Top 5 Family Travel Trends for 2026

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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - There are various options for family vacations. From beach holidays, road trips, exploring national parks, and themed recreational parks. Family travel trends are influenced by nostalgia, slower-paced travel, or travel inspired by favorite TV shows, books, and movies.

Additionally, short trips are predicted to play a significant role in 2026. Here are the family travel trends for 2026 as reported by USA Today.

2026 Family Travel Trends

1. Involving Children in Vacation Planning

According to the 2026 Priceline Travel Trends Report, 87 percent of actively traveling parents involve their children in choosing and planning family vacations. Christina Bennet, a consumer travel trends expert at Priceline, mentioned that today's children are far more knowledgeable and have more opinions, which parents genuinely incorporate into vacation planning.

A report from Hilton also shows similar trends, where nearly 80 percent of parents say that their children inspire them to seek new travel experiences while on vacation. Involving children in vacation planning increases the enthusiasm of other family members.

According to Jess Petitt, Hilton's senior vice president of strategy, insights, and full-service brands, involving children is about making them feel like partners in the adventure. This can include exploring destinations, suggesting activities or hotel facilities, choosing outdoor activities, and deciding between in-room breakfast or a buffet. These activities make children feel like a valuable part of the travel experience. "Let them be creative," she said.

2. Travel Inspiration from Movies, TV Shows, or Books

The Priceline report mentions that 60 percent of parents say their children suggest travel destinations based on pop culture interests. About 56 percent reported that their children requested international trips inspired by movies, shows, games, or celebrities.

Contiki, a travel agency specializing in 18-35 year olds, found that 66 percent of young adult travelers have booked trips inspired by books, movies, or shows, with Mamma Mia!, The White Lotus, and the Harry Potter series as the main sources of inspiration.

Expedia projects that visiting filming locations shows promising value. For example, Cleveland is creating travel plans for Superman movie fans. The White Lotus continues to attract fans to stay in hotels that were filming locations. For example, the San Domenico Palace in Sicily experienced a 300 percent surge in demand after the second season, while the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui in Thailand saw a 65 percent increase thanks to the third season.

3. Nostalgic Travel

Contiki found that 78 percent of millennials and Gen Z have either revisited or want to revisit childhood trips. Meanwhile, Priceline reported that 73 percent of travelers are interested in experiences that help them reconnect with the past.

According to Christina Bennet, with so much happening, people crave familiarity and emotional grounding. "That’s the reason we go back and stream the same shows when we can’t sleep: There’s a real comfort in revisiting favorites," she said.

Additionally, road trips will be a popular way for families seeking nostalgic vacations. Moreover, this type of travel is more flexible. Jess Petitt said that road trips allow travelers to follow their curiosity, veer off to see unique roadside attractions, or stop for a picnic. "Families are seeking spontaneity and connection, and the open road creates an environment where those things flourish," she said.

4. Short Trips are Gaining Popularity

Priceline found that 76 percent of Gen Z travelers and 65 percent of all travelers have booked short trips to improve their mood. Even weekend getaways can provide unforgettable short family vacations.

According to Ali Killam, Airbnb's editorial content lead, short vacations can provide meaningful cultural experiences with careful planning. "Even with limited time, people are eager to explore new destinations and immerse themselves in the local culture," she said.

5. Vacations for Relaxation

The term "hushpitality," where travelers seek ways to slow down and disconnect from busyness, is becoming a trend for 2026. Some research supports this trend.

Hilton's global study shows that the primary motivation for leisure travelers in 2026 is to rest and recharge. Even parents want quality vacations with their children, applying vacations without gadgets.

Meanwhile, Vrbo found that 91 percent of travelers seek vacations focused on reading, relaxation, and quality time with loved ones. 89 percent of respondents aged 18-35 surveyed by Contiki said they would leave their phones behind for a tech-free trip.