KUALA LUMPUR, April 22 (Xinhua) -- Malaysian travellers are becoming more cost-conscious in 2026, with value emerging as a key factor influencing destination choices and spending, according to digital travel platform Agoda.
Its 2026 Travel Outlook Report found that 63 percent of Malaysians are willing to consider lesser-known destinations if it means saving money, signalling a shift towards more deliberate and budget-aware travel behavior, it said on Tuesday.
Accommodation costs remain a major consideration, with 64 percent of respondents expecting to spend 50 U.S. dollars or less per night, while 59 percent identified price as the most important factor when selecting where to stay.
The emphasis on value is also reshaping travel patterns. About 47 percent of Malaysians expect most of their trips to be domestic, while 37 percent plan to travel four to six times over the year. Trips are typically shorter, with 42 percent favoring stays of four to seven days.
Despite tighter budgets, travellers continue to prioritize experiences. Relaxation tops the list at 69 percent, followed by culinary exploration at 33 percent. Travel also remains social, with 59 percent planning trips with family and 28 percent with partners.
Agoda said the findings highlight a growing preference for balancing affordability with meaningful travel experiences. ■
