Coping with uncertainty during your festive travels
As another year draws to a close, many of us are starting to think about jetting off for a festive break. But before you start scouring the internet for deals on flights and hotels, it’s worth reflecting on the previous 12 months. And if you had to choose one word that sums up 2025, then perhaps “uncertainty” would spring to mind. There’s been uncertainty in global relations between countries; uncertainty in economies around the world; and uncertainty for travellers.
Now, for the avoidance of doubt, it’s safe to say that the majority of visits abroad go without a hitch. But with uncertainty on the rise, it’s best to be careful. Put another way, if you’re unsure about your safety in a particular situation or even location, it’s best to be prepared. So let’s look at a few scenarios that could have a potential impact on travellers from Hong Kong.
Japan: bear attacks and rising tensions
Ever since pandemic restrictions were fully lifted in 2023, Hongkongers have been flocking to Japan in huge numbers to get their cultural, architectural and culinary fix of this popular East Asian country. But it hasn’t always been plain sailing. For many, this year’s summer plans were blighted by rumours that a megaquake was about to devastate the east coast of Japan, prompting lots of people to change their itineraries.
More recently, there have been fears over a spate of bear attacks, particularly in the country’s colder region of Hokkaido – which happens to be one of the most popular skiing destinations in Asia Pacific! As of November 2025, bear attacks have killed 13 people. In 2024, the figure stood at just 6 – although that was also a record number. Some 209 have been injured across Tohoku in the country’s north east, as well as Hokkaido and in other places too. Naturally, this has caused concern among some in Hong Kong, with travel agents in the city urging travellers to stay alert and remain aware of their surroundings in case of bear attacks.
But it isn’t just the wildlife that is causing concern. In recent weeks, a diplomatic spat between Tokyo and Beijing has led to Chinese state-owned carriers cancelling thousands of flights as tensions escalate. Hong Kong has also issued a travel warning over the issue. Once again, uncertainty abounds for the traveller.
Preparation is key
Travellers’ fears aren’t just limited to Japan – and indeed it would be unfair to make that assumption. For years, there have been reports of people being kidnapped in Thailand before being put to work in scam centres in Myanmar. This came into sharp focus in January when a famous Chinese actor was himself abducted before being released. Understandably, this and other incidents have stoked fears among visitors to Thailand.
Like we mentioned earlier, most visits to foreign countries by Hong Kong tourists are trouble free. But sometimes the unlikeliest of events could leave you stranded. That’s why it is essential to have adequate travel insurance for every trip. With MSIG’s iTravel Go annual insurance plan, you’ll be protected against medical expenses, personal accidents and delays to your flights. Furthermore, if you have to cancel your trip for any reason at all, you will be covered. So don’t leave anything to chance. Wherever you are planning to go this festive season, make sure you are prepared, stay safe and don’t forget to have a wonderful time!
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