“Revenge travel.”
This term, born out of a collective desire to reclaim lost time after the coronavirus pandemic, has become a rallying cry for avid travelers worldwide.
The concept of “revenge travel” transcends the notion of seeking retribution through specific destinations; instead, it embodies a profound love for the act of traveling itself.
Originating in 2021 as global borders cautiously reopened, this media-coined buzzword encapsulates the fervor with which people embraced the opportunity to make up for the travel-deprived months.
Filipinos, fervent in their passion for exploration, particularly seized the moment in 2022, marking a remarkable 87 percent surge in bookings for domestic destinations, as reported by travel platform Klook.
The year 2023 witnessed a triumphant return to normalcy, a resounding echo of freedom after enduring the constraints imposed by the pandemic.
The term “revenge travel” became synonymous with the yearning to compensate for lost travel opportunities during the challenging pandemic era. Filipinos, eager to satiate their wanderlust, eagerly booked flights to various domestic destinations, signaling a resurgence of travel enthusiasm.
Top destinations for Pinoys
Regardless of the season, Filipinos have a thirst for travel, seizing any opportunity for a brief escape from the rigors of daily life.
According to Google Flights, the most-searched destinations for the months spanning June to August 2023 are Asian destinations, with Tokyo, Japan; Singapore; Bangkok, Thailand; Caticlan; Cebu; Hong Kong; Manila; Seoul, South Korea; Kalibo; and Taipei, Taiwan, emerging as the top choices.
In the midst of this travel renaissance, Paris reaffirmed its status as the world’s most alluring city destination, securing the top spot in the Top 100 City Destinations Index 2023 by Euromonitor International.
Europe emerged as the frontrunner, claiming seven out of the top 10 cities and 63 spots in the global top 100. Notable exceptions included Dubai at number 2, Tokyo at number 4 and New York at number 8.
Within the European realm, Madrid secured the third spot, accompanied by Amsterdam, Berlin, and Rome at numbers 5, 6 and 7, respectively.
The top 10 concluded with Barcelona and London. Asia made a formidable presence in the top 20, with Singapore (11th), Seoul (14th), Osaka (16th) and Hong Kong (17th\) showcasing the region’s prominence on the global travel stage.
As the world embraces the resurgence of travel, Filipinos stand at the forefront, eagerly embracing the phenomenon of “revenge travel” and rediscovering the joy of exploration in a world that is opening its doors once more.