Young professionals across China take advantage of cheap flights, visa policies to regularly travel overseas
(MA XUEJING / CHINA DAILY)
In Stark’s world, Friday nights usually mean going to the airport to get an international flight out of the country and returning on Monday morning, ready to head straight to work.
The 20-something Shanghai-based tech professional, who prefers to keep his real name private, has proved that you do not need to take a gap year or quit your job to travel the world.
In recent years, he has spent nearly every weekend traveling to more than 60 countries, some of them multiple times. By using different time zones and tight layovers to his advantage, he recently turned a mid-June weekend into a 42-hour Hawaiian escape without taking a day off work.
After a hop from Shanghai to Tokyo and an overnight flight across the Pacific, Stark landed in Honolulu on what was still Friday morning local time. Thanks to Hawaii’s 18-hour time difference with Beijing, he was gifted a “second Friday”.
At sunrise on Saturday, he joined early-bird hikers ascending Diamond Head — one of Honolulu’s most iconic volcanic craters. “It’s a favorite among hikers,” he noted, “and a perfect spot to view the city skyline.”
That afternoon, Stark booked a small island loop tour. From the golden stretches of Waikiki Beach to the rugged southeastern coastline, the bus made several scenic stops — each lookout revealing dramatic beauty.
Later, he visited Pearl Harbor, where the history of World War II casts a long shadow.
Stark, who works overtime to finance his travels, had arrived just in time for ongoing celebrations to mark King Kamehameha Day, one of Hawaii’s most important holidays.
A tourist in traditional Thai dress poses for her friend at Wat Arun in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, on June 5, 2024. (PHOTO / AP)
He joined crowds lining the sidewalks of Honolulu as flower-draped floats and grass-skirted dancers paraded past in celebration of the king who unified the islands. “It was like watching history and festivities dance together,” he said.
However, by 2 am on Monday, he was back in Shanghai in time to go to work.
Professionals like Li Xiaojin, who works at a biopharmaceutical company in Beijing, are also redefining weekend travel. He often jets off to another country after a week’s work — sometimes without taking a full day off.
“I might leave work just two hours early on Friday, fly to Japan or Thailand, and be back by Monday morning in time to go straight to the office,” said Li, who is in his 30s.
His travel frequency has soared in recent years, and he has got the hang of making the most of his weekends abroad. For him, international weekend trips are about escaping familiarity.
“Everything is different from home. The food, the people, the streets. It’s that novelty that makes it worthwhile,” he said.
“Last year, I was going abroad once every one or two months. Now, I might travel almost every month,” he said.
His weekend trips take full advantage of the time he has available.
“No layovers, no long flights,” he said. “Two to three hours is ideal — Thailand, Japan, and Vladivostok (in Russia). That’s the limit. Once I took a Friday night flight to Shenyang, stayed overnight, then flew to Nagoya (central Japan). On the way back, I had to transit through Shanghai. Never again.”
Tourists visit the Grand Palace in Bangkok on Oct 3, 2024. (PHOTO / XINHUA)
Despite the rapid pace of his weekend outbound trips, Li does not stress over planning.
“I don’t go to a destination with a checklist. I just walk around, eat, and relax. It’s about unwinding, not cramming in attractions,” he said.
His recent getaways included Sri Lanka over Qingming Festival and Uzbekistan during the Labor Day holiday. “I don’t really care where I go — wherever it is cheap, I’ll fly. If the price and time are right, I’ll go,” he said matter-of-factly.
A rising number of China’s young professionals have shown a desire to spend weekends traveling abroad, fueled by budget flights, visa-friendly policies, and a yearning for a new experience.
Zhao Nan, general manager of the industry development department at the popular aviation service app Umetrip, said weekend outbound travel has seen a clear upward trend in recent years.
“Since 2023, with the steady recovery of international flights and increased visa facilitation, demand for short-haul cross-border trips has surged,” Zhao said.
Popular departure cities are mainly first-tier and emerging first-tier cities, with travelers placing greater emphasis on travel time, making neighboring Asian countries the preferred choice, he explained.
Outbound passenger volume from Friday to Sunday typically exceeds weekday levels, with “Friday evening departure, Sunday night return” becoming the norm, according to Umetrip’s big data monitoring.
“As international flight routes continue to expand, weekend outbound travel is expected to become increasingly routine, particularly in economically developed regions with well-connected transport hubs,” Zhao said.
The growing appeal of weekend getaways abroad is evident in Stark’s large following on the social media platform Xiaohongshu, or RedNote, where he began sharing his outbound travel experiences a few years ago with his 50,000 fans.
Tourists visit a horse ranch in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on Aug 28, 2024. (DU DU / FOR CHINA DAILY)
His travel philosophy has been to let curiosity lead the way.
For instance, part of the reason for his recent trip to Hawaii was to coincide with the local festivals.
Stark’s obsession with travel began in college, when he started taking rides on the country’s slow-moving green trains.
“Back then, I didn’t really enjoy staying on campus during weekends,” he recalled. “Sometimes I’d hop on a cheap train just to get away.”
When he discovered low-cost red-eye flights, his range widened. His first international weekend trip was to the Philippines, with a round-trip ticket purchased for less than 400 yuan ($55.80).
He did not ask his parents for money, but juggled schoolwork with freelance programming gigs to fund his getaways.
After graduation, Stark maintained a routine of taking a weekend trip every two weeks, which later evolved into weekly travel.
He made use of discount airline packages like China Eastern Airlines’ unlimited flight pass, and developed a keen eye for the best budget flights.
“My rule is, if a weekend trip’s flight costs more than 4,000 yuan, I will pass,” he said.
After China reopened its borders following the COVID pandemic, Stark resumed his traveling with renewed energy. Since then, he extended his travel range, including visits to Australia, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom within one month. Last year alone, he visited 43 countries.
Some skeptics describe his travel style as “superficial” or “rush-hour tourism”, but Stark shrugs off the criticism.
“I don’t think travel depth depends on time,” he explained.
“You can break a long trip into multiple visits. I’ve been to Paris three times — each trip focused on something different.”
Xu Liang, from Shandong province, prepares to travel to Islamabad in a minibus, from Hunza Valley, Pakistan, on June 11, 2025. (WU XIAOHUI / CHINA DAILY)
He once traveled close to the Arctic Circle just to sit inside the world’s northernmost McDonald’s restaurant for 15 minutes. “For many, it’s about experiencing a symbolic location. I didn’t need more than that,” he said of the trip.
He contrasts that with his other experiences, like waiting three hours on a windy hilltop to capture a time-lapse photograph of the sunset at Santorini in Greece.
Li, the biopharma professional, planned to make a short trip to Kuching in Sarawak, Malaysia, in July.
“I’ll just take one day off — it’s a three-day trip,” he said. “You only have so many weekends in a year. Why not make the most of them?”
“Staying at home over the weekend, time flies by. But if I’m traveling abroad, even just for two days, they will then feel full and long — it stretches the weekend. That’s why I love it,” he added.
Places like Southeast Asia and East Asia are ideal — short flights, easy visas, and low costs. Some round-trip tickets cost him less than 2,000 yuan. “You can’t beat that,” he said.
Zhang Guangyu, associate professor at the School of Tourism, History, and Culture of Southwest Minzu University, considers the rise of such “commando-style cross-border travel” a new form of consumption and a mirror of societal transition.
The rapid expansion of international flight networks and streamlined border procedures has made high-frequency travel possible, which is unlocking young consumers’ spending potential, Zhang said.
Explaining the popularity of such high-intensity travel, he said he believes it is not just a way of exploring the world but a form of social currency. Whether strolling foreign streets or venturing to the poles, these experiences are easily shared via short videos, reinforcing group identity and trend affiliation, Zhang said.
At the same time, under the pressure of fast-paced work and a culture of overachievement, young people can seize control of their limited free time through busy itineraries, treating travel as an emotional antidote and temporary escape from reality, he added.
With the arrival of the summer travel peak, many airline companies have increased or rolled out new outbound flights in response to this shift in travel behavior.
Li Xiaojin takes selfies with local children in Sri Lanka in 2025. (LI XIAOJIN / FOR CHINA DAILY)
Air China plans to optimize capacity and increase the frequency of direct flights on popular routes such as one connecting Chengdu in southwestern Sichuan province with Singapore.
The airline will also launch tailored promotions, including outbound travel voucher packages and special offers for Thailand’s Songkran Festival, according to a representative from Air China.
Sichuan Airlines will offer additional promotional products for flights departing from Chengdu, such as flexible flight passes.
Weekend travelers can expect further incentives, including bonus mileage accumulation and flexible ticket changes and refund policies, aimed at making short-haul international travel more accessible and traveler-friendly, according to an official from Sichuan Airlines.
Far from being impulsive, Stark’s approach is meticulously calculated. He scans ticket prices, matches travel duration to affordability, and makes real-time adjustments based on seasonal trends. “I usually spend about 50 percent of my income on travel,” he said.
Despite his passion for travel, he insists that work always comes first.
“People assume I slack off, but I’ve never let travel affect my job performance. I plan around deadlines, work extra hours if needed, and skip trips when necessary,” he explained.
His work colleagues and managers not only support him, but were the ones who first suggested he start posting his stories online.
While maintaining a big fan base, Stark does not consider himself a full-time content creator. “Filming is secondary. I always prioritize the experience. For some trips, I don’t make them into videos — just written notes,” he said.
He occasionally receives sponsored travel offers, but most trips remain self-funded.
“I prefer it that way. The freedom matters,” he said.
To those hoping to follow in his footsteps, Stark offers simple advice: “You don’t need to travel like me. Just do what excites you. Some people love football, some love skateboarding — I happen to love changes of scenery and motion.”
He said he does not plan to slow down his hectic weekend travel unless the joy fades from it: “As long as I still find meaning in it, I’ll keep going.”
Contact the writer at yangfeiyue@chinadaily.com.cn
Planning a trip involves much more than just picking a destination. Timing your bookings correctly can save you hundreds of dollars and ensure you get the experiences you want.
This comprehensive guide breaks down exactly when you should book each component of your travel to maximize savings and minimize stress.
Start With the Essentials: Documents and Protection First
Before diving into flights and hotels, secure your travel foundations. Check your passport expiration date. Many countries require at least six months of validity remaining. Research visa requirements well in advance, as some can take weeks or months to process. For comprehensive visa information and assistance with electronic visas and travel authorizations, HandyVisas provides up-to-date entry requirements and streamlined online application processes for destinations worldwide.
Travel insurance is your safety net. Purchase it as soon as you book any non-refundable travel expenses, ideally within 15 days of your initial booking. Early purchase unlocks maximum coverage benefits, often including trip cancellation protection from the moment you buy. Policies purchased later may exclude coverage for events that occur between booking and insurance purchase.
For specialized coverage like “Cancel For Any Reason” benefits or pre-existing medical condition waivers, most insurers require purchase within 14-21 days of your initial trip deposit. Travel insurance can be booked up to 18 months in advance for single trips, with coverage beginning immediately upon purchase.
Recent data shows the optimal booking window for domestic US flights has settled around 28-42 days in advance. CheapAir’s 2024 analysis of 917 million fares found 42 days offered the best average prices, while Expedia suggests 28 days can save up to 24% compared to last-minute bookings.
The prime booking window typically spans 21-74 days before departure, with fares changing an average of 49 times between release and takeoff. This volatility makes fare tracking essential. Set up price alerts through Google Flights or airline apps to catch sudden drops.
International Flights
Book early: 50-320 days ahead
International flight booking has become more complex, with optimal timing varying dramatically by destination. For Europe, the ideal booking window has shifted from 45 days in 2023 to an extraordinary 320 days in advance for 2024, likely due to events like the Olympics and increased post-pandemic demand.
Other international destinations show more moderate requirements:
Caribbean: 29 days (down from 56 days in 2023)
Asia: 71 days (reduced from 144 days in 2023)
South America: Similar to Asia, around 60-90 days
Canada: Book closer to departure, around 30-45 days
Google Flights data suggests booking international flights 101 days before departure on average, with the historical low price range starting 50+ days out.
Aircraft lifting off with palms.
Day of the Week Matters
Best booking day: Sunday Expedia’s research shows Sunday bookings save an average of 17% compared to Friday bookings. The old “Tuesday rule” has lost relevance, with recent studies showing only 1.6% of routes benefit from Tuesday booking, yielding minimal 6% savings.
Best departure days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday Flying mid-week saves an average of 12-18% compared to weekend departures. Summer domestic flights show particularly strong savings when departing Tuesday through Thursday.
Hotel Booking: Flexibility Wins
Booking Timeline
Domestic hotels: 15-30 days ahead Unlike flights, hotels benefit from later booking. KAYAK data reveals that booking too far in advance often results in higher prices due to dynamic pricing models. The optimal window for domestic hotels falls 15-30 days before check-in, with some properties offering last-minute deals within a week of arrival.
International hotels: 2-4 months for peak periods For high-demand destinations and peak travel seasons, book 2-4 months ahead. Popular cities like Paris, Tokyo, and New York require earlier booking, especially during festivals, holidays, or major events.
Best Days to Book and Stay
Best booking day: Friday for domestic, Thursday for international Skyscanner’s 2023 data shows Friday bookings save 2% on domestic hotels, while Thursday bookings save 6% on international properties. However, KAYAK’s 2024 analysis suggests these savings are marginal.
Cheapest check-in day: Sunday Sunday check-ins can be up to 24% cheaper than Friday arrivals, as business travelers depart and weekend tourists head home. For international stays, Tuesday check-ins offer the best rates.
Seasonal Considerations
Hotel prices fluctuate dramatically based on local events and seasons. Research destination-specific peak periods—for instance, European beach destinations peak in July-August, while tropical locations may be most expensive during dry seasons.
Consider shoulder seasons (just before or after peak times) for significant savings, often 30-50% less than peak rates while still offering good weather and fewer crowds.
Hotel Croisette as Carlton in Cannes, France.
Activities and Attractions: Plan Ahead for Peace of Mind
Museums and Cultural Sites
Book major attractions immediately after travel dates are confirmed
Popular museums and monuments increasingly use timed-entry systems to manage crowds. The Louvre, for instance, should be booked as early as possible, especially for morning time slots that offer smaller crowds and better photo opportunities.
For world-famous sites during peak season:
Immediately: Iconic attractions like the Louvre, Vatican Museums, Sagrada Familia, Anne Frank House…
2-4 months ahead: Major museums during summer or school holidays
1-2 weeks ahead: Most regional museums and smaller attractions
Many museums offer dynamic pricing with cheaper rates for less popular time slots. Book early morning or late afternoon visits for both better prices and smaller crowds.
Tours and Experiences
Popular tours, especially small-group experiences, food tours, and adventure activities, often sell out weeks in advance during peak seasons. Book unique experiences immediately after confirming your travel dates.
Consider purchasing city museum passes or attraction cards, but remember you’ll still need to reserve specific time slots even with these passes.
Kayak tour at Aventures Archipel at Parc national du Bic, Quebec, Canada.
Budget vs. Luxury: Strategic Timing Differences
Budget Travel Booking Strategy
Flights: Use error fares and flash sales; be flexible with dates
Hotels: Book hostels and budget chains 2-4 weeks ahead; consider last-minute deals
Activities: Look for free walking tours and municipal museums
Luxury Travel Booking Strategy
Flights: Book premium cabin seats 3-6 months ahead for best availability
Hotels: Luxury properties require 2-6 months advance booking for prime rooms
Activities: Private tours and high-end experiences book months in advance
Special Circumstances and Pro Tips
Peak Season Booking (Summer, Holidays, Major Events)
Flights: 4-6 months ahead minimum
Hotels: 6+ months for major destinations
Activities: Book immediately after travel dates confirmed
Last-Minute Travel
If flexibility is your priority, consider:
Tuesday-Thursday departures for better last-minute flight deals
Hotel apps with same-day deals
Package deals that combine flight and hotel for savings
Group Travel
Large groups (8+ people) require earlier booking across all categories:
Families: Add 1-2 months to standard recommendations
Large groups: Book 6+ months ahead for coordinated travel
Red Flags to Avoid
Don’t wait if:
Traveling during major holidays or events
Visiting destinations with limited accommodation options
Planning once-in-a-lifetime experiences
Traveling with inflexible dates
Booking for large groups
Be cautious of:
Booking flights more than 11 months in advance (airlines may not have released schedules)
Assuming weekend bookings always cost more (this varies by destination)
Ignoring cancellation policies when booking early
Booking vacation rentals without reading recent reviews
Your Action Plan
Secure documents and insurance (as soon as trip is planned – check here)
Book flights (28-42 days domestic, 50-320 days international)
Reserve major attractions (immediately after flights confirmed)
Book accommodations (15-30 days domestic, 2-4 months international peak season)
Arrange transportation and smaller activities (2-4 weeks before travel)
Remember, these guidelines represent averages based on extensive data analysis. Your specific situation (destination popularity, travel dates, group size, and flexibility) will influence the optimal timing. The key is starting your research early while maintaining the flexibility to book when prices drop or availability becomes limited.
Set up price alerts, monitor multiple booking platforms, and don’t hesitate to book when you find a good deal that meets your needs.
In today’s dynamic travel market, hesitation often costs more than early commitment.
I’m sure you’ve had similar experiences I had whilst traveling. You’re in a certain place and a fellow traveler, or a local, tip you off on a little-known beach, bar or accommodation. Great travel tips from other travelers or locals always add something special to our travels. That was the inspiration for Travel Dudes.
I’m sure you’ve had similar experiences I had whilst traveling. You’re in a certain place and a fellow traveler, or a local, tip you off on a little-known beach, bar or accommodation. Great travel tips from other travelers or locals always add something special to our travels. That was the inspiration for Travel Dudes.
A United Airlines flight traveling from Washington Dulles International Airport made an emergency landing last month after the pilot declared a mayday call shortly after takeoff due to suspected engine failure.
United flight 108, bound for Munich, Germany, was forced to return to Dulles on July 25 “to address a mechanical issue,” the airline told CNN.
The plane, a Boeing 787, was carrying 219 passengers and 11 crew members, the airline said.
Minutes into its ascent and at nearly 5,000 feet, the pilot told air traffic control, “Engine failure, left engine, United 108 declaring an emergency. Mayday, mayday, mayday,” according to recorded air traffic control audio.
An air traffic controller asked the pilot, “Are you able to make your way back to the field at this time” by turning right. “There’s nobody between you and the field,” the controller said.
Data from flight tracking site Flightradar 24 showed the flight departed around 6:11 p.m. ET before it circled back and landed safely at Dulles around two hours later.
Boeing 787 Dreamliner United Airlines aircraft at the international airport Leonardo Da Vinci. Fiumicino, Italy, on July 8.
Mondadori Portfolio/Getty Images via CNN Newsource
In a statement to CNN, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority said the plane was checked by Airports Authority Fire and Rescue personnel, then towed to a gate. “There was no disruption to other flights,” MWAA said.
“The plane landed safely, and all passengers deplaned normally at the gate. The flight was subsequently canceled and we arranged alternate travel arrangements to take customers to their destination as soon as possible,” United said in its statement.
The-CNN-Wire & 2025 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved.
British Airways has announced that the latest Avios-Only destination will be Cape Town, with more than 500 seats now available for customers to spend their Avios on. Members of The British Airways Club can travel to Cape Town over the Christmas period, from as little as 70,000 Avios and £150.
Date
Flight No.
Route
Aircraft
20 Dec 2025
BA43
London Heathrow – Cape Town
Boeing 777
02 Jan 2026
BA42
Cape Town – London Heathrow
Boeing 777
Cape Town marks the release of the airline’s 7,500th Avios-Only seat since the launch in 2023. British Airways has operated 34 Avios-Only flights to 15 destinations across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, North America, and the Caribbean. The most recent Avios-Only flights to Málaga and Marrakech were scheduled during the October half-term and were especially popular with families. Booking rates for families with children were more than four times higher than for other reward flights.
British Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, Colm Lacy, said: “We’re delighted to announce Cape Town as our latest Avios-Only flight destination, in South Africa’s peak travel season. Members will have the opportunity to book seats across all four cabins over the popular festive period offering more value and choice than ever.”
Rob McDonald, Chief Commercial Officer at IAG Loyalty, said: “We know how popular Avios-Only flights are with customers and we’re incredibly excited to work with British Airways to offer the next long-haul Avios-Only flight to Cape Town, operating over the peak Christmas period. This will allow customers to take full advantage of the value Avios unlocks on an incredibly popular route.”
Avios-Only seats are sold as normal Reward Seats, which means that customers with British Airways American Express Credit Cards will also have the option to use their Companion Vouchers. These entitle Members to a second seat for just the taxes and charges, or one seat for half the amount of Avios.
Reward Seats are those that can be purchased using Avios at static rates. British Airways guarantees a minimum of 12 and 14 Reward Seats on standard short and long-haul flights respectively, whereas Avios-Only flights mean that every seat is available to purchase using Avios. Members booking the Avios-Only flight can do so in any cabin as they normally would through ba.com.
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