Family travel continues to be a substantial segment of the tourism industry, with millions of families planning vacations each year. Traveling families also represent one of the highest spending categories.
This year and moving forward, the landscape of family travel is expanding, driven by evolving demographics and emerging family travel trends. Understanding family travel trends in 2024 is crucial for hoteliers looking to hone their offerings and attract this vital demographic of customers.
Knowing the Key Demographics Representing Family Travel
Family travel encompasses a broad range of demographics, including parents, children, and often extended family members such as grandparents. Research from AYTM and Skift highlights family travel statistics and the sheer significance of this market:
- 85% of parents are likely to travel with their children in the next year.
- 53% of people will be traveling with family this year.
- 68% of families plan to vacation during the summer holidays.
- 62% of parents travel with children under five years old.
- 44% of travelers between the ages of 18-35 bring their children.
In short, over half of those planning a trip will be traveling as a family unit. Among those who are parents, a vast majority are bringing their kids. This data underscores the diverse needs and dynamics of family travelers, from young parents with toddlers to multi-generational groups seeking shared experiences.
10 Family Travel Trends Shaping 2024
In 2024, family travel trends are more compelling than ever, especially for professionals in the tourism industry. Here are some of the most pivotal trends shaping this segment:
1. Multi-Generational Travel
Multi-generational travel, where grandparents, parents, and children vacation together, is becoming increasingly popular. Studies on family travel statistics show that over 50% of parents plan to travel with grandparents and children, often opting for beach vacations or cultural attractions. This trend highlights the need for accommodations that cater to larger groups and offer diverse activities suitable for all ages.
2. Access to Remote Work
The ability to work remotely has transformed family travel. Many parents are now blending work and leisure, seeking destinations that offer reliable internet and work-friendly amenities. Hotels that provide high-speed Wi-Fi, dedicated workspaces, and flexible booking options can attract these “workcation” travelers.
3. Nearcations
With economic uncertainties and the lingering effects of the pandemic, many families are opting for “nearcations”—vacations closer to home. This trend is driven by the desire for affordability and convenience, with surveys indicating that 27% of families are looking for travel options closer to home. Hotels can capitalize on this by promoting local attractions and offering special packages for nearby residents.
4. Embracing Sustainability
Sustainability is becoming a significant consideration for family travelers. Parents are increasingly educating their children about environmental responsibility. Hotels that implement eco-friendly practices, such as reducing single-use plastics and promoting local, sustainable experiences, can appeal to these environmentally conscious travelers.
5. Educational Experiences
More and more families are interested in travel experiences that combine learning and fun. In doing so, choosing the right destination is key. Families are favoring locations where they can partake in activities like visiting museums and historical sites or participate in creative workshops and cultural exchanges. This trend is driven by the desire to make travel both enjoyable and enriching.
6. Tech-Enabled Travel
With connectivity a critical element among adults and kids, families are keen on technology that may enhance travel experiences, such as mobile apps for navigation, booking accommodations, language translation, or virtual reality tours that introduce guests to their hotel rooms before making reservations. Similarly, the use of AI tools in trip planning is also on the rise, with 48% of families planning to use such tools in 2024.
7. Wellness and Relaxation
Growing in popularity are travel destinations and accommodations that promote relaxation, wellness activities, and a reprieve from daily hustle and bustle. Spa retreats, yoga classes, or wellness resorts that accommodate families are sought after, providing a holistic approach to family vacations.
8. Adventure and Outdoor Activities
Modern families are gravitating towards destinations that offer exhilarating outdoor experiences. From conquering challenging hiking trails and roughing it in the wilderness to observing exotic wildlife on safari and engaging in adrenaline-pumping sports, these active pursuits are becoming increasingly popular.
9. Comfort and Convenience
Comfort is a top priority, with family travel statistics showing that 74% of families cite air conditioning as the most important amenity when booking a place to stay. Hotels that offer family-friendly amenities and conveniences, such as adjoining rooms or child care services, can attract more family travelers.
10. Health and Safety Measures
The post-pandemic travel landscape has ushered in a new era of heightened health awareness among family travelers. Today’s families are not just seeking vacations; they’re seeking peace of mind. This shift has propelled health and safety measures to the forefront of travel considerations. Families are now gravitating towards destinations and accommodations that demonstrate a robust commitment to guest well-being. This includes properties that maintain stringent cleaning protocols, offer contactless check-in options, ensure proper ventilation, and provide clear communication about their health and safety measures.
By understanding and adapting to these family travel trends, hotels can better cater to the needs of family travelers. Ensuring robust internet infrastructure, offering flexible booking options, and providing diverse amenities will help hotels stand out as ideal destinations for family vacations in 2024 and beyond.
Adapt to 2024 Family Travel Trends with World-Class Connectivity
As family travel trends continue to change, the role of WiFi becomes increasingly critical in meeting the connectivity needs of modern travelers. From enabling parents to work remotely to providing entertainment for children and ensuring seamless communication, high-speed internet access is a cornerstone of a successful family vacation. Hotels that invest in robust and reliable WiFi infrastructure can significantly enhance the guest experience, catering to the tech-savvy demands of today’s family travel trends.
As an industry leader in hospitality WiFi solutions, Blueprint RF offers comprehensive managed internet solutions tailored to hotels and entertainment venues. By partnering with Blueprint RF, hoteliers can help ensure they provide top-tier connectivity that supports the varied needs of family travelers. To learn more, get in touch.
