Busan is the Hidden Gem for Golden Week Overseas Travel! Still Time to Book! Announcing the "Top 5 Recommended Travel Destinations for Golden Week"
Global travel app Skyscanner has announced its top 5 recommended destinations for Japan's 2026 Golden Week, highlighting Busan, South Korea, as the most affordable overseas option. Amid concerns about the weak yen, travelers are adopting a "Logi-tabi" (logical travel) style, using data to maximize cost-effectiveness, with nearby Asian cities dominating the rankings. The report also notes a rise in the use of Skyscanner's "Search Everywhere" feature, indicating a trend towards flexible, budget-driven travel planning.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 14, 2026 at 22:01
- 🔍 Collected: April 14, 2026 at 13:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 14, 2026 at 18:21 (4h 49m after Collected)
Skyscanner Japan K.K. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; hereinafter Skyscanner), a global travel app that provides optimal travel plans from approximately 1,200 travel partners including airlines, travel agencies, and hotels worldwide, has announced its top 5 recommended travel destinations for Golden Week 2026.
Skyscanner is a global travel app that allows anyone to easily and securely plan and book their trips. Over 100 billion searches are conducted daily on Skyscanner worldwide, connecting millions of travelers from 180 countries in 37 languages with over 1,200 trusted travel partners every month to help them find the best flights, hotels, and car rentals.
This time, by analyzing Skyscanner's vast flight data and price trends, we have carefully selected recommended travel destinations for Golden Week that are easy to book even at the last minute. While many people are concerned about costs due to the weak yen and high prices, they are practicing "Logi-tabi," a style of travel that maximizes cost performance through logical planning.
1. Seoul is the #1 most searched destination. In the period just before, the "Search Everywhere" feature rose to 4th place.
While Seoul and Taipei continue to maintain high popularity in the latest search rankings, Skyscanner's unique feature that allows users to find the most affordable travel destinations without specifying a location ranked 4th.
2. The cheapest overseas destination is Busan! Nearby East and Southeast Asian cities are a great deal.
In addition to Busan, which is comparable in price to domestic travel, nearby cities that can be enjoyed for a short period on a low budget, such as Seoul, Taipei, Hong Kong, and Manila, ranked high.
3. Wisely choosing the "best season." Resort areas and exotic cities ranked in the top 5 recommendations.
Cebu, Bali, and Colombo, which enter their dry season in May and are perfect for marine activities, were selected.
Just before GW 2026! 2026 Golden Week Overseas Search Ranking
As of March 25, 2026 (Search period: April 28 to May 6, 2026)
In the recent search rankings, major Asian cities like Seoul, Taipei, and Bangkok show unshakable popularity. What's noteworthy is the 4th place ranking of Skyscanner's unique "Search Everywhere" feature. This indicates that the style of deciding on a travel destination by working backward from a budget, without being fixed on a location, is becoming established. These results highlight the insight of steady and plan-oriented travelers who, rather than giving up on travel in the face of soaring air ticket prices, are proactively using Skyscanner's tools to find "the smartest place I can go with my current budget."
Achieving the ultimate trip on a limited budget: 2026 Golden Week Affordable Overseas Travel Destination Ranking
As of March 25, 2026 (Search period: April 28 to May 6, 2026)
In this result, nearby cities that allow for an authentic overseas travel experience on a short-term, low-budget basis dominated the top spots, including Busan, which has the lowest average airfare, as well as Seoul, Taipei, Hong Kong, and Manila. These destinations are attractive because of their short flight times from Japan and minimal time difference, allowing travelers to make the most of a limited holiday period. May in South Korea and Taiwan is said to be the best season for strolling around the city in mild weather before the intense summer heat. This clearly reflects a shift towards "Logi-tabi," where travelers, while concerned about costs due to the weak yen and high prices, try to maximize cost performance based on data-driven decisions.
Carefully selected by Skyscanner! Top 5 Recommended Travel Destinations for Golden Week 2026
By combining Skyscanner's latest price data with the climate and travel convenience of each city, we have carefully selected the "Top 5 Recommended Travel Destinations for Golden Week 2026" that can still be booked now.
Busan (South Korea)
In addition to its low airfare prices, May is the best and most comfortable season of the year, with the harsh cold weather giving way to refreshing clear skies, allowing you to fully enjoy seaside strolls and cafe hopping. Its convenience, being about a 2-hour flight from Japan like a domestic trip, is also a charm.
Boracay (Philippines)
May marks the end of the dry season, making it the best season to enjoy the most beautiful White Beach of the year, with calm waves and crystal-blue waters. It is chosen by travelers who want to heal from daily fatigue on one of the world's most beautiful sandy beaches.
Bali (Indonesia)
As it enters its best season, it's the perfect time to fully enjoy beautiful beaches and temple tours in a refreshing, low-humidity climate. Many people consider it from early on, and it has overwhelming support from travelers who wish to "visit at least once in a lifetime."
Colombo (Sri Lanka)
You can fully enjoy marine activities and sightseeing. The unique landscape where urban hustle, historic temples, and rich nature coexist, along with the advantage of low local prices, allows for a fulfilling time even on a short trip.
Cebu (Philippines)
In May, Cebu is at the end of its dry season, blessed with highly transparent seas and strong sunlight. It's a season to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and spend liberating time, relaxing both mind and body, surrounded by emerald green seas and white sandy beaches.
Check for the cheapest flights with the "Search Everywhere" feature
With the "Search Everywhere" feature, instead of deciding on a destination, you enter "Search Everywhere." Then, all possible destinations from your selected departure point are displayed in order of price based on your desired travel dates, allowing you to find great deals immediately. It's perfect for those who want to travel freely with their curiosity, unbound by a specific destination, or for those who just feel like "I want to go somewhere." It's ideal for a "Logi-tabi" style of travel, where you travel as affordably as possible during Golden Week and spend your money on truly satisfying experiences at your destination.
Even at the last minute, a smart choice makes for the best GW. — Kentaro Okada, Skyscanner Travel Expert —
Kentaro Okada, Travel Expert at Skyscanner Japan
Golden Week in 2026 is a golden opportunity with a favorable calendar alignment allowing for up to a 9-day holiday, but due to factors like the weak yen, travelers' 'cost uncertainty' has become a psychological hurdle of unprecedented scale.
However, it has become clear that many Japanese are not giving up on travel, but rather trying to realize their trips more smartly and systematically through daily savings and data collection. What is important in the 'Logi-tabi' we advocate for is decision-making based on objective data, not just feelings.
Also, even when the departure date is approaching, the Skyscanner 'Search Everywhere' feature is something we strongly encourage you to use to make your travel plans wisely. Instead of giving up on travel in the face of the hurdle of high airfare, by using such tools, we will continue to support everyone in achieving the best Golden Week that fits their respective budgets with data and technology.
To choose a travel destination you won't regret, even without much time. Introducing the perfect global travel app, Skyscanner.
Skyscanner offers functions to simplify the research and booking of travel options like flights, hotels, and car rentals to match the various needs of travelers, saving them time and money. At any time, you can easily plan your trip using Skyscanner.
1. Comprehensive Search Function
Skyscanner simplifies travel planning using advanced technology, searching over 100 billion price data points daily to provide travelers with the best options. You can search and compare information from over 1,200 airlines, travel agencies, hotels, and car rental companies worldwide on a single platform. We help users quickly find the best travel options, regardless of destination or date, and efficiently plan their trips.
2. Packed with convenient tools for affordable and efficient travel!
Skyscanner is equipped with three convenient functions to make travel planning even easier.
・"Search Everywhere" function
If you haven't decided on a travel destination yet, you can check flight prices and choose a destination from anywhere in the world. You might just find a city that looks fun to run in!
・"Price Alert" function
This function tracks the prices for your desired travel dates and destination and notifies you of price changes in real-time. You can book at the most opportune moment and keep costs down.
・"Calendar/Chart View" function
You can see all prices for a whole month at a glance. It's easy to find the most affordable departure dates.
3. Traveler-friendly, fair, honest, and transparent price declaration
Skyscanner is a brand that puts travelers first, always emphasizing empathy, honesty, and transparency. We provide unbiased, fair information and never use anxiety-inducing tactics or pressure to buy. There are no hidden fees or price hikes using cookies.