Thinking of shaking up your Chinese New Year celebrations this year? You’re not alone! As the festive season approaches, Singaporean families are ditching the usual at-home gatherings and heading abroad for unforgettable getaways.
Whether it’s soaking up cultural vibes in Taiwan, marvelling at the historic streets of Europe, or chasing winter magic in Eastern Europe, the options are more exciting than ever.
With Chinese New Year falling on a Wednesday and Thursday this year, parents are seeing the perfect chance for a long, meaningful escape without burning through precious annual leave.
So, if you’re considering swapping your reunion dinner for a reunion adventure, you’re in great company!
Why Families Are Choosing Overseas Chinese New Year Destinations
Source: Now Boarding – Changi Airport
More Singaporean families are choosing to celebrate the festive period abroad, seeking unique Chinese New Year destinations that offer both cultural experiences and well-deserved relaxation.
According to tour operators like Super Travels, bookings have jumped by 20 per cent compared to last year, reflecting a growing desire for extended holidays during this culturally significant time.
William Huang, the firm’s marketing manager, attributes this rise to the favourable holiday schedule. With the Chinese New Year occurring midweek, families can enjoy a longer break without using too many annual leave days.
Parents, especially those juggling work commitments and school schedules, are seizing the chance to make the most of this festive window.
Popular Chinese New Year Destinations in Europe
This year, European destinations have become particularly popular among Singaporean families. More than half of Super Travels’ tour groups are heading to picturesque countries like Spain and Portugal.
Source: tourhub
Longer-haul trips, such as a 15-day tour through Eastern Europe, have also drawn interest, especially for families seeking cultural diversity and winter wonderland experiences.
The appeal? Families can explore historic landmarks, vibrant festivals, and scenic landscapes while embracing the winter charm—a stark contrast to Singapore’s tropical climate. Plus, the chance to extend the holiday with minimal leave days makes Europe an attractive Chinese New Year destination for many.
A Dip in Travel to China for Chinese New Year Destinations
Interestingly, some traditional hotspots have seen a dip in bookings. Travel agency EU Holidays noted a decline in trips to China and Taiwan during the festive period, citing reasons like overcrowded attractions, traffic jams, and pricier restaurants during the celebrations.
These challenges have made families reconsider their usual go-to Chinese New Year destinations. Many have already travelled in December and are now looking for quieter, less hectic options to celebrate the season without the stress of overwhelming crowds.
Rising Interest in Cultural Chinese New Year Destinations
On the flip side, Chan Brothers Travels has noticed a surge in interest for cultural hotspots like China and Taiwan. Despite some families avoiding these locations, others are drawn to their rich festive traditions and vibrant celebrations.
Taipei, for example, becomes a wonderland of lanterns, street performances, and lively markets during Chinese New Year. Similarly, Guangzhou comes alive with centuries-old traditions like lion dances, fireworks, and elaborate temple festivals—making these destinations ideal for families wanting an immersive cultural experience.
Marketing communications executive Tan Jie Ni from Chan Brothers highlighted that such experiences resonate deeply with families who want to expose their children to the heritage and festive spirit of Chinese New Year.
Planning Ahead for Chinese New Year Destinations
With travel enthusiasm on the rise, families are also getting smarter about planning ahead. Tan Jie Ni revealed that some parents have already secured their Chinese New Year destinations for 2025 as early as the second quarter of 2024.
Source: TTG Asia
Early planning not only ensures better availability and pricing but also gives families peace of mind when preparing for festive getaways. For Singaporean parents balancing school schedules, work obligations, and family traditions, advance booking has become a practical way to manage holiday stress while ensuring a memorable experience.
Mastering Your Chinese New Year Travel Plans: A Parent’s Guide
As a parent, planning your Chinese New Year destination can feel like navigating a festive puzzle—balancing cultural traditions, family bonding, and the desire for a break from routine.
Whether you’re staying close to home or venturing abroad, here’s how you can make the most of your holiday while keeping it stress-free and memorable for the whole family.
1. Balance Culture and Relaxation
If you’re heading to culturally rich Chinese New Year destinations like Taiwan or Guangzhou, it can be tempting to fill your itinerary with non-stop festive activities. But remember, balance is key. Explore local traditions and festive markets in the mornings when energy levels are high, then schedule quieter activities in the afternoons for some much-needed relaxation.
This blend allows you to immerse your family in the cultural experience while preventing burnout. For example, you could visit Taipei’s iconic lantern festivals early in the day and wind down with a scenic boat ride or a quiet temple visit later.
2. Travel Light but Smart
Chinese New Year often means dressing up for celebrations and family gatherings, but that doesn’t mean overpacking. Stick to versatile outfits that can be dressed up or down and pack just the essentials for festive occasions.
Many Chinese New Year destinations have local shops overflowing with festive goodies and souvenirs. Not only does this help you pack lighter, but it also gives you the chance to pick up unique, locally made mementoes for your celebrations back home.
3. Get the Kids Involved
Travelling during Chinese New Year is an excellent opportunity to teach your children about traditions and cultural heritage. Why not make the planning part of the fun? Let your kids help choose activities—whether it’s visiting a lantern festival, tasting local delicacies, or attending a traditional performance.
Giving them a say in the itinerary makes the trip feel more personal and engaging. Plus, it’s a great way to keep them entertained while building excitement for the trip.
4. Book Family-Friendly Tours
When traveling with children, comfort is key. Opt for family-friendly tour packages that offer kid-friendly activities and accommodations. Look for options with shorter travel times between destinations, built-in rest periods, and attractions suitable for all ages.
Destinations like Japan, Taiwan, and certain parts of Europe offer excellent guided tours during Chinese New Year with family-focused experiences. These tours often include storytelling sessions, cultural workshops, and even interactive performances that the whole family can enjoy.
5. Stay Flexible
While advance planning helps ensure smooth travels, don’t forget to leave room for spontaneity. Some of the best travel moments come from unplanned discoveries—like stumbling upon a hidden street performance or an unexpected food market.
Consider keeping one day free from scheduled plans so you can explore at a relaxed pace. This approach reduces stress and keeps the holiday feeling fun and adventurous.
Ready to Explore New Horizons This Festive Season?
Whether you’re drawn to the festive lights of Taipei, the historic streets of Spain, or the wintry charm of Eastern Europe, this year’s Chinese New Year destinations offer endless opportunities for family fun and bonding.
Embrace the holiday spirit by creating unforgettable memories together—wherever your travels take you.
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