Summer trip for family SE Asia / Japan
Our take
In an age where family vacations often revolve around predictable resorts and planned itineraries, the idea of taking a backpacking trip through Southeast Asia is a refreshing twist. A parent is keen to embark on this adventure with their daughters, ages 9 and 14, before they grow too “big and cool” for family trips. The desire to create lasting memories through exploration resonates deeply with a generation that values experience over material possessions. This sentiment aligns with discussions we've seen in articles like What’s a place in India that stayed with you emotionally? and Work Stay in the UK, where the focus is on the emotional connections forged through travel.
The proposed itinerary features a whirlwind tour through Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand, all packed into 6-7 weeks. Each destination offers a unique appeal: Japan for its safety and shopping, Vietnam for its culture and affordability, and Thailand for its laid-back beach vibes. However, the planner is also attuned to the complexities of family travel—balancing the interests of a shopping enthusiast with a daughter enamored by wildlife, while ensuring that outdoor activities and culinary experiences remain integral. This multifaceted approach to family vacations highlights a broader trend where families seek tailored adventures that cater to each member's passions, embodying the spirit of adventure that resonates with today’s travelers.
Navigating the intricacies of travel, especially with young children, brings about valid concerns. The parent’s hesitation about safety, budget considerations, and the unpredictability of the rainy season reflects a real challenge faced by many family travelers. Their experiences can serve as a guide for those contemplating similar journeys. For instance, the question of whether to book accommodations in advance or to embrace spontaneity is a common dilemma. As shared in the article Albania early July best beach area, the balance between planned activities and the freedom to explore can dictate the overall enjoyment of a trip.
Moreover, the rising cost of travel in Japan poses a significant challenge. This raises pertinent questions about how families can enjoy such destinations without breaking the bank. The parent’s contemplation of dropping Japan from the itinerary underscores a critical point: the need for budget-friendly travel options that still allow for enriching experiences. As families increasingly prioritize value for money, destinations must adapt by offering more affordable experiences that don’t compromise on quality or enjoyment.
The journey outlined here not only emphasizes the importance of family bonding through travel but also opens up conversations about the evolving nature of travel preferences among families. As travel continues to evolve post-pandemic, it will be fascinating to see how families adapt their travel styles. Will more parents opt for similar adventurous routes, or will they lean towards more traditional vacations as they weigh the pros and cons? This evolving landscape will likely shape the travel industry in significant ways, making it an exciting arena to watch in the coming years.
Before my girls (9 and 14) are too big and cool I want to take them on a backpacking trip around SE Asia for the summer holidays (6-7 weeks, July/August). I travelled a lot in my twenties but have no illusions that this will be completely different. Back in the day I just had a lonely planet book and no plan (ah the freedom)
The big one loves to shop, the wee one loves animals, me and the missus are quite outdoorsy and we're all quite food orientedl. So, looking for a bit of beach, culture, shopping, nature.
Current rough plan is uk-japan(7-10 days), Hanoi and travel south, 2 weeks) Cambodia - siem reap (Angkor wat) (1 week?) , Thailand (2 weeks) fly home from Bangkok.
Would also consider travelling down through Thailand to KL or Singapore(£££) even.
I've holidayed and worked in Japan. Happy that it's safe, good shopping, nature etc and japanese food is our favourite but it's expensive and I'm not sure what there is for the wee one. This is probably worth a thread of it's own but how to travel Japan as a family of 4 without blowing the budget? How are the theme parks? Is there an Airbnb equivalent? Would be nice to have 2 bedrooms for a night or 2.
So, am comfortable in Japan except for budget. We can wing it after Tokyo but I guess it will be a round trip for easy flights.
Vietnam I've never visited, rough plan is to start at Hanoi and work south. Ha long / Lan ha, Hou an, nah trang, HCM/Saigon (2-3 weeks)
Is this timescale pushing it? I imagine travel will be much cheaper here so probably can book a 2 bed apartment at the beach for 5-7 days. How about safety? I've heard it's easy to get robbed and night bus/train is not a good idea.
Siem reap I know can be expensive. Is it worth booking this in advance maybe? Overland travel or just fly? I was thinking a week here, 3-5 days to explore Angkor wat (too much ?) and maybe battambang
Finally (?) fly or overland to Bangkok. I have fond memories of lonely beach on ko Chang so might swing past. Although I like the look of "I love phants lodge" and really want to give the girls an elephant experience so maybe better heading to the beach in the area after that. Then either back up to Bangkok or keep going to KL. I stayed a while in Thailand, know it's a bit corrupt but generally fairly safe (although is that true with 2 young girls) ... Then again that was 20 years ago
It's a pretty rough 'plan' at the moment 😂 but how does it sound in terms of timings?
The other main concern is safety, I don't really want to be stuck on organised tours and want some of that independence to change plans at the last minute. However I will probably book a few of the key stops in advance. My blonde female friend had a tough time in Malaysia which puts me off the overland trip to KL. Any concerns for Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand?
Weather is also a concern, I know its going to be rainy season and remember well when my bamboo hut got flooded on my birthday (July) in Pai but we're stuck to school holidays so will have to live with it. On the other scale Japan is probably going to be uncomfortably hot at the start of July.
Finally, budget.... Am seriously thinking of dropping Japan because there's a chance we could seriously blow the budget. Any top tips for keeping costs down as a family are most welcome.
Ok ... Finally ... Destinations. Must sees , theme/water parks, easy independent travel, nature experiences ... Tips welcome and will determine the route we travel.
Imagine as we get closer to the time I'll nail this down and have a million more questions.
Thanks in advance
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