Two family travel experts talk booking insights and trends
What are the biggest trends you are noticing for family travel?
CC: One of the biggest trends we’re seeing in family travel is the shift toward early, intentional booking. Families who know what works for them are planning well in advance to secure flight times that fit around their busy schedules – especially with school, sports and extracurricular activities to consider. They’re also prioritizing accommodations that meet their specific needs, such as suites with the right amenities and views.
We’re also noticing that families of four with young children increasingly prefer separate sleeping areas for the kids. Larger rooms, which were once thought to be necessary only for big families, are now in high demand among smaller families seeking comfort and convenience. For families of five or more, suites and spacious rooms tend to sell out quickly, so booking early gives them the best selection and availability.
Experience-based travel is another growing trend. Families are looking beyond the typical resort stay or theme park visit, seeking out unique destinations and curated activities that create lasting memories. There’s also a rising interest in more adventurous trips – whether it’s exploring nature, trying something culturally immersive, or heading off the beaten path. While Disney and all-inclusives still have their place, some families are now craving travel that feels more enriching, personalized, and connected to their values.
LDT: Families are increasingly travelling together, but not just parents and kids – grandparents, aunts, uncles, and even cousins are joining in on vacations. This trend is fuelled by families wanting to spend more quality time together, especially after being apart during the pandemic. What I am seeing is a rise in bookings for all-inclusive resorts, private villas, and guided tours that cater to a variety of age groups. Destinations that offer diverse activities and amenities for both older and younger family members are in high demand.
Have you heard of skip-gen travel and is it becoming a thing?
CC: Yes, we’ve definitely heard of skip-gen travel – where grandparents travel with their grandchildren, leaving the parents at home – and while we have booked a few of these trips, they still only make up a small portion of our family travel bookings.
Multi-generational travel continues to be the most popular trend by far. Grandparents are loving the opportunity to bring their grown children and grandchildren together, often from different parts of the world, to share meaningful experiences – especially in destinations like the Caribbean.
We’re also seeing milestone birthdays, particularly for grandparents, become major travel occasions. In many cases, the grandparents are organizing these trips as a way to celebrate and spend quality time with their families, while in others, the adult children are planning something extra special to mark the occasion. Most of our larger or multi-room bookings are still for these full family gatherings, where the emphasis is on connection and memory-making across generations.
Multi-generational travel and vacations with family friends continue to be popular, allowing for shared experiences and meaningful time together. Cruising is making a strong comeback as well, offering something for every age group – from kids to grandparents – which makes it an attractive option for diverse families.
LDT: Yes, I have heard of skip-gen travel. The generation with the grandparents stepping in as the primary caregivers or companions for the grandchildren during the vacation. Skip-gen trips provide a unique opportunity for grandparents to bond with their grandchildren in a way that parents might not be able to. Without the usual daily distractions, both generations can create lasting memories together.
What’s trending for summer travel for families with kids/teens on summer holidays?
CC: This summer, Portugal is emerging as a standout destination for families – even those with younger children. Families are drawn to the unique blend of cultural exploration and coastal relaxation that Portugal offers. Many are spending a few days in Lisbon, soaking in the city’s history and vibrant atmosphere, before heading south to enjoy the stunning beach towns of the Algarve. While Portugal doesn’t have the typical all-inclusive beach resorts that families might find in destinations like Spain, it makes up for it with charming coastal towns and a wide range of family-friendly accommodations – especially efficiency suites and apartments, which are ideal for families seeking more space and flexibility. It’s the best of both worlds: parents appreciate the cultural richness of a European vacation, while kids and teens get to enjoy the fun and freedom of beach days, water activities, and time outdoors. This combination of experience and relaxation is what’s really appealing to families this summer.
LDT: What’s trending this summer for families with kids/teens are all-inclusive resorts. Families who want a stress-free, action-packed vacation. These resorts offer something for everyone—waterparks, kids’ clubs, teen zones, and plenty of family bonding opportunities, all in one place.
Are U.S. bookings down or are your families still travelling to theme parks, etc.?
CC: U.S. bookings are definitely down compared to previous years, but they haven’t disappeared entirely. Families are still traveling to the U.S., especially for specific experiences like cruising out of Florida or California. However, the political atmosphere coupled with the high cost of limited flight options has made many Canadian families reconsider plans for cross-border travel. That said, there are some great promotions aimed specifically at Canadian travellers – particularly for theme parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando – which are trying to encourage visitors to return. These offers can make a difference for families who are flexible with their dates or looking to maximize value. While the U.S. is still on the radar, many families are shifting their focus to destinations where they feel they’re getting more for their travel dollar or combining cultural experiences with relaxation – such as Europe or closer-to-home beach destinations.
LDT: Yes, U.S. bookings are down for us as families are avoiding travel to U.S. theme parks mainly because of the political friction between Canada and the USA and the exchange rate.
Do you have any insights to share based on your own bookings?
CC: Right now, we’re seeing a noticeable shift in how families are approaching their travel plans. There’s definitely more hesitation around booking far in advance – many clients are holding back from committing, even when strong early booking incentives, like the Transat Early Booking Bonus. Last-minute bookings are still happening, but there’s a sense of caution, likely influenced by economic uncertainty. Families seem to be waiting longer to make that initial deposit, weighing their options more carefully before finalizing plans.
That said, waiting until the last minute does come with trade-offs. Availability becomes limited, especially for in-demand dates, family-sized accommodations, or popular destinations – so flexibility is key. Those who can be open to different travel windows or alternate locations tend to fare better when booking closer to departure. Overall, while there’s still a strong desire to travel, we’re seeing families navigate that desire with a bit more prudence and flexibility this year.
LDT: For big trips, far-out bookings are increasingly common. Families are booking summer and holiday travel as early as six months to a year in advance, particularly if they want to secure better deals or guaranteed availability to popular destinations. What’s really interesting is that it seems there’s still a dual trend happening – advanced planning for big, popular destinations, but a growing spontaneity for other, less complex trips that don’t require as much logistics.
Do you have anything to add?
CC: All-inclusive resorts continue to grow in popularity and market share, with major hospitality brands like Hyatt, Marriott, and Hilton actively expanding their all-inclusive offerings. The appeal of this model lies in its simplicity and convenience—everything is taken care of in one package. Families and travellers appreciate not having to research restaurants, arrange transportation, or deal with added costs like parking or surprise resort fees.
From a budgeting standpoint, the all-inclusive model is especially attractive because it offers clarity and peace of mind. The cost of the vacation is known upfront, which makes planning easier and helps avoid unexpected expenses.
What we’re seeing now is a clear preference for higher-end all-inclusives. Guests are looking for quality experiences – resorts that offer exceptional dining, top-shelf beverages, room service, and well-appointed accommodations. The expectation is not just convenience, but elevated comfort and value throughout the stay.
LDT: As an agency owner and travel professional, I know how overwhelming it can be to plan the perfect family getaway – especially with rising prices, job security, limited availability, and so many destinations to choose from. That’s exactly why we as travel professionals are here to help and are passionate about what we do. Whether you’re dreaming of a magical vacation, a beachside resort, or a more adventurous family trip, we take the guesswork out of planning and make sure your time and money are well spent. We offer insider deals to early access bookings, we help families travel smarter – not just more. Let us the travel professional make your next trip unforgettable, stress-free, and totally tailored to you.
