（Based on data from Expedia）
Expedia has announced five emerging travel destinations for Silver Week 2024, highlighting one of the travel trends for the year: “look-alike destinations.” These destinations resemble popular tourist spots in terms of atmosphere and activities and can often be visited at a more affordable price.
According to a survey conducted by the Expedia Group, more than 70% of Japanese people have either traveled to or expressed interest in visiting “look-alike destinations,” indicating a high level of interest. With Silver Week this year offering two sets of three-day weekends, from September 14th to 16th and September 21st to 23rd, destinations in Asia, which are closer to Japan, are particularly recommended. Given the recent depreciation of the yen, travel costs to America and Europe are generally higher, making Asian countries a more attractive option for many Japanese travelers.
Expedia has announced five Asian travel destinations that resemble popular tourist spots like Las Vegas and Paris. According to Expedia’s search data, these destinations have seen a significant increase in searches when comparing the periods from June 2022 to May 2023 and June 2023 to May 2024. Notably, “Macau” has seen a 245% increase, “Da Nang” 66%, “Taichung” 63%, “Bali” 56%, and “Ho Chi Minh City” 38%, each becoming increasingly popular.
(Source: Expedia)
First, Macau, a look-alike for Las Vegas, is an exotic city blending Western culture, often referred to as the “Las Vegas of the East.” It offers a variety of entertainment options, including casinos, shows, and theme park-like attractions. Additionally, the UNESCO World Heritage site “Historic Centre of Macau,” featuring cathedral ruins and monasteries, is a must-see. Next, Da Nang, resembling Mexico’s Cancun, is a Vietnamese resort area with white sandy beaches and blue seas, where visitors can enjoy luxury hotels and historical UNESCO World Heritage sites. Taichung’s “Gaomei Wetlands,” resembling Bolivia’s Uyuni Salt Flats, is known for its mirror-like water surface reflecting the sky, especially in September. Taichung also offers many photogenic spots like retro-themed sweet cafes, souvenir shops, and bustling night markets perfect for shopping and gourmet experiences.
(Source: Expedia)
Bali, a look-alike for Hawaii, boasts a tropical climate with abundant natural spots, power spots, and national parks to enjoy. Lastly, Ho Chi Minh City, resembling Paris, retains colonial architecture from the 19th century French rule and is referred to as the “Paris of the East.” Visitors can enjoy the beautiful streetscapes with landmarks like the Saigon Central Post Office, modeled after Paris’s Orsay Station, and the illuminated Opera House at night. The city also has a well-established café culture influenced by France, where one can savor “salt coffee,” popular among local youth, in stylish interiors, giving a sense of being in Paris.
Expedia aims to provide travelers with the best travel experiences by consolidating everything needed for a trip and offering satisfying travel within budget. Utilizing the latest technology, they offer a wide range of options, including hotels, air tickets, package tours, and local tours, to meet diverse travel needs.