Everyone plans their holidays differently. While some Vietnamese travellers prioritise securing the ideal flight deal first, others crave the comfort of booking their accommodation before planning the rest of their travel itinerary.
Booking.com’s Travel Trends for 2024 unveils interesting insights into the mindset and behaviour of Vietnamese travellers when they plan their trips. The data reveals a strategic approach to booking travel with a focus on securing essential elements like flights and travel insurance in advance while leaving room for spontaneous activity bookings throughout the trip.
Accommodation as a booking base: While accommodation is an important aspect of travel planning for Vietnamese individuals and acts as a central point around which other elements of their trip are organised, it may not always be their initial focus when beginning to book elements of their trip. While 35% travellers prefer to arrange their flights and accommodation simultaneously, the majority (52%) prioritise securing their flights first due to limited availability or fluctuating prices. Only 12% purchase flights after confirming their accommodation.
Planning for peace of mind: A majority of Vietnamese travellers prioritise securing flights (52%), train tickets (45%) and travel insurance (53%) before booking their accommodation to ensure they have a smooth journey and avoid the stress of last-minute scrambling for seats.
Event Enthusiasts plan early: Similar to flights, half (50%) of our surveyed travellers prioritise booking event tickets before accommodation. This proactive approach ensures access to desired experiences and highlights their forward-thinking in planning activities for their destination.
Restaurant reservation: While some Vietnamese travellers plan meals in advance, many make restaurant reservations throughout their trip and when they are already at their holiday destination. This approach keeps options open for spontaneous discoveries, allowing them to explore hidden gems and local delights during their travels.
Taxis: Taxis are the most flexible option, with 37% booking their rides during their trip, reflecting that travellers still prefer to have flexibility and favour the ease of hailing rides on the go.
In summary, Vietnamese travellers demonstrate a balanced mix of pre-planning and flexibility. Their approach to trip planning highlights a desire for both security and the freedom to explore, making their travel plans both thorough and continuously adaptable.
Varun Grover, Country Head, Vietnam at Booking.com comments, “Booking.com’s Travel Trends provides valuable insight into the travel planning behaviour of Vietnamese travellers. By understanding these preferences, the travel industry can tailor their offerings to cater to different planning styles and preferences – and at the right time across the traveller journey. Whether it’s the meticulous planner or adventurous improviser, Booking.com is committed to making it easier for everyone to experience the world the way they want to.”