How to Schedule Business Travel in Asia Without Hitting Holiday Shutdowns

Avoid scheduling critical meetings during Lunar New Year, Golden Week in Japan, and mid-autumn festivals, as entire supply chains and corporate offices effectively shut down. Book your travel at least 6 weeks in advance for these periods, or better yet, move your trip 10 days outside of these major holiday windows.

1. Check the Lunar New Year window. This usually falls between late January and mid-February. Business stops for a full week in China, Vietnam, and parts of Southeast Asia. Avoid scheduling any face-to-face meetings during the 7 days before and after the actual holiday date.
2. Monitor Japan's 'Golden Week'. Golden Week happens from April 29 to May 5. Many Japanese companies close for the entire stretch. If you must travel to Tokyo, aim for the second or third week of May to ensure your contacts are back in the office.
3. Account for regional religious holidays. In Muslim-majority nations like Indonesia and Malaysia, Eid al-Fitr (the end of Ramadan) results in massive travel surges and office closures. Check the lunar calendar dates for the current year, as these dates shift forward by about 11 days annually.
4. Verify local 'bridge' days. Asian office culture often utilizes 'bridge' holidays to create long weekends. Check the official government portal for the specific country you are visiting to identify these non-standard closures before booking flights.

Is it ever a good idea to travel during a holiday?

Only if you are attending a cultural summit or an industry-specific event that remains open. Otherwise, your local counterparts will be with their families, and you will be sitting in an empty hotel.

How do I confirm if an office is open?

Ask your local contact directly: 'Is your office observing the upcoming holiday, or will you be in the office during that week?'