• travel
  • By AAA Staff
  • March 15, 2018

2018 family travel trends

An estimated 88 million Americans plan to take family vacations this year, and millennials are embracing these getaways more than any other generation. According to a recent study from AAA Travel, 44 percent of millennials are planning a family getaway this year compared to 39 percent of Generation Xers and 32 percent of baby boomers.

What did the study discover?

Nearly 65 percent of families surveyed stated they will pack up their cars for a road trip, while 35 percent said they plan to visit an international destination. The study further discovered that families are taking more trips each year; one in four families are planning to take three or more family vacations in the next 12 months.

Additionally, family travelers are looking for new experiences. Roughly 73 percent of families that are planning a vacation this year are seeking a destination they have not previously visited. When researching new experiences, families are choosing destinations with attractions such as beaches and mountains (61 percent), opportunities for sightseeing (59 percent), and relaxation (56 percent).

Top 5 family destinations

Hawai'i

Hawai'i can be a wonderful honeymoon or anniversary destination. It can also be fun with the kids. Vacationing in the Aloha State allows families to delve into a unique culture and landscape without having to deal with the hassle of passports, going through customs, or dealing with currency exchanges. Book a Hawai'i trip now.
Honolulu, Hawaii

Eastern Caribbean

Exploring the Eastern Caribbean is no easy feat with families on a limited budget. However, cruises provide impressive vacation value for families: lodging, food, activities and transportation to faraway places like the Eastern Caribbean for one set price. Find your Caribbean paradise.
Puerto Rico

Italy

Italy is a kid-friendly country, and you'll find that kids are welcome almost anywhere. Be it kid-friendly Rome, smouldering volcanos, or beach-laced coasts, Italy spoils families with its rich mix of historical and cultural sights, along with a staggering portfolio of outdoor activities and stunning natural landscapes. To get the most out of exploring Italy as a family, plan ahead.
Rome, Italy

U.S. National Parks

There's something irresistible about national parks. From turquoise lakes to rugged coastline, from the spectacular views of the Grand Canyon to the geysers of Yellowstone, it's the sheer exhilaration of being amid incredible surroundings. Plan your next family trip to a U.S. National Park.
Grand Canyon, Arizona

Any Disney destinations

No matter how many times you visit the Disneyland® Resort, Walt Disney World® or any one of Disney’s popular destinations, it’s always an exciting and new experience.

 

Explore the Disneyland® Resort, plan an excursion with Adventures by Disney®, experience the Walt Disney World® Resort, or visit Disney’s newest property in Oahu, the Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa, in Ko Olina, Hawai'i.

 

The only thing you need to decide is where will you go?

Ready to book your family trip?

Whether you’ve been dreaming of relaxing on a sunny beach in the U.S., going on an adventurous cruise, or sightseeing in a culture-rich European capital, AAA is your go-to resource for travel on any budget.

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