Canada Joins Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Japan, New Zealand, Northern Europe, and More in Surging Global Winter Travel, Why These Winter Hotspots Are Dominating the 2025-2026 Travel Scene

Published on December 9, 2025

As international travel continues to rise, winter hotspots like Canada, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Japan, New Zealand, and Northern Europe are seeing record demand from tourists seeking unique experiences and breathtaking winter landscapes. As international travel demand soars, airlines and travel agencies are expanding routes to cater to the growing interest in winter tours, particularly to destinations like Japan, Northern Europe, and beyond. With travelers increasingly opting for expensive, specialized tours, airlines are rapidly adjusting their fleets and expanding routes to accommodate the bustling 2026 travel season. From snowmobiling adventures in Russia to aurora borealis hunts in Canada, the winter season of 2025-2026 promises a wealth of experiences, and airlines are not far behind in offering the infrastructure to support this surge in demand.

Vietnam’s Winter Travel Trends: Early Bookings and New Itineraries

In Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), travel agencies have witnessed a significant uptick in interest for international winter vacations, with new products launched since early December. Saigontourist Travel Service Co. Ltd., one of the major players in the market, observed that travelers are departing earlier this year compared to previous seasons. The new itineraries range from four to eight days, with travelers eager to fully enjoy the Christmas season abroad. This early booking trend highlights a shift in how Vietnamese travelers are planning their holidays—seeking more immersive, longer experiences in winter destinations.

With a particular spotlight on winter explorations and Northern Lights hunting, the 2025-2026 season is poised to be one of the most popular yet. Local travel experts report that the interest in snow-covered landscapes and polar light views is driving travelers to book more specialized tours that offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Popular Winter Destinations for 2025-2026: Japan, Northern Europe, and More

For the upcoming winter season, destinations like Japan, Canada, and Northern Europe are leading the charge in bookings. Nguyen Quoc Huy, a 50-year-old traveler from Hanoi, has registered for a nine-day winter tour in Russia. The itinerary includes snowmobiling, a visit to a Saami village, and, of course, the main event—viewing the aurora borealis. Travelers like Huy are not just booking tours but also physically preparing for these demanding winter adventures, with many undergoing fitness training to handle the cold conditions.

In a similar vein, Le Phuong Anh, 45, from HCMC, has booked an 11-day family tour to Yellowknife, Canada, to witness the aurora borealis at its peak. This marked a departure from previous years, as she and her family had once been content with looking at photos of the phenomenon but are now eager to experience it in person. With the increasing availability of diverse and affordable tour options, more families are taking the plunge into these extraordinary experiences.

Diverse Tour Options: The Middle East and South Asia Remain Attractive

Alongside traditional winter destinations, Middle Eastern and South Asian locations continue to attract tourists thanks to flexible pricing options suitable for various budgets. Popular routes like Oman-Qatar, India-Nepal, and Morocco are seeing steady demand, especially from travelers seeking new experiences outside the more typical European or North American options. Cruise routes such as Singapore-Penang-Phuket have also gained traction, offering affordable options for multi-destination holidays.

The Republic of Korea, with its Seoul-Busan and Seoul-Jeju routes, has experienced a surge in demand for snow-viewing experiences. Travelers looking to explore the Korean winter scene have flocked to destinations such as the snow-covered peaks of Mt. Seorak and the winter wonderland of Jeju Island, popular for its pristine landscapes.

Japan Continues to Dominate as a Top Destination for Vietnamese Travelers

Japan remains an increasingly popular choice for Vietnamese travelers, driven by a combination of cultural experiences and winter activities. Japan’s Fujiten Snow Resort and the Atami plum blossom festival are just a few of the highlights for those booking winter vacations. As part of Saigontourist’s flagship offerings, these destinations, along with the classic Tokyo-Mt. Fuji-Osaka-Kyoto route, are among the most sought-after tours for the winter season.

According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), Vietnamese arrivals to Japan grew by nearly 10% year-on-year in 2025. Vietnam’s interest in Japan continues to rise, with travel agencies reporting substantial demand for winter tours to destinations like Hokkaido, known for its ski resorts, and the bustling winter markets of Tokyo.

New Zealand Emerges as a Top Luxury Destination for 2026

The tourism market is also seeing a shift toward pristine, nature-focused destinations, with New Zealand topping the list for the “Tour of the Year 2026.” Luxury tours to New Zealand, which emphasize indigenous culture and majestic landscapes, have become increasingly popular among affluent travelers. The tours, which range from six to eight days, focus on unique cultural experiences, such as visiting Maori villages and exploring the country’s dramatic natural beauty.

BenThanh Tourist, one of Vietnam’s leading agencies, reported that New Zealand topped its survey with 4,932 votes out of 35,000, signaling strong interest in the destination. Tour prices for these high-end experiences range from VND100 million ($3,900) for a 6-day package to VND130 million ($5,100) for an extended 8-day journey. The luxury market is expanding rapidly as Vietnamese tourists become more willing to invest in unique, top-tier travel experiences.

Airlines Expanding Networks to Meet Demand

Airlines are responding quickly to the surge in demand by expanding their routes and fleets for the 2025-2026 winter season. Vietnam Airlines, for example, has launched a direct HCMC-Copenhagen route starting December 15, increasing connectivity to Northern Europe. Additionally, routes like Hanoi-Cebu and HCMC-Dien Bien-Hanoi are being expanded to offer more travel options for the domestic market.

Vietjet Air is also accelerating its expansion. Since December 3, the airline resumed flights to Con Dao Special Zone, and later this month, the HCMC-Manila route will increase to daily flights. The airline has also ramped up its operations to Japan, increasing the frequency of flights between Hiroshima and Hanoi, bringing the total number of flights between Vietnam and Japan to 70 per week.

Impact on Business Travel and Tips for Tourists

The increased demand for international flights is not only boosting leisure tourism but also impacting business travel. As companies hold more international conferences and events, destinations like the Middle East, South Asia, and Europe are seeing an influx of business travelers. For tourists planning their travels, here are some key tips for navigating the bustling winter season:

• Book Early: With the surge in demand, it’s essential to book flights and tours well in advance to secure the best deals and avoid fully booked destinations.
• Consider Flexible Dates: If your travel dates are flexible, you may find better deals on flights and accommodations.
• Pack Smart for Winter: Ensure you have the right gear for cold-weather destinations, from snow boots to thermal layers, to stay comfortable during your travels.
• Look for Local Events: Many cities host unique winter festivals or cultural activities that can enrich your travel experience. Be sure to check for any local events during your visit.

Conclusion: The Future of Winter Tourism

With airlines expanding their fleets, travel agencies offering tailored tours, and increasing interest in unique, nature-focused destinations, the winter tourism season of 2025-2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent years. For travelers, this surge in options means more choices for creating unforgettable winter adventures. Whether seeking the Northern Lights, exploring Japan’s winter landscapes, or embarking on a luxurious New Zealand tour, 2026 promises a wealth of opportunities for travelers looking to make the most of the holiday season.

Disclaimer: The Attached Image in This Article is AI Generated