#Japan #Tokyo #travel trends #Skyscanner #running trips

Skyscanner's Insights into Travel Running

With the increasing popularity of travel running, Skyscanner Japan conducted a survey to better understand how travelers plan these unique trips. This article explores the significant distinctions between Japanese runners and their overseas counterparts, focusing on planning styles, concerns, and overall travel budgets.

Key Findings of the Survey

The survey yielded several interesting insights into the behaviors and preferences of travel runners:

1. Planning Styles: Japan vs. Overseas
Japanese runners are notably more cautious, with 72.4% planning their trips several months ahead, while only 56.2% of American, Chinese, and Korean runners tend to make last-minute arrangements.

2. Shared Concerns
Despite cultural differences, both Japanese and global runners share concerns regarding accommodation and flight prices. For Japanese travelers, hotel costs are a primary concern, while overseas respondents worry more about the price of air tickets.

3. Budget Polarization
When considering travel budgets, 48% of Japanese respondents prefer spending under 50,000 yen per trip, while 14% are willing to spend over 100,000 yen. This shows a clear polarization, indicating a split between cost-conscious travelers and those seeking premium experiences.

4. Experiences Beyond Running
A remarkable 86% of respondents expressed a desire to extend their stays for sightseeing and cultural experiences, underlining the evolving travel style of runners who seek engagement beyond just the run itself.

Differences in Planning Styles

The planning behaviors illustrated in the survey highlight a clear divergence between Japanese and overseas runners. While the majority of Japanese respondents begin preparations 5 to 6 months before their trip, international runners are more likely to finalize their plans just weeks ahead. This emphasizes a cautious approach taken by Japanese travelers, who appear to prioritize thorough planning.

Smart Features for Better Planning

Skyscanner offers tools like the Price Alert feature, enabling travelers to track flight and hotel prices in real time. This feature caters to both early planners and those who prefer last-minute bookings, ensuring that any traveler can find the best deals suitable for their planning style.

Concerns Across Borders

The survey also revealed common concerns among travelers. Hotel expenses were cited as a key issue by 41% of Japanese respondents, aligning with the global concern over airfare costs, which stood at 41.2%. This reflects a universal trend towards frugality within travel planning.

Tools to Navigate Costs

In response to travelers' needs, Skyscanner's Calendar and Chart features allow users to visualize pricing trends over a month, enabling smarter choices regarding travel dates to optimize savings.

Budget Trends

When asked about their travel expenditure on running trips, the survey found a significant divide among Japanese runners. While almost half preferred budgets under 50,000 yen, a notable 14% were willing to invest over 100,000 yen. This duality reflects varying priorities within the travel runner community, ranging from budget-oriented to experience-driven.

Enjoying Travel Beyond Running

Interestingly, the survey illuminated that travel running often extends beyond the physical activity itself. An impressive 86% of participants indicated a desire to stay longer and immerse themselves in local culture and cuisine, indicating a growing trend among runners to fully enrich their travel experiences.

Trends Highlighting Global Tourism

As predicted in Skyscanner's Travel Trend Report 2025, sports tourism is set to gain more traction. Travel running is about exploring and experiencing local culinary delights, practicing relaxation, and engaging in sightseeing beyond just the run, showcasing a more holistic approach to travel.

Conclusion

The findings from Skyscanner's survey underscore the need for flexible planning tools and options for a diverse audience of travel runners. With the integration of advanced technology and a user-centric approach, Skyscanner facilitates smarter travel planning, whether focused on a budget or unique experiences. By utilizing these insights and tools, travelers can discover the joy of running and traveling in tandem.

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About Skyscanner

Established in 2015, Skyscanner Japan is dedicated to simplifying travel planning through a global platform that connects millions of travelers with trusted partners. Whether it’s finding the best rates for flights, hotels, or car rentals, Skyscanner makes the journey seamless for every traveler.