A recent study conducted by a leading online shopping website has revealed the countries that are considered the best destinations for longer vacations, which includes the Philippines.
Photo: Unsplash
Ubuy analyzed over 100 countries to determine the best destinations for longer vacations by evaluating affordability, cultural richness, safety, and travel convenience.
The Philippines ranked third with a score of 55.74. With a 20-day stay priced at $943 (around P54,000), it is the second cheapest option after Vietnam. Moreover, the country also enjoys a five-month tourist season and a moderate crime index of 42.8, making it a safe and appealing destination for long vacations.
The research focused on countries with a search volume greater than 1,000,000, incorporating additional data on geographic size, the number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and popular attractions. Costs for a 20-day hotel stay and dining were included to assess financial feasibility, while crime index data and domestic transportation quality were examined to ensure security and convenience. The study used data from the most recent reports (2023-2024), with pricing and safety data updated through August 2024. Countries were ranked based on a composite score derived from normalized factors and weighted percentages, highlighting the top destinations for extended vacations.
Photo: Ubuy
Vietnam topped the list with a score of 64.31, making it the best destination for longer vacations. The country offered the lowest hotel prices for a 20-day stay at just $827 (around P47,000), making it especially attractive to budget-conscious travelers. Vietnam also had an extensive tourist season of 12 months, allowing visitors to explore the country year-round with 250 popular attractions.
India took the second spot with a score of 61.17. The country stood out for its cultural richness, having 40 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the most of any country in the study. India also had the highest number of popular attractions, totaling around 700. Despite higher hotel costs than Vietnam, India offered the cheapest dining, with a three-course meal for two at just $14.29.
Below the Philippines, Sri Lanka was fourth, with a score of 42.28. The country was notable for its high density of UNESCO sites, at 0.12, offering 8 sights within a compact area of 65,610, the smallest on the list. Although hotel prices were higher, at $1,630, Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and unique experiences made it a standout choice for history enthusiasts.
Thailand scored 42.13 and took fifth place. It provided a diverse array of attractions, 300 popular sites, and a year-round tourist season. The cost of a 20-day stay was $1,619 (around P54,000), slightly higher than the Philippines but more affordable than Sri Lanka.
South Korea secured the sixth spot on the list with a score of 38.28. The country stood out for its dense concentration of cultural sites, with the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and popular attractions per 1,000 km² at 0.15 and 1.99, respectively. Additionally, South Korea excelled in transportation, achieving the second-highest score for domestic travel quality at 5.7. With the second-lowest crime rate at 24.9, South Korea offers both safety and convenience for travelers.
Japan followed in seventh place with a score of 34.85. The country has 25 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 500 popular attractions, making it the second-largest on the list. While Japan was one of the most expensive destinations on the list, with a 20-day stay costing $2,308 (around P133,000) and dining priced at $40.31, it had an exceptional domestic transportation system, scoring a perfect 6, and the lowest crime index at 22.6.
Saudi Arabia ranked eighth with a score of 34.24. The country offered a 12-month tourist season with a domestic transportation score of 5.4, the third-highest on the list. Although it had fewer cultural sites, with only six UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 70 popular attractions, Saudi Arabia offered an affordable 20-day stay at $2,075 and the third-lowest crime index at 26.9.
Mexico took the ninth spot with a score of 28.20. The country was rich in cultural heritage, offering 35 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 300 popular attractions. With a 12-month tourist season, Mexico was an attractive year-round option, though travelers might need to consider its higher crime index of 53.8 when planning their visit.
Turkey rounded out the top ten with a score of 27.11. Although the country had relatively higher hotel costs at $2,570 for a 20-day stay, its 19 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 350 popular attractions made it a worthy destination for those interested in having a more extended vacation. Turkey also stood out with a well-developed transportation system, scoring 5.2, and a moderate crime index of 40.9.
A spokesperson from Ubuy commented on the study: “Opting for longer vacations allows travelers to fully immerse themselves in a destination, experiencing its culture, history, and local life beyond the surface. Locations offering low accommodation costs and various year-round attractions provide great value for travelers. Cultural heritage, especially in areas with a high concentration of UNESCO sites, adds significant appeal, particularly when paired with budget-friendly dining options. Advanced transportation systems and low crime rates further enhance the experience, ensuring convenience and security. The balance of these factors across different destinations allows for a diverse range of options that cater to various traveler preferences, making each destination uniquely attractive for longer stays.”
You may access the full research through this link.
