Chinese tourists pose for pictures at the Incheon International Airport in South Korea, Sept 30, 2014. [Photo / CFP]

The prices of tours to the two countries during the early-May break cost about 800 to 1,000 yuan ($161) lower than the peak summer season, Dai said.

The easier visa policies and the proximity of the two countries were the main reasons given for traveling there.

"I only have three days' holiday from May 1, not enough to fly to long-haul destinations," said Julia Yang, a 28-year-old woman who will spend her holiday in Japan.

Yang said Japan is a perfect destination for a holiday, as it only takes around three hours to fly from Beijing to Tokyo.

Li Mengran, manager of Beijing Utour International Travel Service Co's public relations department, said both Japan and South Korea are suitable destinations for both families and younger travelers.

"Every one of our tour products departing (to there) before May 20 is fully booked," she said.

Tongcheng Network Technology Share Co, China's fourth-largest online travel agency based in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, said it has taken more than 50,000 bookings for tours to the two countries during the May Day holiday.

Liu Qing, chief executive officer of its outbound tourism department, said that it is becoming common for the Chinese to "travel around the world during every holiday".