$1,500 flight costs make me question returning home for Tet

For most working-class families, the real challenge for the year's biggest holiday is not just gifts or lucky money—it's the cost of traveling home. A round-trip plane ticket for a family of four (two parents and two children) can range from VND24-40 million (US$946-1,577). Adding taxi fares to and from the airports pushes the total closer to VND41 million (US$1,615).

Trains and buses offer cheaper options but come with long travel times, leaving passengers exhausted and reducing the time spent celebrating the holiday. Traveling by motorbike is unrealistic due to safety concerns and the physical toll.

Passengers check in for flights at Tan Son Nhat Airport, HCMC. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran

For parents raising children in cities, saving enough for Tet travel requires a year of sacrifice and careful budgeting. Spending such a large sum on a short trip only to return broke feels disheartening, especially for families who may already be juggling debts or unforeseen expenses like medical bills.

This cycle of working hard, spending on Tet, and starting over financially can be overwhelming. For some, it means taking out loans to afford the trip, perpetuating a cycle of debt that overshadows the joy of reuniting with family.

Deciding whether to return home for Tet is a deeply personal choice. It's about what one is willing to sacrifice for the fleeting moments of reunion. For many, it's not just the cost but the thought of aging parents that makes the decision so challenging. When you only see your parents once a year, the number of visits you'll have with them is painfully finite.

This is why many of us strive to return home for Tet, even when the financial burden feels insurmountable. The sight of parents waiting with open arms and the chance for children to connect with their grandparents often outweigh the costs. Yet, for some, making a living in the cities makes this trip impossible.

Ultimately, the decision to return home for Tet depends on each family's circumstances. The tradition of Tet is about connection, whether through physical presence or digital means, and each choice carries its own sacrifices and rewards.