Family travel is surging—and it’s transforming the tourism industry.
In 2025, over 100 million Americans are expected to take family vacations, and 47% of those trips now include multiple generations.
These shifts are changing how families book, where they go, and what they prioritize when traveling together.
Top Family Travel Statistics (Editor’s Picks)
- Over 100 million people in the U.S. plan to travel with family each year.
- Family trips surged from 300 million in 2017 to 376 million.
- 70% of families prioritize kids’ amenities when choosing accommodations.
- 60% of families prefer resorts with all-inclusive options.
- The average family vacation costs between $2,000 and $5,000.
- 47% of families choose multigenerational travel—up 17% from the previous year.
- 89% of Millennials and Gen Z families say spending quality time together is their primary travel motivation.
How Much Are Families Spending on Travel in 2025?
A large share of families are willing to spend significantly on travel. Research shows:
- More than 25% growth in family travel demand is forecasted.
- About 15% of families plan their trips over six months in advance.
- Over 40% use travel rewards or loyalty points to reduce costs.
- 29% use travel rewards credit cards to finance vacations.
- 50% prefer vacation rentals over traditional hotels.
Family travel budgets continue to rise, reflecting the growing value families place on quality experiences. While some prioritize budget-friendly options like loyalty programs and rentals, others are willing to invest heavily in once-in-a-lifetime trips. This balance between cost-conscious and experience-driven behavior highlights the diversity in how families approach travel planning.
Popular Types of Accommodation Among Families
| Type of Accommodation | Family Preference (%) |
|---|---|
| Vacation rentals | 50% |
| All-inclusive resorts | 60% |
| Traditional hotels | <50% |
| Camping trips | Emerging trend |
How Are Families Planning and Booking Their Trips?
How families plan their trips has shifted:
- 35% of families take multiple trips per year.
- 10% book last-minute trips due to flexible schedules.
- Nearly 55% rely on social media for vacation ideas.
- 22% choose destinations based on educational value.
- 17% use travel agents for help with planning.
- 67% of families carefully review cancellation policies.
- 52% now seek help from travel advisors—up from just 17% last year.
What Do Families Prioritize When Choosing a Vacation?
Comfort and convenience are top priorities:
- 70% say kids’ amenities are essential.
- 75% prefer road trips over flights.
- 95% pack their own meals for road trips.
- 20% travel internationally at least once per year.
- 88% believe vacations improve family well-being.
- Wildlife destinations like Costa Rica and the Galápagos are increasingly popular for immersive nature experiences.
Most Common Family Travel Motivations
| Motivation | Percentage of Families |
|---|---|
| Quality time together | 89% |
| Educational value | 85% |
| Rest and relaxation | 88% |
| Strengthening family bonds | 67% |
Preferred Modes of Transportation
| Transportation Mode | Chosen by Families (%) |
|---|---|
| Car (road trips) | 75% |
| Air travel | ~25% |
| Train or other | Marginal |
How Does Travel Benefit Children and Family Dynamics?
Many parents see travel as educational and character-building:
- 85% of parents value educational travel experiences.
- 65% say travel helps children understand other cultures.
- 12% include extended relatives in travel plans.
- 28% homeschool while traveling.
- 5 million parents report travel boosts kids’ social skills.
- In the UK, families with young children take an average of 6.5 trips per year.
How Are Tech and Media Shaping Family Travel?
- 6 million users follow travel content creators for inspiration.
- 7.5 million views were recorded for travel videos this summer.
- 4 million travel guides were downloaded in the last year.
Emerging Trends in Family Travel
The rise of “grandymoons” and multigenerational travel signals a shift toward more inclusive, bonding-focused experiences.
These trends reflect deeper social values: gratitude, shared memory-making, and intergenerational connection.
- A heartwarming trend called “grandymoons” is emerging in 2025—families taking grandparents on special getaways as a gesture of gratitude.
- Multigenerational travel is on the rise, with nearly half of families including grandparents or extended relatives.
- Wildlife and eco-destinations are trending, offering children hands-on learning in nature.
- 66% of Americans say they met or exceeded their travel goals in 2024, averaging three trips per person.
FAQ: Family Travel in 2025
How far in advance do families book vacations?
About 15% of families plan their trips more than six months ahead.
What’s the average cost of a family vacation?
Most families spend between $2,000 and $5,000 per vacation.
Do families prefer driving or flying?
75% of families favor road trips over air travel.
How often do families travel each year?
Roughly 35% of families take more than one vacation annually.
What type of accommodations do families choose?
Half of families prefer vacation rentals instead of hotels.
Are educational experiences a priority?
Yes—85% of parents value vacations that offer learning opportunities for their children.
How are families using tech in travel planning?
Many use social media, follow travel influencers, and download digital guides to help plan their trips.
Final Thoughts
Family travel isn’t just a growing trend—it’s a massive, evolving segment of the tourism industry. Whether it’s for bonding, education, or adventure, more families than ever are prioritizing meaningful travel experiences. These insights offer a data-backed roadmap for understanding today’s family travel behaviors.
Sources
- Condor Ferries – Family Travel Statistics for 2025
- Accio – Family Travel Trends
- Daily Telegraph – “Grandymoons” Is the 2025 Travel Trend We Didn’t Think We Needed
- American Express – Global Travel Trends
- ABC News – Top Family Travel Destinations in 2025
- Financial Times – Family Travel Spending Trends
- New York Post – Most Americans Met Their Travel Goals in 2024
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