As the days grow longer and grey dreary days fade into the distance, and families are planning ahead and dusting off their suitcases in preparation for the great summer getaway, booking.com reports.
The leading digital travel platform, driven by its mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world, reports that searches for accommodations by families for the summer travel season are already seeing an 8% increase as compared to last year, while flight searches globally are seeing an increase of 21%. These figures underscore a strong interest in travel this summer, as families look to make the most of the warmer months ahead.
Families are eyeing great beaches, tasty local cuisine, and cultural experiences
Almost two-thirds (62%) of families rank spending quality time as the main motivator for traveling this year, followed by finding the time to properly relax (58%), and discovering new places (48%).
Family motivators for travel play nicely to this summer’s trending spots, which include destinations famed for their scenic beaches, exquisite local cuisine, and enriching opportunities for cultural immersion. Whether that’s the serene beaches of Durres, Albania, or the vibrant diverse districts in Tokyo, Japan, these destinations offer a tapestry of places to stay and travel experiences that will enrich and entertain every member of the family.
Top global trending summer destinations for families
1. Durres, Albania
2. Tangier, Morocco
3. Marrakech, Morocco
4. Destin, Florida, USA
5. Sevilla, Spain
6. Palma de Mallorca, Spain
7. Tokyo, Japan
8. Dubrovnik, Croatia
9. Madrid, Spain
10. Bangkok, Thailand
With over 29 million total reported listings worldwide, in 220 countries and territories, and more than 175,000 destinations, families can find the ideal place to stay this summer based on their needs. This includes more than 7.4 million reported listings in homes, apartments, and other unique places to stay, positioning Booking as a leader in non-hotel accommodations.
European kids will be the jet setters this summer
The landscape of family travel this summer is set to redefine the meaning of well-traveled children. Booking.com reveals that kids living in Europe will be globetrotters this summer with 42% of flight searches by Europeans including at least one child. Kids living in Asia and North America round out the top three at 33% and 32% respectively.
Some nationalities, however, are emerging as true leaders in family travel this summer. Families based in the countries below are burgeoning a generation of young jet setters who, as kids, not only have the opportunity to enjoy the thrills of flying, but ultimately get to experience diverse cultures, cuisines, and landscapes from an early age as over half (50%) of all flight searches from the following countries include at least one child.
Countries with the highest % of children included in flight searches
1. Egypt
2. Denmark
3. Poland
4. Sweden
5. Cyprus
6. Czech Republic
7. Belgium
8. Norway
9. United Kingdom
10. Ireland
Booking.com flight search data for this summer also reveals that families in some countries are traveling further afield than others during their summer vacations this year.
Countries with the highest % of families traveling to a different continent***
1. UAE
2. Australia
3. Egypt
4. Turkey
5. Netherlands
6. Canada
7. China
8. Germany
9. United Kingdom
10. Belgium
Travelers from 55 countries and territories, can currently browse and purchase flights directly through Booking.com’s branded offering to over 4,500 destinations worldwide.
Inside the family travel lens
This year, family travel decisions are being shaped by a wide range of interests and behaviors that are altering the traditional way of traveling with loved ones.
55% of families globally say they are inspired to travel to try food seen on a show or movie, highlighting the influence of popular media on travel choices.*
48% of families are planning to use AI tools as part of their travel planning in 2024, showing a desire to adopt new practices to streamline their trip.* Families in the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand can now use the AI Trip Planner, found directly on the Booking.com mobile app, to start their trip planning process.****
Travel nannies may start becoming a trend this summer with 31% of families saying they would likely allocate travel budget to having someone care for their child or children on a trip. This rate surpasses more than half (50%) in India, Hong Kong and Thailand.
Comfort is also a top priority with 74% of families across the globe citing air conditioning as the most important amenity when booking a place to stay.
With Booking.com, unlocking the perfect summer family getaway has never been easier. Travelers can arrange every element of their trip without having to leave the platform or mobile app. From over 30 different category types of accommodation to flight connections, car rental, and local attractions, Booking.com is connecting trips for travelers across the world.
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