How to choose tourist spots for trips with parents and kids? Three age groups have different preferences

Houfuku Valley is known as the "God-chosen maple forest destination," boasting magnificent and beautiful scenery. (Photo provided by Easy Travel)

Autumn has cool and comfortable weather, making it perfect for travel, but how should you plan an autumn trip? Viewing maple leaves is a highlight of every autumn journey, and popular destinations often face sold-out hotels and flights. What are some key points to consider when traveling with parents, kids, or close friends?

Maple-viewing spots around the world offer different features and experiences. Easy Travel points out that mature travelers aged 40 to 60 prioritize travel quality, favor a slower pace, long for natural landscapes, and enjoy fine dining, high-quality accommodations, and various experiences. Therefore, places like Hokkaido or northeastern Japan, with their diverse natural attractions, spectacular maple scenery, and various ways to enjoy the foliage, are highly suitable for this group. For example, spots like Jozankei, Oirase Gorge, and Houfuku Valley are ideal for leisurely walks and leaf-peeping; Lake Akan and Geibikei Gorge allow boat rides, offering a serene experience surrounded by red leaves on the cliffs; at Daisetsuzan National Park’s Sounkyo Gorge, visitors can take the Kurodake Ropeway to gaze at the magnificent peaks covered in fall colors; and a trip on the Akita Nairiku Railway lets you enjoy riverside red leaves while experiencing the most picturesque train ride in Japan. In addition, Hokkaido and northeastern Japan are home to many famous hot springs, such as Tokachigawa Onsen, Hanamaki Onsen, and Nyuto Onsen, where you can relax in hot springs while enjoying the autumn foliage—perfect for the laid-back lifestyle of mature travelers.

For the young-at-heart age group of 25 to 39, who are independent, active, adventurous, and keen on chasing trends, long-haul destinations hold a certain appeal. Choosing Canada for maple viewing not only offers classic must-sees like Niagara Falls, Algonquin Provincial Park, and the stunning maple scenery of the Thousand Islands, but also allows visits to four major maple-viewing cities—Toronto, Quebec City, Ottawa, and Montreal. Walking along roads covered with red leaves feels like treading on a dazzling red carpet, immersed in the romantic and picturesque urban autumn. The hit Korean drama "Goblin," which has sparked a pilgrimage craze, filmed its iconic "love maple leaf" scene in Quebec. This taps into the interests of this age group in Korean pop culture, trending TV shows, and current topics, making Quebec a must-visit hotspot for maple viewing in Canada this year.

Meanwhile, the 18 to 24 age group, with limited travel budgets, mostly opt for short trips to nearby countries, prefer independent travel, and prioritize city tourism, with shopping being a must-do activity. Therefore, for those planning a maple-viewing trip with budget in mind, South Korea is a more affordable option compared to Japan and is a top choice for budget-conscious travelers. If visiting Canada to explore the "Goblin" filming spots isn’t feasible, Seoul’s Deoksugung Stone Wall Road is not only another filming location from the drama but, in autumn, is adorned with red leaves and ginkgo trees, exuding a serene and poetic atmosphere. For those wanting to witness vast expanses of brilliant maple leaves, popular Korean spots like Seoraksan Mountain, Daegwallyeong Mountain, and Naejangsan Mountain are all famous for their maple foliage and can be visited as one-day trips to enjoy a different kind of autumn experience from the city.