Savannah Rises As Noctourism Hotspot Amid Global Travel Boom

As the world shakes off the constraints of the past few years, two distinct travel trends are emerging in early 2026: the rise of noctourism in U.S. cities like Savannah, Georgia, and a surge in international travel from South Korea, especially during the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday. Both phenomena point to travelers’ shifting priorities—seeking unique experiences after dark and prioritizing relaxation and premium stays abroad.

On February 3, 2026, a report by Holafly ranked Savannah, Georgia, as the fifth-best U.S. city for nightlife and noctourism experiences. According to Deep South Connect Team Georgia, Savannah is drawing attention not just for its picturesque, moss-draped oaks and cobblestone streets, but for its vibrant nighttime offerings. The city boasts an impressive 116 night-specific tours and draws around 4,400 monthly searches for "Savannah tours." Visitors are lured by legendary ghost tours, a thriving late-night dining scene, and live music that keeps the city buzzing well after dark.

But what makes Savannah stand out for night explorers? For starters, the city’s average year-round nighttime temperature sits at a comfortable 68°F—ideal for strolling through historic squares or enjoying a meal along River Street. Add in moderate light and air pollution, a safety score that reassures travelers, and average nightly hotel costs of about $232, and it’s no wonder Savannah is topping lists for nocturnal adventures. The Holafly ranking considered a range of factors, including search volume for night tours, the number of nighttime attractions, environmental quality, safety, and local costs like hotel and taxi fares. This methodical approach underscores Savannah’s appeal as a balanced destination where comfort, excitement, and affordability intersect.

Vanessa Countryman, a reporter for Deep South Connect, notes that Savannah’s after-dark scene is more than just a marketing hook—it’s a genuine draw for both locals and visitors. “The city is famous for its legendary ghost tours, late-night dining, and live music that keeps visitors exploring well after dark,” she writes, highlighting how the city has embraced its nocturnal identity.

While Savannah is redefining what it means to travel after sunset, another travel wave is cresting thousands of miles away. In South Korea, the 2026 Lunar New Year holiday is shaping up to be a record-breaking season for international travel. With the holiday coinciding with a weekend, South Koreans can stretch their time off to as many as nine days by strategically using annual leave on February 13, 19, and 20. According to data analyzed by Hotels Combine and Kayak, overseas hotel searches by Koreans have jumped 29% compared to last year, reflecting pent-up demand and a yearning for longer, more relaxing trips.

The numbers are staggering: about 30 million Koreans are expected to travel abroad in 2026 during the Lunar New Year period. The question on everyone’s mind? Where will they go. The answer, it seems, is close to home—Japan and China are leading the pack as preferred destinations. Japan, in particular, dominates flight ticket searches, accounting for 53% of all international routes during this peak travel window. Osaka and Fukuoka are the top city choices, with 17.6% and 17.3% of searches, respectively. The enduring appeal of Japan is bolstered by its proximity, a weakening yen, and the allure of hot springs and winter cuisine. As the report from Hotels Combine points out, “Japan continued to have a stable preference, and China quickly grew its presence by banking on falling ticket prices.”

China, meanwhile, is experiencing a dramatic rise in popularity. Hotel searches for Chinese cities have tripled compared to the previous year, a trend largely driven by plummeting airfares—ticket prices to cities like Qingdao have dropped by more than 50%, with the average fare now around 140,000 won. The Chinese government’s decision in November 2025 to include South Korea on its visa-free entry list, and to extend the maximum stay from 15 to 30 days, has only fueled this surge in demand. “China has emerged as a destination for the Lunar New Year holiday due to its short flight time of around 1 hour and 30 minutes from Incheon to Qingdao and low local price burden,” the report notes.

But it’s not just about where people are going—it’s how they’re choosing to stay. The data reveals a clear trend toward premium accommodations and relaxation-focused travel. Sixty-six percent of all hotel searches are for properties rated four stars or higher, with four-star hotels accounting for 39.8% and five-star hotels for 28.2%. This signals a growing desire among travelers to use the extended holiday as a time to rest and recharge, rather than cram in sightseeing or activities. Choi Ria, Managing Director of Hotels Combine Marketing, explains: “This Lunar New Year holiday has a wider range of schedule options depending on annual use, so interest in overseas travel is higher than in previous years. As traveler preferences are subdivided, we will provide a travel experience tailored to each person's needs.”

These trends—noctourism in Savannah and premium, relaxation-driven travel among Koreans—reflect broader shifts in the travel landscape. Travelers are no longer content with the old routines. Instead, they’re seeking out destinations that offer something special, whether that’s the thrill of a midnight ghost tour in a historic American city or the comfort of a four-star hotel after a short flight to a neighboring country. The rise of noctourism, as seen in Savannah’s new-found nighttime fame, is emblematic of a larger movement toward experiential travel. People want to see cities in a new light—literally. They’re eager to explore after dark, to taste, listen, and wander when most others have turned in for the night. And as cities like Savannah invest in their after-hours offerings, they’re reaping the rewards of increased interest and tourism dollars.

Meanwhile, the South Korean preference for premium accommodation and nearby destinations is a reminder that travel is as much about comfort and convenience as it is about adventure. The combination of longer holidays, easier visa rules, and affordable flights is reshaping how and where people choose to spend their precious time off. The fact that so many are opting for four- and five-star hotels suggests that the value of downtime—of truly unwinding—is at an all-time high.

As 2026 unfolds, these two stories—Savannah’s nocturnal renaissance and Korea’s premium holiday exodus—offer a snapshot of how global travel is evolving. Whether it’s chasing ghosts through Savannah’s moonlit streets or soaking in a Japanese hot spring, travelers are making it clear: the next great journey might just begin after dark, or in the comfort of a well-appointed room far from home.