Custom Travel: Why Do Expat Families Choose Vialala?

Expatriates' vacations have specific characteristics that differentiate them from traditional tourism, with different travel motivations, larger travel budgets, and an in-depth knowledge of the local language. 

Expatriates seek authentic experiences that allow them to discover the local culture and history, as well as leisure activities and gastronomic experiences.

Expatriate families often face unique challenges when traveling, such as distance, linguistic and cultural barriers, and specific requirements of family members. They have adapted to their new country and new living conditions. 

Their level of expectation is therefore high when it comes to offering them original vacations. That is why more and more families choose to travel with custom plans with the help of a travel planner. In this article, we will explore the reasons why expatriate families prefer customized travel, the benefits of working with a travel planner and particularly with Vialala, a travel operator specialized in custom travel for families.

Custom travel allows expatriate families to personalize their travel experience according to their preferences, needs, and budget. By working with a travel planner, families can get personalized advice on destinations, accommodations, activities, and excursions suited to their interests, budget, and time constraints. According to a recent study, 71% of travelers are more likely to book with a company that offers customization options.

Expatriate families also often have specific requirements when traveling with children, such as child-friendly accommodations, age-appropriate activities, and childcare services. Custom travel can help meet these needs and make the trip more comfortable for the whole family.

Working with a travel planner can offer several advantages to expatriate families looking to personalize their journey. Firstly, a travel planner can help save time and money by providing expert advice on the most suitable destinations, activities, and accommodations for their needs and budget. Additionally, travel planners can assist in planning complex itineraries, ensuring that all details are considered to guarantee a stress-free travel experience. Especially since some travel planners are themselves expatriates and thus fully understand the specific demands of their expatriate clients. 

Another advantage of working with a travel planner and the Vialala concierge support is the availability of a single point of contact for all travel needs. This can be particularly useful for expatriate families traveling to unfamiliar places and who may have difficulty communicating with local service providers due to linguistic or cultural barriers.

Finally, travel planners and Vialala concierge support can offer advice on safety and health during international travel, providing information on necessary vaccinations, safety precautions, and local regulations.

Vialala is a travel operator specialized in tailor-made travel for families. Founded in 2015, the platform connects families with experienced and passionate travel planners who can help them customize their trip according to their specific needs.

Vialala offers a wide variety of destinations for families, ranging from the white sand beaches of the Caribbean to the peaks of the Alps, including American national parks and historic cities in Europe. The travel planners at Vialala can help plan child-friendly activities, such as outdoor or indoor sports, cooking classes, visits to interactive museums, and family excursions. Additionally, Vialala provides family-friendly accommodations, such as private villas with pools, apartments with kitchens, hotels with kids’ clubs, and well-equipped campgrounds.

By working with Vialala, expatriate families can benefit from personalized and attentive service. Vialala's travel planners take the time to listen to the needs and preferences of each family to create a tailor-made trip that meets their expectations. Moreover, Vialala offers a 24/7 concierge service to answer any questions or requests from clients during their trip.

Vialala is also committed to sustainability and works with local partners to promote responsible tourism. The company has recently launched a carbon offset initiative to help reduce the environmental impact of travel.

Recent statistics show an increase in demand for tailor-made travel for families. According to a recent study, tailor-made travel is expected to see an annual growth of 42% by 2025. Additionally, another survey revealed that family travel was the second most popular reason for traveling in 2020, after leisure travel.

• Duration of Stay: Expatriates tend to stay in their host countries for long periods, ranging from a few months to several years. This extended duration allows them to deeply explore the local culture and integrate further into the community.
• Travel Motivations: Expatriates often travel for reasons different from traditional tourists. They might need to return home for family reasons, work abroad, or visit friends or colleagues in other countries.
• Travel Budget: Expatriates often have a larger travel budget than traditional tourists, as they can save on transportation and accommodation costs by traveling in groups or using travel deals for local residents.
• Language Proficiency: Expatriates generally have a deeper knowledge of the local language than traditional tourists, which enables them to interact more easily with locals and discover authentic experiences.
• Integration in the Local Community: Expatriates often have close ties with the local community, which allows them to discover less known places and more authentic experiences. They may also be invited to local events and celebrations, providing them with a unique experience.

According to a study conducted by Expat Insider, a leading platform for expatriates, in 2020, 45% of expatriates travel within their host country at least once a month, while 22% travel to other countries once a month.

In terms of travel expenses, a survey by InterNations, a global expatriate community, revealed that expatriates spend an average of 2,000 dollars per year on travel. This survey also found that expatriates primarily travel for personal reasons, such as vacations or visits to family and friends.

GlobalData, a research and consultancy firm, predicts that the expatriate market is expected to grow by 5.8% annually until 2024. This growth is mainly due to the increasing number of expatriates globally, as well as the rising demand for personalized travel services.

In addition, the study by GlobalData also revealed that expatriates are looking for trips that offer them an authentic experience, emphasizing the discovery of local culture and history, as well as leisure activities and gastronomic experiences. 

Expatriates are also willing to spend more for these unique experiences, which provides opportunities for travel companies to offer upscale and personalized deals.

Finally, it is important to note that the COVID-19 pandemic has also changed expatriates' preferences in terms of travel destinations. Lesser-known and more remote locations away from traditional tourist areas have become more popular, as they offer a more authentic experience and less risk of virus transmission. 

This trend is expected to continue in the future, with an increasing demand for off-the-beaten-path trips and unique local experiences. Vialala, with its directory of travel planners almost 1600 profiles strong, is committed to serving them best!