Are you a parent looking for your family’s next travel destination? As we approach the end of the year, the anticipation for a getaway among Singaporean parents is reaching its peak.
Booking.com’s Travel Predictions 2024 shed light on the travel preferences of Singaporean travelers, with a staggering 67% planning a vacation dedicated to uninterrupted shut-eye in 2024. Additionally, 73% are eager for the anonymity of travel, a chance to hit the reset button on their lives.
1. Intra-Regional Bliss: Finding the Perfect Travel Destination
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In response to economic pressures, over half (60%) of Singaporean travelers are eyeing destinations where the cost of living is more affordable than their hometown. This has led to the rise of intra-regional travel, with cities like Bangkok, Johor Bahru, and Kuala Lumpur topping the list. Notably, 46% of travelers express interest in using day passes to access the amenities of a five-star hotel without committing to an overnight stay – a savvy way to make the most of their chosen travel destination.
2. East Asia Beckons: Exploring Beyond the Ordinary
Singaporeans are expanding their horizons beyond traditional travel destinations, with East Asia emerging as the go-to choice. Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea are captivating travelers with their unique blend of modernity and breathtaking landscapes.
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The growing influence of East Asian pop culture and the tantalizing allure of local cuisines may be fueling this trend. Remarkably, 72% of Singaporeans are showing a heightened interest in uncovering the origins of a destination’s ‘must-eat’ delicacies, with a whopping 80% eager to indulge in indigenous cuisines at their chosen travel destination.
3. Staycations: A Local Twist to Travel Destinations
Despite the allure of overseas exploration, staycations continue to be a preferred choice for relaxation among Singaporean parents. According to Booking.com’s Travel Predictions 2024, over 64% of Singaporean travelers feel a sense of ‘main character energy’ during their travels – empowered to be the stars of their own lives.
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With a plethora of hotels, resorts, and unique accommodations available, Singaporeans are rediscovering the joy of being local tourists right in their own backyard. It’s a delightful way to make your hometown a charming travel destination in itself.
4. Venturing Beyond Southeast Asia: A New Chapter in Travel Destinations
In 2023, Singaporeans are reigniting their passion for travel, showcasing evolved preferences that extend beyond mere leisure. While Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia and Thailand held the spotlight in 2019, they have now taken a back seat to destinations in the Asia-Pacific region, such as Japan and Taiwan.
Travel is no longer just about leisure; it has become a catalyst for personal growth, self-discovery, and even romantic ventures. Surprisingly, 40% of Singaporeans express interest in a matchmaking holiday to find a spark with a new partner or lover at their chosen travel destination.
Top Searched Destinations: Then and Now
Let’s take a look at the changing tides of Singaporean travel preferences by comparing the top searched destinations in November/December 2019 and 2023:
[Post-Pandemic] Top Searched Destinations in Nov/Dec 2023
- Tokyo, Japan
- Osaka, Japan
- Taipei, Taiwan
- Singapore
- Seoul, South Korea
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Kyoto, Japan
- Johor Bahru, Malaysia
- Hong Kong
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
[Pre-Pandemic] Top Searched Destinations in Nov/Dec 2019
- Singapore
- Johor Bahru, Malaysia
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Tokyo, Japan
- Taipei, Taiwan
- Malacca, Malaysia
- Nagoya, Japan
- Osaka, Japan
- Seoul, South Korea
As we bid farewell to 2023, the travel landscape for Singaporean parents is evolving. From the allure of affordable intra-regional destinations to the enchantment of East Asia, and the enduring appeal of staycations, the options are diverse.
These trends, illuminated by Booking.com’s Travel Predictions 2024, paint a vivid picture of the travel desires and aspirations of Singaporean parents in the coming year. So, where will your next travel destination be? The possibilities are as varied and exciting as the experiences that await.
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