Japan and Thailand are expected to be the most sought-after international travel destinations in 2026, according to vacation booking platform Tripmasters.
According to a release from Tripmasters released Tuesday, the two nations have seen a “significant increase in traveler interest” for this year’s prime travel season.
Citing local tourism agencies, Tripmaster reports that Japanese tourism is expected to exceed 42 million in 2026, while Thailand passenger traffic is expected to eclipse 3.7 million during this week’s Songkran festival—one of the busiest travel periods in the country.
“We’re seeing a clear shift toward Asia as a top choice for travelers planning their next big trip,” said Tripmasters CEO Rafael Checa. “Japan and Thailand stand out for their exceptional blend of culture, value, and diverse experiences.”
Why is everyone traveling to Japan and Thailand?
According to industry reports and Tripmasters’ internal figures, the reason for increased interest in Asian vacation packages is multifold.
The region currently has expanded flight availability and the airfare market is highly competitive with multiple airlines fighting to entice travelers to choose their services.
Additionally, current trends show that travelers are prioritizing “authentic, culturally immersive experiences,” Tripmasters said.
Many of these Asian nations have been pushing for increased tourism though government initiatives aimed at boosting international arrivals, including flexible visa policies and coordinated marketing campaigns.
But the biggest draw for many Americans and/or Europeans, appears to be the favorable currency conversion rate, particularly in Japan. As of April 14, a single US dollar is equivalent to more than 158 Japanese yen, according to Morningstar.
That means your money goes significantly further in Japan than it would in other hot tourist destinations, including the Caribbean, South America or the Pacific Islands.
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For Tripmasters, there are numerous flexible vacation packages offered online that feature one or both of the Asian nations. Some of the company’s most popular packages include multi-city stops in Japan’s most recognizable cities, Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka; as well as Thailand’s most visited and beloved regions, including Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai.
“An array of possibilities in Japan and Thailand, including rich cultural immersion, cuisines, and world-renowned temples and shrines” are available for booking on the company’s website, officials said.
Travelers can customize their own multi-destination vacation packages to Asia or beyond at tripmasters.com.
In addition to international vacation packages and flights, Asian cruises are expected to be a major player in the tourism industry in the coming years. On Tuesday, Princess Cruises announced it would be unveiling a large line of new cruise offerings in the region over the next two years.
The 2028 Japanese cruise season will be the largest ever for the cruise line, officials said in a news release. The 2027-28 Southeast Asian tour season will also be expanded.
In total, the combined seasons feature 96 departures across 61 itineraries. Cruises will make stops at 55 different destinations in nine countries, and two of the cruise line’s ships, Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess, will be making Tokyo their home ports.
The expanded Japanese 2028 summer schedule will coincide with several beloved cultural and historical festivals and the cherry blossom and fall foliage seasons.
“This is the most immersive Japan season we’ve ever introduced and one that reflects how our guests want to experience the destination today,” said Jim Berra, Princess Cruises Chief Commercial Officer. “Paired with longer, destination‑rich Southeast Asia voyages that connect multiple countries in a single journey, this program offers a depth, scale and authenticity that simply doesn’t exist elsewhere in the region.”
For additional information about Princess Cruise’s recent Asian expansion, including details about the 2028 Japan summer season, click here.
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