Nguyen Hong Nhat, 35, in Hanoi, and his wife have spent considerable time researching tours, preparing luggage, essential items, and arranging work to take their 10- and 7-year-old children on a cross-Vietnam trip.

“I believe summer break isn’t a time for kids to race through packed tutoring schedules or be glued to TV or computer screens. It’s a time for them to fully relax after a busy school year,” Nhat said. 

“I want to have fun with my kids, explore the country’s beautiful nature in the most exciting way. This trip is also a chance for them to learn about Vietnam’s geography and history, fostering a deeper love for our homeland,” he added.

Nhat, an architect, and his wife, an office worker, had to ask for early leave, exhausting their annual leave days and taking an additional half-month of unpaid leave to have a month-long summer trip with their kids.

“When it’s just the two of us traveling, preparations are fairly simple. But with two kids, I have to plan more carefully to ensure the trip is safe, engaging, and suitable for their health and interests, with reasonable rest time,” he said. 

“My wife also prepares extra food and backup medicines. Sometimes, the itinerary changes completely because of a small wish from the kids, but we’re always ready for that.”

Regularly taking their two children camping at beautiful spots across the country, Do Oanh in Hanoi and her husband still “rack their brains” every summer to find new destinations. Their criteria are places where their kids can immerse in nature, experience local culture, participate in local labor activities, and visit traditional markets to feel the local way of life.

“We plan to take the kids to Nhon Ly, Binh Dinh this summer to experience offshore fishing. The kids are thrilled since they don’t have to worry about schoolwork,” Oanh said.

Besides considering homestays in villages or cross-country travel trips, parents are looking for courses like swimming or surfing.

According to a recent Booking.com survey, a travel platform operating in 220 countries and territories, the top goal for Vietnamese families this summer is to enjoy quality time together. Eighty-eight percent of parents see travel as an opportunity for their children to engage with diverse cultures and gain enriching experiences, while 59 percent want to explore new local cuisines and specialties.

This shift in mindset is reflected in their planning, with 58 percent of Vietnamese parents prioritizing annual travel. Forty-one percent plan to increase their travel budget in 2025.

Linh Trang