Travel Blogger Mike Nhan Phan shares tips for planning a perfect multi-generational trip

(To Quoc) - In fact, planning a multi-generational trip doesn't have to be complicated. The secret lies in understanding family members, being flexible, and adding a little creativity.

In Asian countries, especially Vietnam, the strong connection between family members has promoted the growing trend of multi-generational travel. Mike Nhan Phan - a famous travel blogger known for his inspirational travel stories, shared the secrets to effectively planning a multi-generational trip that meets the needs of all members of all ages in the family. "Traveling is not just about going to a destination, but also a journey for the whole family to build memories together," he shared.

Mike Nhan Phan and family

According to Booking.com’s Gen.Voyage! 2024 Multigenerational Travel Trends study, Vietnamese travel enthusiasts are very fond of multigenerational family travel. 52% of respondents said they appreciate the joy of bonding and creating memorable memories with their loved ones, 50% value meeting and connecting with relatives they don’t get to see often, and 36% enjoy seeing their children learn from other family members. Multigenerational travel has created opportunities for generations to connect deeply with each other and share many common experiences.

Careful planning makes the trip more complete

Planning a family trip that will please everyone, from grandparents to grandchildren, can be a challenge. However, it can be overcome with careful planning. With a wealth of experience traveling with family and relatives, Mike has become something of an expert at designing itineraries that are tailored to each generation.

According to Mike, planning early and preparing thoroughly is the "golden key" to a smooth and successful multi-generational trip. He also shared more about his recent travel experience with his parents, wife and son to Singapore. "It was my son's first overseas trip with his grandparents and parents. Therefore, I tried to plan carefully to ensure everything went smoothly. I booked the flight 2 months in advance to get the best flight schedule and the most reasonable cost. Because the baby is still young and needs enough sleep, I chose to fly in the afternoon instead of late at night or early in the morning," he said.

Mike Nhan Phan's extended family often travels together.

Meet the diverse needs of each generation

If you are traveling with small children, Mike also suggests researching child-friendly lounges, spacious seating areas, and most importantly, creating a flexible itinerary to ensure a smooth experience for the whole family. When planning a family itinerary, it is best to avoid activities that require too much movement and prioritize locations that are easy to locate.

"I remember the time I arranged for my family to go to Singapore Zoo for a full day, and we actually spent the whole day there," he added. "My wife and I visited the zoo with the baby, and when the grandparents were tired, they could rest at the resort or cafe on the premises. My advice is to prioritize activities that offer diverse experiences for all ages. Attractions such as amusement parks, zoos and private resorts are good options to consider for multigenerational travel."

Addressing challenges and putting family needs first

Traveling with extended family comes with its own challenges. Younger people often prefer adventure activities while older people prefer cultural experiences and relaxation. With such a wide range of interests and needs, how do you design a trip that will please everyone?

"The secret is to create a flexible itinerary that allows everyone to choose to participate or not depending on their interests and energy. For example, I often prioritize group tours through many destinations, combining personal experiences with activities that bring people together. A skip-the-line pass is also an option to consider to reduce waiting time, so the whole family can participate in more activities in one day," Mike shared.

Choosing the right place to stay is very important.

Choosing the perfect place to live for your family is extremely important. The survey found that Vietnamese families often prioritize affordable prices (37%), proximity to attractions (32%) and convenient dining (27%). Mike shared that he often chooses a place that is safe for children and fully equipped. "Factors such as spacious walking paths, lots of green space and many amenities are always at the top of my list," he added.

Long trips together help Mike Nhan Phan's extended family become more connected and understanding.

Make smart use of digital travel platforms

Mike emphasizes the importance of spending quality time with family. Being well-prepared and organized before a trip not only ensures everyone is happy with the itinerary, but also reduces stress and makes for a memorable vacation. "I've been using Booking.com for over 3 years now and am also a Genius member on the platform. What I like is that it's easy to find accommodations and activities that fit my family's specific needs. They provide detailed descriptions and honest reviews from users," Mike shares. These are the factors that help him make the most ideal choices for the whole family.

"Genius Advantage"

Booking.com's Genius loyalty program is a key tool for those looking to optimize their hotel stays, offering exclusive perks like discounts, free room upgrades, breakfast service, and priority customer service. "On our recent trip to Da Nang, my family was upgraded for free from a standard room to a larger one with a beautiful ocean view," Mike shared. "Thanks to this offer, my family was able to afford a private cooking class for the whole family, which I also booked through Booking.com. These little perks made a big difference, contributing to an unforgettable trip."

In fact, planning a multigenerational trip doesn’t have to be complicated. The trick is understanding your family members, being flexible, and adding a little creativity. Leveraging digital travel platforms like Booking.com allows travelers to experience seamless travel. From booking accommodation, flights, car rentals, taxis, to choosing attractions that are age-appropriate, all can be done easily on a single platform. Not only does it simplify trip planning, these connected trips ensure meaningful and memorable experiences for the whole family.

Source: https://toquoc.vn/travel-blogger-mike-nhan-phan-chia-se-bi-quyet-len-ke-hoach-cho-chuyen-du-lich-da-the-he-tron-ven-20241119154940233.htm