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Why Family Travel Is Surging in 2025 and the Most Extraordinary Trips for Families in 2026

  • Writer: Alexandra Avila
    Alexandra Avila
  • 6 hours ago
  • 13 min read

A quiet shift is transforming the way American families travel. According to the newly released 2025 U.S. Family Travel Survey from the Family Travel Association and NYU SPS Tisch Center of Hospitality, a new generation of parents are eager to explore more often, more meaningfully, and with their children as active co-creators of each journey. Here, we take a closer look at the data and highlight the travel brands that are embracing this moment with offerings designed to delight multigenerational travelers.


What the Numbers Reveal About Changing Family Travel Habits


The rise in family travel is driven by far more than a desire to make up for lost time. Parents increasingly view travel as an essential part of their family’s well-being, and the data shows they are committed to prioritizing it. According to the 2025 U.S. Family Travel Survey, 92 percent of parents plan to travel with their children in the next year, the highest level of intent recorded since the pandemic.


Families are also redefining what they want from their trips. They are looking for experiences that feel meaningful, educational, and emotionally grounding. They want more value, more connection, and more opportunities for children to be involved in shaping the journey. The rise of ‘kidfluence’ reflects this shift, with children ages 7 to 18 playing a central role in decision-making and bringing their own ideas, interests, and sense of wonder to the planning process.


Peter Bopp, Research Advisor for the Family Travel Association and co-author of the survey, notes that the benefits extend far beyond the trip itself. “Families associate positive outcomes from travel for family dynamics and children’s development. Eighty five percent of parent respondents say that family travel brings their family closer together, seventy seven percent say that family vacations enrich their children’s education, and sixty eight percent say that travel makes their children better global citizens.”

Additional key highlights:

  • 81% of families are planning to either increase or maintain their level of travel spending for domestic travel. 

  • Top Trip Types: The most popular planned family trips are beach vacations (62%), visiting family and friends (61%), and theme or water parks (45%). 

  • Affordability is the Top Challenge: 73% of parents cite affordability as their biggest obstacle, leading families to adopt money-saving strategies, such as booking lodging with a kitchen (50%) and limiting paid attractions (46%). 

  • "Kidfluence" is Significant: Children, particularly those aged 7-18, are "co-pilots" in planning, with 74% of parents saying their kids love to travel; parents believe this involvement makes children more adaptable (84%). 


The Best Family Travel Experiences for 2026


As families shape their travel plans for 2026, a few clear desires are leading the way: time together in inspiring places, room for every generation to enjoy a trip their own way, and experiences that feel both grounding and unforgettable. From alpine escapes designed for tiny tots finding their balance on the slopes alongside teens perfecting their turns, to wildlife-rich journeys that bring families closer to the natural world, to easy domestic adventures that deliver big scenery without requiring a passport, and sun-drenched retreats where luxury feels relaxed and unhurried — each theme reflects a different facet of how families want to explore now.


Together, they offer a roadmap for the year ahead and a look at the destinations setting a new standard for family travel in 2026.


Alpine Wonderlands Your Family Will Love: Top Ski Retreats for Every Age


Fiss, Austria: Schlosshotel Fiss | A Dream Alpine Retreat for Families Who Love Skiing and Wellness



Set high in the Tyrolean Alps, Schlosshotel Fiss offers one of Europe’s most thoughtfully designed winter escapes for families. The hotel blends refined alpine luxury with an impressive range of activities for children, teens, and adults, creating a mountain experience that feels as restorative as it is playful.


Families can step directly onto the slopes from the hotel’s ski-in/ski-out access, making mornings on the mountain effortless. Young children can learn the basics in Berta’s Kinderland, while more experienced skiers can explore the expansive Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis ski region with private instructors. Off the slopes, snowbike trails, sledding runs, winter hikes, and panoramic gondola rides add variety to each day.


Inside, the reimagined SHF Kids Club is a world of its own. The space is anchored by Monti, the Mountain Crystal mascot, who embodies the spirit of Schlosshotel Fiss as a place where family moments sparkle and imagination has no limits. Children can explore Monti’s Cave, wander through a magic forest, climb, create, and curl up in reading and cuddling corners. It is designed as a magical, supervised environment where play feels adventurous and reassuring at the same time.


For families who value wellness as much as fresh snow, the hotel’s 53,820 square foot spa is another highlight. The dedicated Family Spa allows children to enjoy gentle saunas, steam baths, and treatments created with younger guests in mind, while parents can move between relaxation rooms, pools, and the adults-only spa areas. Time in bathrobes becomes part of the family ritual, not just a grown-up indulgence.


For kids seeking more excitement, Splash Waterworld delivers a full dose of high-energy fun. This aquatic playground features slides, water zones, and family-friendly pools where children can release extra energy after a long day on the mountain. For parents, it is an easy way to let kids unwind in a place designed entirely for play.


With its combination of elevated design, warm hospitality, and thoughtful family programming, Schlosshotel Fiss provides an alpine escape that feels both inspiring and effortless. It is the kind of winter destination where every member of the family finds something to love.




Verbier, Swiss Alps: Cabane Tortin | A High-Alpine Hideaway for Families Who Love Adventure and Solitude



Recently named World’s Best New Ski Chalet 2025 by the World Ski Awards, Cabane Tortin has quickly become one of the most extraordinary alpine retreats for families seeking privacy, adventure, and world-class design. Perched above the Tortin Glacier at nearly 9,500 feet, the chalet offers uninterrupted mountain views and a level of seclusion that feels both rare and deeply restorative.


The chalet’s interiors are warm and inviting, with panoramic windows, quiet reading nooks, and generous spaces for gathering around shared meals prepared by a private chef. Families can spend their days exploring the untouched snowfields and dramatic terrain of the surrounding Alps, supported by expert ski guides who tailor every outing to each guest’s ability and comfort level. For those who are non-skiers, activities such as cooking classes, snowshoeing, flightseeing, stargazing and more are designed based on guest preferences, adding even more variety for families who love the outdoors.


Cabane Tortin is designed for families who want to disconnect from routine and reconnect with each other in a setting that feels cinematic. Its award-winning design, exceptional service, and breathtaking location make it one of the most compelling winter retreats for multigenerational groups and families traveling together in 2026.




Up-Close Encounters: Unforgettable Wildlife Experiences for Families


South Africa: Cheetah Plains Private Game Reserve | Where Young Adventurers Learn the Wild: A Family Safari With Purpose



Cheetah Plains has long been known for pioneering sustainable luxury in the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve. Its exclusive-use villas, zero-emission safaris, and fully off-grid operations create an experience that is both innovative and deeply immersive. For 2026, the lodge is making family travel even more accessible through a new Kids Stay Free offer. From September 2025 through May 2026, children under twelve can stay at no cost when sharing the Karula or Mvula Villas with their parents, giving families a rare opportunity to experience the African bush together with complete privacy and comfort.


Each villa includes four guest suites that sleep up to eight, along with a formal lounge, dining and living areas, a spacious outdoor deck, and a private swimming pool. The setting allows families to settle in, slow down, and feel fully at home in the wilderness.


For younger travelers, the bush becomes an open-air classroom. Junior Ranger programs led by expert field guides introduce children to the rhythms of the wild as they follow tracks, identify bird calls, and learn about the ecosystem through hands-on discovery. Solar-powered safari vehicles allow for flexible game drives that can be shorter and more playful when needed, ensuring the experience stays exciting for children without losing the magic of wildlife encounters.


Beyond the drives, kids can enjoy stargazing, bush-inspired storytelling, wildlife photography workshops, and catch-and-release fishing at a local dam. These activities are designed to spark curiosity while highlighting the importance of conservation and eco-friendly practices.


“Safari is one of the most enriching experiences for children. It is immersive, educational, and deeply memorable, but most camps and lodges have strict age restrictions,” says NJ van der Merwe, General Manager of Cheetah Plains. “We wanted to create an opportunity that ensures families can share this transformative journey together.”



Amazon River, Peru: Delfin I | An Intimate Amazon Journey for Families Ready for a Cruising Adventure



For families seeking a true sense of adventure, Delfin Amazon Cruises’ smallest vessel, the Delfin I offers one of the most intimate and immersive ways to experience the Peruvian Amazon. With only four oversized suites, each featuring a private terrace or plunge pool, the vessel feels more like a floating villa than a traditional river cruise. Its small size makes it ideal for multigenerational groups who want privacy, comfort, and nature at their doorstep.


Days on the river follow a natural rhythm. Expert naturalist guides lead excursions along remote tributaries, where children can spot pink river dolphins, sloths, macaws, and other remarkable wildlife. Kayaking, jungle walks, and canopy explorations introduce young travelers to one of the world’s richest ecosystems in a hands-on way that sparks curiosity and connection. Between outings, shaded decks and air-conditioned lounges offer space to unwind while never losing sight of the rainforest.


Families who charter the entire vessel are welcome to bring guests of any age, making it an excellent choice for multigenerational celebrations or milestone trips. As a family-run company, Delfin takes pride in creating meaningful experiences for young explorers and their parents, especially on private charters where the experience can be fully customized.


What sets Delfin I apart is its blend of luxury, learning, and deep connection to place. Guides share insights into the region’s ecology and conservation, meals feature local ingredients, and evenings are spent stargazing or simply listening to the sounds of the rainforest. For families looking to introduce children to a destination few experience so closely, Delfin I offers an Amazon journey that is adventurous, eye-opening, and truly memorable.




Go2Africa | Safari Planning for Families Who Want Wildlife, Conservation, and Comfort For a Family Safari



As more families seek immersive, educational, and conservation-minded trips, Go2Africa continues to lead the way in crafting seamless safari experiences that speak to travelers of all ages. Insights from the company’s Annual Safari Report reflect a clear rise in family and multi-generational safaris, along with growing demand for child-friendly lodges, hands-on wildlife encounters, and itineraries shaped around both learning and adventure. 


For families looking to plan their first or next safari, Go2Africa’s expertise is unmatched. Its Managing Director, Maija de Rijk-Uys, recently named a Travel + Leisure A-List Advisor for Family Safaris, has spent her career helping families navigate the logistics of long-haul trips while designing journeys that feel safe, seamless, and inspiring for every generation. 


One of her top recommendations for 2026 is The Elephant Camp in Victoria Falls. Set above the Batoka Gorge with views stretching across the Zambezi, the camp blends classic safari ambiance with eco-conscious design and spacious suites ideal for families. Interactive wildlife experiences are central to a stay here, including the signature “Meet the Elephants” encounter that introduces guests to some of Africa’s most charismatic wildlife in a responsible and unobtrusive way. Children can also enjoy nature walks, birdwatching, and guided activities that encourage curiosity about the natural world.


Recent insights shared in Go2Africa’s family travel release offer helpful guidance for parents planning a safari, including the importance of designing age-appropriate itineraries, allowing time to recover from long-haul flights, considering private vehicles for flexibility, and choosing lodges with strong child-focused programming. These tips, shaped by years of on-the-ground expertise, help families feel supported from the moment they begin planning. 


“Traveling with my family in Africa has been the most rewarding and enriching experience for all of us over the years,” says Maija. “Using a specialist who can simplify the logistics takes the stress out of a safari and allows families to connect, enjoy their time together, and learn from expert guides about nature and wildlife.” 

Whether families are looking for classic Big Five encounters, conservation-focused activities, or a lodge where kids feel genuinely welcomed, Go2Africa helps them experience Africa with confidence, depth, and a sense of wonder.




Epic Family Adventures Close to Home: No Passport Required


U.S. National Parks: EXP Journeys | Tailor-Made Adventures for Families Who Want to Explore America’s Wild Places



For families who crave wide-open spaces and fresh air, EXP Journeys offers a reimagined approach to national park travel. Their Luxury Tented Camp outside Yosemite provides the perfect balance of comfort and wilderness, giving families rare access to one of America’s most iconic landscapes without the crowds or the complexity of navigating it alone.


Each stay is fully customized and supported by expert guides who bring the park to life through stories, naturalist knowledge, and a deep understanding of the terrain. Days can unfold at any pace. Families can raft down glacier-fed rivers, cycle along quiet forest roads, hike to hidden viewpoints, or simply enjoy the breathtaking calm of Yosemite Valley at sunrise. Evenings bring chef-prepared meals, stargazing sessions, and fireside moments that feel timeless.


The camp’s spacious, well-appointed tents allow families to enjoy the thrill of being immersed in nature without sacrificing comfort. Parents appreciate the ease, while children relish the sense of adventure that comes with sleeping under the stars and waking to the sounds of the forest.


For multigenerational groups, EXP Journeys offers the structure and support that make national park travel feel effortless. From handling permits to designing age-friendly itineraries, every detail is planned with care. The result is a family adventure that feels restorative, immersive, and designed for genuine connection.




Big Island, Hawaii: Hale ‘O Ka La | A Newly Reimagined Big Island Villa for Multigenerational Gatherings



Hawaii’s Big Island has long been a favorite for families, and Hale ‘O Ka La now captures that appeal with even more style. Fresh from a nine million dollar renovation, this private estate within the Mauna Kea Resort community blends the comfort of a luxury home with the ease and amenities of a resort. It is designed for multigenerational families who want to stay together, unwind together, and enjoy an island escape that feels effortless from the moment they arrive.


The home brings families together naturally. Children spend hours racing down the water slide, exploring the grotto, or splashing in the saltwater pool, while adults relax at the sunken bar or take in ocean views from expansive outdoor living spaces. Grandparents can enjoy quiet mornings on shaded lanais or stroll through the gardens, and teens and parents can explore golf, tennis, and beaches nearby.


The villa’s layout encourages shared moments. Families can gather for breakfast by the pool, head off on separate adventures, then reconnect over dinner prepared in the outdoor kitchen or by a private chef. Everything happens in one place, without the stress of managing multiple hotel rooms.


Seamless support is another defining feature. Concierge partners like LUVA Vacation Rentals and Destinations in Paradise handle airport transfers, tee times, spa bookings, snorkeling excursions, cultural tours, and private luaus. With every detail arranged, parents can finally relax knowing the trip will run smoothly.


The result is a newly refreshed Big Island retreat that feels relaxed, connected, and beautifully suited to family travel. Whether the day includes snorkeling, golfing, waterfall-hopping, or lounging by the pool, Hale ‘O Ka La offers a private, welcoming setting where families can slow down and enjoy time together at their own pace.




Chasing the Sun: Luxe and Laid-Back Family Getaways


Sandy Lane, Barbados: Laughing Waters | A Private Caribbean Retreat for Families Who Want More Than a Hotel Stay



Set along the Platinum Coast of Barbados, Laughing Waters is an exquisite twelve-bedroom estate that feels purpose-built for multigenerational gatherings and milestone celebrations. The villa blends contemporary Caribbean glamour with the comfort of a private residence, giving families the freedom to settle in and enjoy island life at their own pace.


Guests have access to the private beach club at Sandy Lane and the amenities of a AAA Five Diamond resort, which adds a layer of convenience that parents appreciate. Days can unfold around the expansive pool, on the estate’s manicured lawns, or on the nearby white-sand beaches. With full staff, chef-prepared meals, and a layout that allows both togetherness and quiet retreat, it is an ideal setting for large families who want to reconnect in a luxurious but relaxed environment.


Whether families are marking a graduation, reunion, or simply carving out quality time, Laughing Waters delivers an elegant and effortless Caribbean escape.




East Cape, Los Cabos, Mexico: Casa Bellamar | A Baja Beachfront Estate for Multigenerational Families



Set along the quiet and unspoiled East Cape of Los Cabos, Casa Bellamar is a beachfront estate made for multigenerational travel. The property can sleep up to twenty guests across five rooms in the main house and three additional casitas, giving large families the space to spread out while keeping everyone comfortably close.


The villa sits on a serene stretch of golden sand far from the region’s more crowded resort zones. Children can swim in the pool, play along the shoreline, or try beginner-friendly snorkeling in the clear waters, while adults unwind on oceanfront terraces, enjoy cocktails poolside, or fit in a game of tennis on the private court. Generous common spaces make it easy for families to come together for meals, celebrations, and relaxed evenings under the stars.


A dedicated staff elevates the experience, preparing fresh Baja-inspired meals and arranging activities like surfing lessons, whale-watching, or sunset horseback rides. For parents, it removes the usual travel logistics and creates a stay that feels seamless from start to finish.


For families seeking a peaceful, private, and fully serviced beachfront retreat, Casa Bellamar offers one of the most compelling villa experiences on the East Cape.



As family travel continues to evolve, the destinations and experiences featured here illustrate just how many ways parents, kids, and multigenerational groups are reimagining meaningful time away together. If you are working on a story about these trends, looking for expert insights, or would like more details on any of the properties showcased, our team would be happy to support your reporting. Please reach out anytime, as we would love to help you bring your next family travel piece to life. 


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