A recent study by Booking.com highlights some pretty interesting travel preferences among Singaporean families, such as a whopping 83% of surveyees consider air conditioning the most essential amenity when booking accommodations.
Booking.com explains that this finding underscores a broader trend of prioritising comfort during family vacations.
The research also indicates a 35% increase in flight searches by Singaporean families compared to the previous year, reflecting a notable heightened interest in travel during the mid-year break.
The data is based on flight searches between January 1, 2024, and March 31, 2024, for travel between June 1, 2024, and September 1, 2024, compared to the same periods in the previous year. The Travel Trends 2024 research was conducted among 32,300 respondents from 32 countries, including 800 participants from Singapore.
Top motivators for travel in Singapore include:
- Value for Money (55%)
- Spending Quality Time Abroad (54%)
- Discovering New Places (40%)
Key travel trends for Singaporean families
According to Booking, Singaporean families are increasingly drawn to destinations offering good value for money. The study shows that 55% of families rank this as their top travel motivator.
Popular destinations reflecting this trend include Germany (with a 164% increase in flight searches), Malaysia (+86%), and Japan (+59%).
The research reveals that 64% of families plan to use AI tools for travel planning in 2024. The AI Trip Planner available on the Booking.com mobile app for users in the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand is part of this trend, highlighting a shift towards tech-savvy travel planning.
Half of the surveyed families are inspired to travel based on food seen in shows or movies, indicating the strong impact of media on travel decisions.
A notable 28% of families are willing to allocate part of their travel budget to hire travel nannies, suggesting a growing trend of seeking additional help during vacations.
Popular destinations
The study highlights a significant interest in Asian countries, with Indonesia (+37%), Malaysia (+86%), and Thailand (+32%) being top choices. Germany experienced the most substantial increase in interest, with a 164% rise in flight searches.
Additionally, there is a marked 71% increase in interest in European destinations, particularly Germany, Switzerland, France, and the Netherlands. Other culturally rich destinations like Rio de Janeiro, Jeju Island, and Auckland are also gaining popularity among Singaporean families.