large-scale music festivals starting in November, attracting many visitors from afar.
• Nagoya, Japan (Average room rate: 6,396.39 PHP)
  Nagoya, a city rich in history and modern attractions, offers a unique holiday experience. Visitors can explore the Nagoya Castle and the bustling Sakae district while enjoying Nagoya’s popular and delicious cuisine Hitsumabushi (grilled eel) and Miso Katsu (pork seasoned with miso). The city’s winter illuminations and festive markets create a magical atmosphere, perfect for celebrating Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
• Yeosu-si, South Korea (Average room rate: 7,511.36 PHP)
  Yeosu, a coastal city known for its beautiful scenery and maritime culture, offers a serene holiday escape. Visitors can explore nature on Odongdo Island or the admire the city landscape from a Yeosu Maritime Cable Car. The city is an ideal destination for holiday celebrations, with immersive experiences such as the La Terrace Winter Village theme park offering a magical Christmas atmosphere.

Agoda’s offerings include over 4.5 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, all of which can be combined in a single booking. Ideal for a carefree end-of-year holiday.

Singapore Airlines (SIA) will become the world’s only airline to serve the iconic Cristal 2015 champagne, following an exclusive agreement with leading French champagne house Louis Roederer.

Cristal 2015, which is celebrated for its exceptional quality and refined taste, will be served in SIA’s Airbus A380 Suites and Boeing 777-300ER First Class cabins from 1 December 2024. Initially available on flights between Singapore and Delhi, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, Paris, Shanghai, Sydney, and Tokyo, the offering will rotate to other Suites and First Class routes on a three-month rotational basis.

Crafted by cellar master Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon, Cristal 2015 blends 40% Chardonnay and 60% Pinot Noir, sourced from 45 vineyard plots across Louis Roederer’s seven Grands Crus. It exemplifies meticulous attention to detail, from a bespoke, sustainable viticulture approach of Louis Roederer’s exceptional Grand Cru vineyards to the artful blending and extended cellar ageing that gives the wine its depth and elegance.

Mr Yeoh Phee Teik, Senior Vice President Customer Experience, Singapore Airlines, said: “This partnership between two world-class brands demonstrates Singapore Airlines’ commitment to elevating the travel experience for our discerning customers. Exclusively offering a premium champagne like Cristal 2015 will delight our Suites and First Class customers, and ensures that they continue to enjoy an unparalleled, luxurious journey with us.”

Mr Frédéric Rouzaud, Chief Executive Officer, Champagne Louis Roederer, said: “Cristal 2015 delivers intense and delicious aromas with superb energy and an ethereal vibration. This is a timeless champagne of supreme balance and measure, resonating with the chalkiness of its soils, bursting forth in a bracing, vertical effervescence, with an insistent, precise, and finely honed freshness. We are really delighted that our iconic Cristal champagne has been chosen to be served on board Singapore Airlines”.

The Airline’s world-renowned panel of wine consultants, who brings a wealth of expertise and unique perspective to the in-flight wine selection process, meticulously selected Cristal 2015 for its exceptional balance and depth of flavour.

SIA wine consultant Ms Jeannie Cho Lee, the first Asian to be awarded the Master of Wine title, said: “Our goal is to ensure that the finest wines from the best vintages enhance the travel experience and complement the in-flight cuisine on board Singapore Airlines flights. Cristal 2015 is an exceptional experience, which is highly sought-after by the most demanding wine connoisseurs worldwide.

“Its depth and impressive quality from the meticulous ageing process results in a champagne with intricate and intense flavours of toasted pinenuts, crushed stones, and white flowers, coupled with a crescendo of refined flavours and a lingering, persistent finish. The quality of this wine remains prominent even at 36,000 feet, making it the perfect addition for SIA’s Suites and First Class customers.”Cristal 2015 joins SIA’s curated list of exquisite champagnes, offering Suites and First Class customers up to three premium labels to choose from on each flight.