Travel preferences among Vietnamese tourists vary significantly by age, with each group exhibiting distinct behaviors across the three types of travel. Self-planned trips involve travelers independently organizing their entire itinerary without relying on pre-arranged tour packages. All-inclusive package tours offer a fully structured experience, covering transportation, accommodation, and guided activities. Meanwhile, some travelers prefer a hybrid approach, planning most of their trips independently while utilizing guided tours or services at specific destinations.
Younger travelers show a strong inclination towards independence, while older tourists prioritize convenience and structure. The hybrid approach serves as a middle ground, balancing flexibility with organized experiences.
Young Travelers (18-24 years old)
Self-planned trips dominate this segment, with 43% of travelers in this age group choosing to organize their own trips. Their preference stems from a desire for flexibility, unique experiences, and cost-effectiveness. Meanwhile, all-inclusive package tours (24%) are the least popular in this group, as younger travelers tend to prioritize freedom over structured itineraries. The hybrid approach, though not as dominant, is still appealing to 32%, particularly those looking for guided activities while maintaining control over other parts of their trip.
Mid-Age Group (25-34 years old)
While self-planned travel (38%)remains strong in this group, there is a noticeable increase in the hybrid approach (34%). Many travelers in this segment seek convenience while still wanting flexibility, making self-planned trips combined with guided tours an attractive choice. All-inclusive package tours (28%) also see a slight rise in popularity compared to the younger group, as these travelers start valuing time efficiency and hassle-free experiences.
Mid-Age Group (35-44 years old)
Tourists in this group display a more balanced distribution of preferences. Self-planned trips account for 35%, slightly lower than younger groups, as these travelers start to prioritize convenience. The hybrid approach remains strong at 35%, offering a mix of flexibility and guided services. Meanwhile, all-inclusive package tours gain more traction, reaching 30%, as structured travel becomes increasingly appealing.
Senior Travelers (45-65 years old)
Among travelers aged 45-65, the trend shifts even further toward structured travel. All-inclusive package tours become the most preferred choice at 30%, as many in this group seek hassle-free and comfortable experiences. The hybrid approach maintains its relevance at 32%, providing a middle ground between independence and convenience. Self-planned trips remain a significant choice at 38%, indicating that a considerable portion of older travelers still prefer to design their own itineraries. However, the preference for structured travel increases in this group, reflecting a shift toward more convenient and pre-arranged options.
Tourists aged 35 and above show an increasing preference for all-inclusive package tours, prioritizing comfort, convenience, and a structured itinerary. This trend is even more pronounced among travelers 45-65 years old, who value hassle-free experiences over spontaneous travel. However, the hybrid approach remains a viable option for those who seek a mix of independence and organized activities. Meanwhile, self-planned trips are less favored in these age groups, though some experienced travelers still prefer to design their own itineraries.
Challenges for the Travel Industry
While self-planned travel leads overall, the variations across age groups highlight an opportunity for travel companies to refine their offerings. The key challenge for the industry is how to balance flexibility and structure to meet the diverse needs of different traveler demographics. Understanding these shifting preferences will be crucial for businesses aiming to remain competitive in Vietnam’s evolving travel landscape.
