Family groups might also consider tours planned by travel agencies to take some of the stress out of the planning process.
Group tour packages tend to be cheaper than self-planned itineraries, since flight tickets are booked by the travel agency six to 12 months before the actual trip. Tour groups also split fixed costs such as land transport and tour guides across a larger number of travellers.
However, the disadvantages are that the travel dates and itinerary are fixed. Families will also be travelling with others who have signed up for the tour, though this can be a blessing in disguise.
Group tours that are thematic gather like-minded travellers together and provide a sense of community in a new environment, Ms Chan from Dynasty Travel said.
“And if anyone is unhappy with (the itinerary) or something goes wrong, we can resolve the issue with our on-ground team and you can put the blame on us, which will prevent further conflict escalation among family members,” she added.
Another option is bespoke trips, which are customised based on the travellers’ preferences. Professional travel planners draw on their own knowledge of the area to plan an itinerary.
“A holiday expert and neutral party can alter the family dynamics and may be particularly useful during decision making,” Ms Lim from Wondergolander said.
Her agency and Dynasty Travel have both seen an increase in planned bespoke holidays after the COVID-19 pandemic, motivated by families’ preference for privacy and concerns about hygiene.
Tailor-made itineraries can cost more than group tours due to a smaller economy of scale, since costs such as hiring a private vehicle and a tour guide are split among a smaller number of travellers.
Ms Lim said that costs for a European destination – excluding flights, meals, personal expenses and surcharges – start from S$750 for each person a night.
Budget-conscious travellers may think twice about trips planned by a travel agency.
“Customers reasoned that they can save money if they plan the trip themselves,” Ms Chan said.
“But planners have knowledge of various destinations and can plan an itinerary quickly based on a customer’s requests, while travellers spend more time planning and researching since they’re unfamiliar with that country,” she added.
Travel agencies also have access to exclusive perks and preferential rates, giving more value for money spent, both travel experts said.
Whether you do it yourself or hand the reins over to a third party, gearing up for a family trip does not only mean packing your suitcase, but also mentally preparing yourself.
Ms Jeannette Qhek, psychotherapist, counsellor and founder of wellness space Chill By Nette, suggested that family group travellers shift from focusing on having a “perfect” trip to embracing “small, meaningful moments of joy or togetherness”.
Select a mantra to ground yourself or take along a journal to jot down your emotions.
Ms Qhek also agreed that setting boundaries with family members before the trip can ensure everyone has the same expectations.
Practise empathy, flexibility and assertive communication, Ms Ueberbach advised.
By putting yourself in your relative’s shoes, you can better understand the rationale behind their emotions and behaviour, and even their positive intentions.
“It helps to practise active listening to understand others’ perspectives and feelings. Practising patience and tolerance can also help you recognise that everyone has different needs,” Ms Ueberbach said.
“Remember, no matter how hard you try, you cannot control the behaviour of others, but you can control how you let it affect you.”
