Family travel is evolving into a powerful way to reconnect across generations. In APAC, including Thailand, multigenerational households are 43% more common than the global average, turning travel into a chance to reunite, celebrate milestones, and create cherished memories. With 4 to 6-day trips striking the ideal balance between relaxation and avoiding fatigue, Millennials are leading the charge—organizing 48% of family vacations with their tech-savvy skills and personalized planning. Not far behind, Gen Z contributes actively, co-planning 47% of trips to ensure every itinerary is unique, smooth, and memorable for all.
With the collaboration of these generations, family getaways are more than journeys—they’re opportunities to connect, discover, and create unforgettable moments. With Millennials and Gen Z working together, travel becomes seamless and meaningful, blending new adventures with personalized experiences for every generation. Booking.com shares the unique travel persona through 6 distinct traveler behaviors to help travelers discover who they are as a traveler and let this insight guide everyone toward a trip that’s perfectly tailored and truly memorable.
The Planner
The mastermind behind the magic, this Type-A personality is invaluable for handling logistics – from booking flights and accommodations to mapping out daily activities. Let them do their thing, after all they’re the reason you won’t be sleeping in a train station. That said, it’s important to ensure they remain open to feedback and incorporate some flexible “do-nothing” time in the itinerary for free and easy exploration. That way, each traveler can venture out at their own pace or take rest when needed. To simplify the process, the planner can leverage digital travel platforms like Booking.com to handle everything from accommodations to attractions to rides, for a seamless planning experience all in one place.
The Discerning Palate
Sometimes, the picky eater in the family isn’t just a hangry kid who only survives on chicken nuggets – it might be someone older with specific dietary needs or simply a more discerning palate. Across APAC, accommodating differing dietary restrictions ranks third, highlighting how common this consideration is for intergenerational travels. But fret not, while this requires more planning, it beats having to scramble at the last minute in search of fare. It also presents an opportunity for families to explore new cuisines and uncover hidden gems together. Save yourself some stress by including places with broader menus or buffet options, or even pick accommodations with a kitchen so that the family can whip up familiar favourites anytime of the day. And remember, a little patience goes a long way – what might seem like a quirk is often just someone trying to feel comfortable in a new environment. Thanks to them, you might even discover your next favourite dish!
The Realist
Every group trip has its fair share of challenges, and the complainer is often the one who isn’t shy about pointing them out, be it the weather, the accommodations or the long walks. Oftentimes, it’s simply a case of mismatched energy levels and stamina. In fact, Booking.com’s research reveals that this affects over 1 in 4 (27%) family travelers. To manage the Realist, consider activities that have a balance of comfort and adventure, and allow family members to opt in or out based on their mood and energy levels. Staying in a central location can also significantly reduce transit times and avoid overly ambitious itineraries. All things considered, this member of the family makes a great pacer and helps to keep the itinerary flexible to ensure sustained fun all throughout the trip.
The Digital Lifeline
The go-to person for everything tech-related, this family member is key to navigating unfamiliar places, making last-minute reservations, uncovering the next perfect Instagram moment and being an overall great resource. But it doesn’t have to stop there. Apart from moments on vacation, indulging in post-holiday nostalgia is half the experience, and who else better to take charge than the tech whiz? Create a shared digital album for everyone to contribute their favourite moments to and at the end of the trip, you’ll have a treasure trove of precious moments to look back on together. Not only would it be fun reliving past memories, a digital collection could make a wonderful opportunity for the generations to stay connected for a long time to come.
The Peacemaker
With 1 in 4 (25%) APAC travelers struggling with conflicts that arise from generational gaps, the peacemaker becomes the unsung hero of the trip, keeping spirits high and spats at bay. Whether it’s finding a compromise between the adventurer and the homebody or ensuring everyone has sufficient personal time and space apart, it’s as if this family member has a sixth sense for detecting brewing conflicts before they escalate. To make the most of their diplomatic talents, the peacemaker can check out online reviews of accommodations and attractions beforehand. This includes looking into any safety and health concerns to ensure that the family’s choices are well-informed and balanced. By having an eye on potential issues, they play a big role in crafting an enjoyable and worry-free holiday. But don’t forget to remind them to have fun too!
The Budget-Conscious Saver
Meet the smart traveler who understands that exceptional experiences don’t need to come with hefty price tags. These travelers have a sharp eye for deals and an inexplicable talent for stretching every dollar. While it might come as a surprise, Gen Zs in APAC are the generation to prioritise value for money as their top consideration when embarking on a trip, with 25% citing this as a crucial factor. With their expertise, families can look forward to a wallet-friendly itinerary that maximizes enjoyment without overspending. Afterall, for 41% of APAC travelers, an affordable vacation makes a dream vacation.
Booking.com offers a diverse range of accommodations and travel services to create seamless, customized family trips. From hotels and resorts to unique stays like camping farms, homestays, and treehouses, travelers can enjoy local charm and adventure. With all travel-related offerings like Attractions, Flights, Car rentals, and Airport taxis, every family member’s needs are covered. By embracing empathy, flexibility, and creativity, families can simplify intergenerational travel planning, turning challenges into cherished moments and ensuring a smooth, unforgettable experience for all generations.
