From sand dune surfing to ‘aha' moments: What travelling taught these S'porean families about each other

Straits Times

3 days ago

In celebration of SG60, Scoot sent three content creators and their loved ones on boundary-pushing trips that sparked discovery and deepened ties
From Shantou to Perth and Ipoh, these Singaporean families found fresh ways to reconnect through travel with Scoot.
Sometimes, the essence of travel extends beyond discovering new destinations. It lies in the meaningful connections formed and fresh perspectives gained through shared experiences with loved ones.
As Singapore marks its 60th anniversary, home-grown airline Scoot is celebrating uniquely Singaporean traits: a boundary-pushing spirit and a shared curiosity that spans generations.
The third instalment of its National Day campaign invites families and loved ones across the nation to venture beyond their comfort zones. Through trips to destinations within Scoot's network, three content creators discover renewed appreciation for the people closest to them.
Uncovering the beauty of generational differences in Ipoh
Ms Pamela Lee Nur Shuhadah , for example, never thought that her recent girls-only trip with her mother would turn out to be such an enlightening one for both of them.
On their
Scoot trip to Ipoh , Ms Lee, a 25-year-old, realised that despite their close relationship, they were polar opposites as travellers.
'I'm an overpacker; she brings just enough. She's super prepared; I'm always just winging it. And she's so carefree, whereas I'm too careful,' she says.
Nevertheless, the opportunity to explore a new city for the first time together – including a memorable batik painting session – while navigating each other's travel quirks, helped them gain a deeper understanding of each other and strengthened their mother-daughter bond more than ever.
'She never settles, and she's not afraid of venturing beyond what she knows. This trip showed me that no matter how old she gets, she's always going to be pushing boundaries. And that inspires me a lot,' says Ms Lee.
Ms Lee and her mum bonded over travel quirks and batik painting on their girls-only getaway to Ipoh.
PHOTO: SCOOT
Embracing adventure in Perth
It was also a trip of firsts for
actor-host J Jaikishan and his mother. While they usually
travel to Perth to visit his sister during her school breaks, they experienced the Australian city properly as tourists for the first time – with Scoot.
On their trip, the mother-son duo went sandboarding down the dunes in Lancelin, and visited the Caversham Wildlife Park to mingle with animals up close and personal – two activities that Mr Kishan quips his mother was much more enthusiastic about than he was.
'She was just going up and down the sand dunes, and asking to feed snakes. Meanwhile, I'm like 'life is already so difficult, can I do something more relaxing instead, please?',' jokes the 32-year-old.
According to Mr Kishan, the multiple holidays with his mother over the years, culminating in this recent Perth trip, helped him realise how much his mother had come out of her shell – and how proud it made him.
'My mum has been a very giving person her whole life, and now, to see her put herself first and take charge of what she wants to do – it's also reminded me to stop second-guessing myself. I hope to be more like her!'
Mr Kishan's mum surprised him with her sense of adventure in Perth, from surfing sand dunes to meeting animals up close at wildlife parks.
PHOTO: SCOOT
Bonding over heritage in Shantou
Emcee-host
Charmaine Yee's trip to Shantou, on the other hand, was a multi-generational affair involving her mother, husband and two-year-old daughter Mila.
Through a hiking expedition around the Tashan Scenic Area, a Teochew png kueh-making session and savouring local delicacies like beef hot pot and goose meat, the whole family bonded over the many heritage discoveries Shantou has to offer.
'This trip reminded me that stepping into the unknown often brings the richest, most surprising experiences, especially when shared across generations – like when Mila tried goose meat for the first time and loved it, and when we attempted to make our own kueh, which made for a rich experience,' explains the 38-year-old former radio DJ.
The Shantou trip also marked a subtle shift in family roles. Says Ms Yee: 'My mum said she saw a new side of me – not just as her daughter, but now as a mother myself, navigating travel with a toddler.
'My mum used to plan every family trip. Now, she's taken on the role of grandmother – bonding with Mila, sharing stories, and simply being present.'
Ms Yee's multi-generational trip to Shantou was filled with heritage eats and family bonding time – even for little Mila.
PHOTO: SCOOT
Why Scoot is championing meaningful travel
'At Scoot, we believe that travel is more than just a journey – it's an opportunity to connect with others and forge deeper relationships. For this year's SG60 National Day campaign, we want to spotlight the spirit of stepping out of one's comfort zone, whether in travel or in our relationships with loved ones,' says Ms Agatha Yap, Scoot's director of Marketing, Communications and Loyalty.
She adds: 'As a proudly Singaporean brand, it's incredibly meaningful for us to contribute to the story of our nation's 60th anniversary. This campaign reflects not only our heritage but also our belief in the power of connection through travel.
'In a world full of distractions, we're often guilty of not being present when we're with our loved ones. By showcasing unique journeys that link people and cultures, we hope to celebrate the values that define Singapore and our Singaporean culture: unity, resilience and the spirit of exploration. We're honoured to be part of the Singapore story, helping our fellow citizens and residents alike to connect and forge lasting memories with their loved ones.'
This SG60, Scoot is celebrating the journeys that bring families and loved ones closer together.
PHOTO: SCOOT
Through these trips, the airline also hopes to inspire more travellers to embark on their own adventures with their families and loved ones to destinations within Scoot's network, to exchange stories, and connect across generations.
And while stepping out of their comfort zone for a holiday took some getting used to, Ms Lee, Mr Kishan and Ms Yee all went away with new post-holiday perspectives about their travelling companions.
For all three content creators, these family trips have redefined quality time with their loved ones. Many more such holidays are already in the works, and they encourage others to do the same with their families.
'Book that trip! You'll have an amazing time together – so much so that you'll end up planning for another trip, on your current trip,' says Ms Lee.
Connecting places, people and cultures
Since it first took to the skies in June 2012, Scoot has been redefining the low-cost carrier segment by providing customers with reliable and quality services, customisable and differentiated product offerings, as well as comfortable and seamless travel experiences at great value. Scoot currently flies to over 70 destinations across 18 countries and territories in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Europe.
2011: Scoot was established by Singapore Airlines in the low-cost carrier segment.
2012: Scoot's inaugural flight to Sydney was launched.
2017: Its first low-cost, long-haul flight to Athens was launched. In the same year, it flew its 50 millionth passenger and merged with Tigerair.
2022: The Pokemon Air Adventures project with The Pokemon Company was launched.
2025: Scoot was awarded the Skytrax World Airline Awards' World's Best Long Haul Low-Cost Airline for the fifth consecutive year.
No matter where you are headed, Scoot's cabin and flight crew help to make every journey a comfortable one.
PHOTO: SCOOT