bodyType

customContents

entityId

entityUuid

articlePageQuery

filter

article

articleBaseAdvertisingInfoArticle

articleListArticle

articleSeoArticle

helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle

hooksArticleAcknowledgementGateOverlayArticle

hooksTrackPageViewArticle

hooksContentInterestArticle

articleLinkingDataContent

articleSchemaContent

liveArticle

advertZone

sentiment

contentLock

topics

types

sections

moreOnThisArticles

urlAlias

commentCount

authorLocations

authors

paywallTypes

corrections

sponsorType

displaySlideShow

multimediaEmbed

printHeadline

seriesContainer

socialHeadline

headline

flag

firstTopic

glossary

flattenTypeIds

publishedDate

additionalInfoBoxes

images

image

relatedLinks

relatedNewsletters

__typename

createdDate

sponsor

factSheets

seriesReverseOrder

series

disableOffPlatformContent

published

updatedDate

summary

subHeadline

body

keywords

copyrighted

customTimezone

liveContents

Marissa Carruthers

As an estimated six million Chinese get ready to go abroad for the National Day “golden week” holiday, we have found the best spots to get away from the crowds without breaking the bank.
If you’re among those who have left holiday arrangements to the last minute, fear not, because experts say late planners are still likely to score a good deal, provided they are flexible about their travel destination.

“[Manila in the Philippines and Busan in South Korea] are some of the most affordable destinations that are not overbooked yet during golden week,” says a Skyscanner spokeswoman.
6 tips on booking high-season trips for less
She says that travellers must remember to check the visa and entry applications for each country and to look out for any additional charges that may be slapped on, such as for check-in baggage and seat reservations on budget airlines.
With that in mind, here are a handful of great “golden week” getaway destinations:

1. Manila, Philippines
With peak season in the Philippines starting in November, the tourist hordes have not yet landed, meaning visitors at the start of October can still make the most of low-season prices and enjoy the capital’s peak-season tourist hotspots in relative peace, such as Fort Santiago and its oasis of manicured gardens.

2. Busan, South Korea
South Korea’s second largest city, Busan, is another destination offering attractive deals during this period. And, with Beijing’s suspension on package tours to South Korea in March still in place, rock bottom prices are predicted in a bid to lure individual Chinese travellers, who can still visit South Korea’s shores.

Boasting beaches, mountain landscapes, hot springs and nature reserves, Busan is more laid back than the teeming capital, Seoul. Haeundae Beach tends to get busy thanks to the popular Sea Life Aquarium, but an alternative is Gwangalli Beach with its smattering of bars.
A Busan native’s guide to what to see, do and eat in film capital of South Korea

3. Da Nang, Vietnam
Vietnam’s coastal resort of Da Nang is rising in popularity thanks to a growing number of hotels and activities. According to TripAdvisor, hotels in the central Vietnam city are 15 per cent less expensive in October than September, with the average nightly stay sitting at HK$1,400 (US$180). (All averaged hotel figures used are based off accommodation that has received a four-star rating or above on the travel website.)

While the city is garnering increased interest – with 25 per cent more travellers from Hong Kong showing interest in Da Nang this year compared with last year on TripAdvisor – it remains the perfect destination for those seeking a quiet beach getaway. Home to a wide range of eateries, Da Nang is also within easy reach of the Marble Mountains, a cluster of five marble and limestone hills that contain a network of caves and Buddhist grottoes.
When is the best time to book a flight from Hong Kong?

4. Dubrovnik, Croatia
For those seeking an adventure further afield, then Dubrovnik in Croatia comes highly recommended. With the mass of European crowds that flock to the southern city during the summer dwindling, October not only presents a calmer city, but also cooling temperatures. TripAdvisor notes there is a drop of 42 per cent in hotel prices in October – with an average night costing HK$1,740.
Eight destinations for a cheap holiday, from Asia to Europe and North Africa
The travel website has observed a 26 per cent year on year increase in search interest for Dubrovnik, which it attributes to the popularity of smash hit HBO TV series Game of Thrones, which was partially filmed there. Fans of the series can step into the shoes of the characters and discover some of the sites where scenes were shot with Viator’s Game of Thrones Walking Tour of Dubrovnik. This takes in the real-life attractions used for the show’s fictional locations, including Lovrijenac Fortress, Blackwater Bay and a trip to Trsteno Arboretum.

5. Athens, Greece
Hotel prices in the Greek capital are down 24 per cent this October compared to September, with the average night costing HK$1,460. The masses that flock to the city during the summer months will have waned and temperatures cooled, making it the prime time to visit the many pillars of Western history, from the Acropolis to the Temple of Olympian Zeus, as well as treasures in the National Archaeological Museum.
With so many great spots to choose from, the only issue now is settling on a destination.


Japan is so awash with tourists, business travellers are resorting to capsule hotels

As Michelin Guide shines a light on Fujian cuisine, we sample the best food in Xiamen

Thailand set to roll out measures on visitor safety, Hong Kong official says

‘Heaven on Earth’: India’s Maha Kumbh Mela festival draws millions of Hindu pilgrims

Asia travel

Five affordable last-minute ‘golden week’ escapes from Hong Kong – where to go to avoid the crowds

Still haven’t planned your October break? Here’s where to go, what to see and how to bag the best bargains

--KOREA-- Busan, Korea - January 21, 2016: Night view of Haeundae beach. Haeundae beach is Busan's most popular beach because of its easy access from downtown of Busan and the beautiful beach. [26OCTOBER2017 TRAVEL FEATURES]

--DUBROVNIK-- Dubrovnik, Croatia. Also used as the site of King's Landing in Game of Thrones. [26OCTOBER2017 TRAVEL FEATURES]

When to book for the best travel deals

--PHILIPPINES-- Fort Santiago, Intramuros district of Manila , Philippines. [26OCTOBER2017 TRAVEL FEATURES]

--VIETNAM-- Hands under water in Marble mountain in Da Nang - Vietnam. The Marble Mountains is a network of five marble and limestone hills that contain a network of caves and Buddhist grottos. [26OCTOBER2017 TRAVEL FEATURES]

--KOREA-- A Korean child observes a diver taking a picture at Busan Aquarium, Busan South Korea. [26OCTOBER2017 TRAVEL FEATURES]

--VIETNAM-- Marble Mountains, Da Nang, Vietnam [26OCTOBER2017 TRAVEL FEATURES]

Dubrovnik in Croatia is a popular destination with tourists thanks to the Game of Thrones series.

Eight destinations for a cheap holiday, from Asia to Europe and North Africa

Low cost doesn’t always mean good value, but when dinner is HK$10.50 – in Ukraine – and a night’s stay less than US$4 (Malawi), your budget might stretch to an upgrade

Lviv, Ukraine

SOFIA - SEP 4: Tzar Osvoboditel blvd on September 4, 2010 in Sofia, Bulgaria. It's a historic avenue, paved with golden cobblestones, with the most important monuments: Parliament or Russian Church.

Carvoeiro, in the Algarve, Portugal.

TUNIS, TUNISIA - SEPTEMBER 14 : People walking around the streets of Medina, famous marketplace on September 14th, 2012 in Tunis,Tunisia.

Beach huts by Lake Malawi

A bus in Myanmar

A street in the District 1 backpacker area of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Lifestyle

Travel & Leisure

Still haven’t planned your October break? Here’s where to go, what to see and how to bag the best bargains
