Family Vacation – Part 2 – Planning

Last updated : 09:37 on 11/01/2025

In the previous article, Hon Tam Travel shared the profound meaning of a family vacation impact on each family member. In this article in Part 2, we will discuss how to make a detailed plan for a family vacation. This is very suitable if you are a professional travel organizer such as a travel agency, tour operator, tour guide or you go independent travel.

Criteria to be considered

• Choose the Right Destination: Choices should be based on the interests and needs of each family member, from outdoor activities to cultural tours.
• Budget: Determine your overall budget, including costs for transportation, food, lodging, and entertainment.
• Time: Determine the time of year you can travel and choose the right season to avoid overcrowding during peak season and bad weather.
• Transportation: Deciding between using public transportation, renting a private car, or flying domestically depends on your schedule and preferences.
• Accommodation: Find suitable accommodation, from family hotels to local guesthouses, depending on your budget and needs.

Some Destination Options

• Sapa: The mountainous region of Northern Vietnam, famous for its majestic mountain scenery, unique culture of ethnic minorities and long-distance trekking activities.
• Ha Long: World natural heritage with cave systems and limestone islands standing out in the middle of the bay, suitable for activities such as yachting, cave exploration, and swimming.
• Danang: A coastal city with a perfect combination of beautiful beaches, rich cuisine and attractions such as Dragon Bridge and Ba Na Hills.
• Nha Trang: An ideal destination with a mild climate all year round, long white sand beaches and many quality resorts. Nha Trang offers a variety of activities from island hopping, scuba diving, to relaxing at spas and resorts.

Basic Cost Estimate

When planning a family vacation, managing your finances accurately and efficiently is an important factor in ensuring a smooth and comfortable trip. Below is a detailed guide on how to estimate and plan your trip finances, including major expenses such as travel, accommodation, food, sightseeing, shopping and activities.

1. Travel

Moving costs included Airline ticket, train, bus or car fuel (if traveling by private car). Take into account peak or off-peak season ticket prices, and the possibility of special offers. For example, the average domestic round-trip airfare can be around 2-3 million VND/person.

2. Accommodation

This cost depends on the type of accommodation you choose, from budget hotels to luxury resorts. You need to consider the room rate and the services included. A night at a 4-star hotel can cost from 1 million VND or more.

3. Eating and Drinking

Food expenses are often a large part of the total cost of a trip. Estimated average food expenses are around 300,000 – 500,000 VND/day/person for meals at local restaurants and cafes.

4. Sightseeing and Shopping

Entrance fees to tourist attractions and souvenir shopping should be taken into account. For example, entrance fees to popular attractions can cost around 100,000 – 300,000 VND/person. Setting aside a certain amount for shopping is necessary.

5. Experiential Activities

Activities such as mud baths, tours, or local cultural experiences should also be included in the budget. The cost of each activity can range from 200,000 to 1,000,000 VND/person.

Financial Planning

After estimating the cost of each item, add them all up to get the total budget for the trip. You should reserve an additional 10-20% of total cost for unforeseen expenses. This will help you avoid financial shortages during your trip.

In short

First, a golden tip is to start planning early, at least a month before your trip. Especially if you are planning to go during the peak season, which is from November to April and the summer from June to August. This will help you avoid last-minute room shortages or price hikes.

Next, I want to emphasize interacting with the locals. Try to explore the local cuisine and participate in unique cultural activities. Trust me, you will have a truly different and profound experience!

And don’t forget about your family’s safety and health. Bring a first aid kit and be prepared for any emergency, especially if you have a family history of health issues. I know this isn’t something I like to think about when I’m traveling, but safety should always come first.

Finally, a little note about the weather. Plan based on the weather conditions in Nha Trang at the time you plan to go. And don’t forget to check if your family has any special food or other needs.

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