The Family Travel Association recently held its first Family Travel Summit earlier this week, and revealed its survey on family travel.
Developed with New York University’s School of Professional Studies’ Tisch Center for Hospitality and Tourism, the U.S. Family Travel Survey examined travel behavior, challenges, attitudes, decision-making and demographics. Key findings revealed that 93 percent of those surveyed are “very likely” or “likely” to travel with their children in the next two years. Noting the value of travel on children’s educational and emotional well being, respondents took, on average 3.53 domestic trips and 1.25 international trips with their children in the last year, stating that family vacations enrich a child’s education, brings families closer together, and makes children better global citizens.
While age of children was not an influence on travel decisions, the survey found most families travel with children between urge ages of 6 to 16, and that parents give children a say in selecting the activities they enjoy while away. Top travel challenges among families is affordability, followed by the timing of school breaks, finding adult time while traveling with children and having available vacation time.
The majority of family travel is spent on day trips, multi-day vacations in the U.S., weekend getaways and on trips to see relatives. However, the most popular places to go are a wide mix, including theme parks, beaches, museums and cultural attractions, cities, national parks, sporting events and camping trips.
–Lissa Poirot
Our team of parents and travel experts chooses each product and service we recommend. Anything you purchase through links on our site may earn us a commission.
