Kalag-Kalag Travel Trends Reveal Changing Holiday Plans
For many Filipinos, Kalag-Kalag is a time to remember loved ones, reunite with relatives, and travel home for All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. In 2026, however, travel booking patterns show that some holidaymakers are also using the period to explore destinations abroad.
Data from travel platform AirAsia Move shows that international hotel reservations gained a larger share of bookings for the 2026 holiday season. Although domestic destinations continued to lead flight reservations, the figures point to growing interest in overseas accommodation and a changing mix of travel companions.
For Cebu, these developments are particularly relevant. The province remains among the destinations chosen by domestic travelers, even as international trips become a more prominent part of holiday planning.
International Hotel Bookings Record a Significant Increase
One of the clearest changes in the 2026 Kalag-Kalag travel data is the increase in international hotel bookings. Overseas hotels represented 38 percent of reservations, compared with 18 percent in 2025.
International flights also gained ground, accounting for 17 percent of flight bookings, up from 14 percent the previous year. These figures indicate that overseas travel is becoming a more noticeable option during a holiday traditionally associated with family gatherings and visits to cemeteries.
Domestic travel nevertheless remains important. Philippine destinations represented 83 percent of flight bookings in 2026, compared with 86 percent in 2025. Their share of hotel reservations declined from 82 percent to 62 percent.
The distinction between flights and hotels matters when interpreting these numbers. Domestic destinations still dominate flight bookings, while international accommodation has gained a larger portion of hotel reservations. The data does not mean that most Filipinos have abandoned local travel.
For travelers planning a holiday, this trend offers a useful reminder: compare domestic and international options early, particularly if your dates overlap with the busy Kalag-Kalag period.
Cebu Remains Among the Leading Domestic Destinations
Despite the growing interest in overseas trips, Cebu continues to feature prominently in domestic travel rankings. AirAsia Move identified Cebu alongside Manila, Iloilo, and Tacloban among the destinations appearing prominently across its rankings.
Boracay remained a leading domestic choice for flights, hotel stays, and bundled flight-and-hotel packages. Cebu and Manila were also among the preferred destinations for bundled bookings, showing that local holidays continue to attract travelers looking for convenient ways to organize their trips.
Domestic destinations accounted for 76 percent of bundled flight-and-hotel bookings in 2026, compared with 66 percent in 2025. This result differs from the declining domestic share of standalone hotel reservations and illustrates why each booking category needs to be considered separately.
For visitors choosing Cebu, the island offers a practical base for arranging a holiday around family visits, city activities, or a longer vacation. The best itinerary will depend on whether the main purpose is to attend family gatherings, visit ancestral communities, or enjoy time away from home.
If you plan to travel to Cebu during Kalag-Kalag, settle your transportation and accommodation arrangements before finalizing optional activities. This gives you more flexibility if family commitments or holiday traffic affect your schedule.
Travelers Are Choosing Different Companions and Trip Lengths
The 2026 booking figures also reveal changes in who is traveling together. Solo passengers still represented the largest share of flight bookings, at 55 percent, but this was lower than the 66 percent recorded in 2025.
Bookings for two people rose from 18 percent to 22 percent, while small-group reservations increased from 6 percent to 10 percent. The figures suggest a shift toward more travel involving companions, although solo trips remain a substantial part of the market.
Family hotel bookings showed a particularly noticeable increase, climbing from 6.5 percent in 2025 to 17 percent in 2026. Reservations for two people remained the largest hotel-booking category at 58 percent, down from 72 percent a year earlier.
These patterns fit the different ways people approach the holiday. Some may travel alone to visit relatives, while others organize trips with partners, friends, or children. The booking data captures these changing arrangements without implying that every traveler follows the same pattern.
For families planning a Cebu visit, agree on travel dates and accommodation needs before booking. Travelers with children or older relatives may also benefit from leaving extra time for transfers and family activities instead of filling every day with scheduled excursions.
Early Reservations Are Becoming More Common
Another important finding concerns booking lead time. About 72 percent of flight reservations for the 2026 Kalag-Kalag period were made at least 15 days before departure. In 2025, the corresponding share was 49 percent.
This increase suggests that travelers are increasingly arranging their flights in advance rather than leaving their plans until the last minute. The average trip duration remained unchanged at six days.
For anyone traveling to Cebu during the holiday period, the practical lesson is straightforward: avoid assuming that suitable flights or hotel rooms will remain available close to your preferred departure date. Compare schedules, check baggage allowances, and confirm accommodation details before paying.
If your visit includes a cemetery visit or a family gathering in another municipality, allow additional time for ground transportation. Your flight arrival time and the location of your accommodation can influence how comfortably you manage the rest of the trip.
AirAsia Move country representative in the Philippines Malou Japson linked the booking patterns to the continued importance of family reunions during Kalag-Kalag, alongside travelers’ interest in discovering new destinations. The findings reflect both traditions and a willingness to explore different holiday experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kalag-Kalag Travel
Is Cebu still a popular domestic destination during Kalag-Kalag 2026?
Yes. Cebu featured prominently in AirAsia Move’s domestic destination rankings. The data also listed Cebu among the leading choices for bundled flight-and-hotel bookings, alongside Boracay and Manila.
How early should I book a flight for Kalag-Kalag?
The reported figures show that about 72 percent of flight reservations were made at least 15 days before departure in 2026. This is a useful planning benchmark, not a guarantee of availability or a universal booking deadline. Reserve earlier when possible and verify the airline’s current schedule and fare conditions.
How long do travelers usually stay during this holiday?
The average trip duration reported by AirAsia Move remained six days in both 2025 and 2026. Your ideal stay will depend on your family commitments, destination, and travel budget.
Whether you are returning to Cebu to spend time with relatives or planning a wider Philippine holiday, start by confirming your dates, transportation, and accommodation. Check current travel advisories and booking conditions before departure, and leave room in your itinerary for the family traditions that make Kalag-Kalag meaningful.
