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.
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedHotels
Mar 21, 2025Hotels, Resorts with Nature-First Kids Programs
Add some nature-centric experiences to your family travels.
Sponsored Content
Madrid: A Destination for All Ages
However one is traveling, what matters is having fun and creating unforgettable memories. Among many ways to travel, multigenerational trips — on which grandparents, parents and children get to spend quality time together — are gaining popularity. Setting out on this sort of adventure? Madrid has something to offer everyone!
Destinations / South America
Mar 21, 2025Discover Belém, Brazil: A Different Kind of “Urban Jungle”
Would your family prefer a jungle adventure or culture-filled city break? Belém, the capital of Brazil’s Pára State, offers an immersion into both as the lines between city and wilderness blur. This port city, often referred to as “the gateway to the Amazon,” boasts colonial architecture, fascinating museums and monuments, trendy neighborhoods such as Nazaré and Rua Gaspar Viana, impressive upcycled and transformed buildings, and green spaces and river excursions that put wildlife and exotic foliage within reach.
Destinations / North America
Mar 20, 2025Surfside Beach Makes Texas Perfect for Families
Texas has plenty of great destinations for families, from San Antonio with its theme parks and historical attractions to Big Bend National Park with its myriad outdoor adventures and wildlife. But if you are looking for a chance to simply unwind and recharge in a place where the kids can have the time of their lives this spring, head to Surfside Beach for a vacation the whole family can enjoy.
Destinations / North America
Mar 20, 2025Embrace the Last Months of Cold at Idaho’s Hot Springs
Some family travelers prefer to visit tropical destinations in spring to escape lingering cold temperatures, peak season prices and big summer crowds. This spring, however, family travelers are invited to Idaho to embrace the end of cold season through outdoor exploration and natural hot springs.
Destinations / North America
Mar 20, 2025The Inn at Warner Hall Reopens
The historic The Inn at Warner Hall recently reopened its doors following a restoration and renovation. The property was the ancestral home of George Washington’s great-great grandfather, Augustine Warner I, also the ninth great-grandfather of Queen Elizabeth II. Established in 1642, Warner Hall is one of the country’s earliest manor houses and reopen to family travelers as of March 5.
ShareThis