Summer is peak travel time for families, with the kids out of school and the weather a little more amenable to those traveling with small children. However, gone are the days where most families just head to the beach or take a big family trip to the lake.
This summer, families are taking advantage of more interesting travel trends, which is taking them to a wider array of destinations across the globe. And the people they have to thank for it? Generation Z.
Generation Z (or those under 19) is quickly overtaking millennials in regards to consumer influence, with a buying power estimated at more than $500 billion. According to a report by Virtuoso, Generation Z family members are highly impacting their parents’ travel decisions by involving themselves in the planning of trips, persuading others to embrace their desire for active experience, looking specifically for unusual destinations and letting social media play a role in their travel decisions — both looking at social media for travel ideas and looking specifically for travel destinations that will appeal to their followers.
So, what are the travel trends modern families are turning to because of this? Virtuoso’s Luxe Report names the top 10 family travel trends for this summer as active and adventure trips, multigenerational trips, beach resort stays, celebration travel, guided or private tours, river cruises, educational trips, ocean cruising, cultural immersion trips and father/son and mother/daughter trips.
Father and son on summer vacation in Iceland. Photo: Noblige | Dreamstime.com
While some of these have been around for awhile — beach resort stays are certainly nothing new — others are a bit out of the ordinary compared to previous generations’ preferred family vacations. However, families are enjoying the bonding opportunities afforded by some of the more challenging travel experiences attracting Generation Z, those that force a family to get out of its comfort zones together, like cultural immersion trips or active and adventure tours.
As new family travel options trend, so do new destinations. While Italy has been the family summer travel favorite for 10 years in a row according to Virtuoso, and Europe’s overall appeal stays strong, other destinations known for active adventures are making headway.
This year’s top family travel destinations, in ascending order of popularity, are Spain, the Dominican Republic, France, Costa Rica, South Africa, England, Orlando, Hawai’i, Mexico and Italy.
Virtuoso also listed the top up-and-coming family travel destinations, those sought out by those really wanting something unconventional. These include Iceland, the Galapagos Islands, Cuba, Antarctica, Morocco, Japan, Egypt, Bhutan, Rwanda and India.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
May 7, 20265 Botanical Gardens Great for Kids
Across the United States, botanical gardens add features to appeal to young visitors and spark their interest in nature and plants. Special sections are designed to appeal to children with activities; play features; sensory experiences; and plant tricks, such as green walls and arbors with hanging gourds or fruit inside.
Sponsored Content
Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you fly with TAP Air Portugal thanks to the Portugal Stopover program. With the program, TAP passengers, whether traveling for business, leisure or both, can stop in Portugal for up to 10 days at no additional airfare on the way to their final destination. What does this mean for travelers wishing to explore by both land and sea? It means after flying to Portugal with TAP and experiencing the country in an entirely new way, travelers can then embark on scenic river and ocean cruises from Portugal’s port cities, or fly with TAP to another European destination.
Teens
May 7, 2026The Only Summer Packing List Your Teen Daughter Will Need
Whether your teen daughter is soon heading off to summer camp, anticipating an upcoming sleepover or already prepping for a summer vacation, add these five items to your daughter’s packing list for a fun and enjoyable summer.
Slideshow
May 7, 20267 Tucson, Arizona, Destinations for Family Travel
It’s time to start dreaming of your next family trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Tucson, Arizona, with us.
Hotels
May 6, 20266 Hotels and Resorts Designed with Teens in Mind
These properties around the world offer families traveling with teenagers plenty of experiences geared toward teens.
Hotels
May 6, 2026Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa Debuts Exclusive Beachwear Collection
This summer, Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa in Miramar Beach, Florida, recently launched a custom collection of beachwear designs in collaboration with 30A’s premier, family-friendly brand, Love and Grow Clothing Co. From swimsuits to cozy pajamas and cover-ups, the new Hilton Sandestin Collection allows families to enjoy a special summer with 15 resort-exclusive pieces.
ShareThis