The travel anxiety that gripped Filipinos during the pandemic has finally given way to an overwhelming desire to reconnect with family traditions, as evidenced by the massive Kalag-Kalag travel rush sweeping through Cebu this 2023.
Record-Breaking Booking Surge
Neri Travel, one of Cebu's prominent travel agencies, reports an unprecedented surge in bookings for domestic flights and bus tickets as Filipinos prepare for the Undas season. The agency has been working extended hours to accommodate the flood of travelers seeking to return to their home provinces for All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day observances.
From Pandemic Fear to Traditional Reunion
The dramatic shift marks a significant milestone in the country's recovery from COVID-19 restrictions. After years of cautious celebration and limited mobility, Filipino families are eagerly embracing the opportunity to honor their departed loved ones through traditional gatherings and cemetery visits.
Popular Domestic Routes
According to travel industry data, the most sought-after destinations include:
- Manila to Visayas and Mindanao routes
- Cebu to neighboring provincial routes
- Major bus terminals serving regional destinations
The travel rush demonstrates the resilience of Filipino cultural traditions and the travel industry's remarkable recovery. As one Neri Travel representative noted, "The fear that once kept people home has transformed into a powerful need to reconnect with family and tradition."
With transportation companies adding extra trips and extending booking hours, the 2023 Kalag-Kalag season is shaping up to be one of the busiest travel periods since the pandemic began, signaling a robust return to normalcy for Philippine domestic tourism.
