Now on day three without venturing far beyond our San Antonio Bay hotel, I am ankle-deep in the children’s pool, watching my seven-month-old son splash with glee as my fast-melting strawberry daiquiri taunts me by the sun lounger. Would I change a thing? Absolutely not. (Well, except maybe the speed at which I can consume my cocktails).
A different kind of holiday
Pre-parenthood, I had visions of one day becoming a mum who pursued off-the-beaten track adventures with a baby in tow who looked, somewhat akin to a drooling, babbling backpack.
In reality, a package holiday is exactly what we need for our first family holiday: low-stress, dependable, good value – constituent parts that have allowed us to concentrate on simply enjoying time together.
But that’s not to say my ambitions for more extravagant family trips have been diminished. And in that I’m not alone. Research by Club Med has shown that families are introducing children to international travel younger than ever before, with four in 10 children having already visited five countries before turning eight.
A study of 2,000 UK parents revealed that modern family holidays are increasingly centred around cultural discovery, flexibility and experience-led travel. “Children today are growing up as global travellers, often experiencing international holidays at a much younger age than previous generations,” says Nicolas Bresch, Managing Director, UK, Ireland and Nordics at Club Med.
“Families are increasingly looking for opportunities to discover new cultures and activities together, whether that’s on a sun holiday or a ski escape.”
A jet-setting generation
Not only are children travelling more, but younger family members are increasingly having a say in what types of holidays their parents book.
“Family travel has evolved significantly, with children now playing a greater role in shaping where families go and what they experience once they arrive,” added Bresch. “Holidays today are about much more than simply getting away; they are opportunities to inspire curiosity, build confidence and create meaningful shared memories.”
Alexandra Jaritz, Senior Vice President, Brand Management, Asia Pacific, Hilton, echoes this: “As Generation Alpha and Z step into the role of key influencers in family travel decisions, they are redefining the landscape of travel.
“Their evolving preferences are driving the industry to innovate, creating opportunities for more meaningful, immersive, and culturally enriching experiences that align with their values. This shift is not just about the destinations they choose, but how they interact with and experience the world.”
Take the U.S., for example. While key attractions such as Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Studios Florida remain ever popular, families are increasingly looking beyond Orlando in search of more diverse and memorable experiences.
At Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, budding astronauts can come face-to-face with real spacecraft and learn about the future of space exploration, while New York’s SUMMIT One Vanderbilt offers an immersive observation experience combining spectacular skyline views with interactive art installations.
Elsewhere, families are broadening their itineraries to include the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone National Park, the vast landscapes of Grand Canyon National Park and the marine exhibits of Monterey Bay Aquarium. These attractions reflect a growing desire among travellers to combine entertainment with education, nature and culture.
Young adventurers
The last trip my husband and I took before becoming parents was an epic three weeks in Japan and China, and taking our children to Asia when they’re older is high on our bucket list.
An expert in this region, Wendy Wu Tours can cater to multigenerational families – but are more suited to those with older children.
“We do see strong interest from families travelling together with older children – typically 16-plus and often into their early 20s – particularly where there’s a shared interest in culture, food, and meaningful travel experiences,” says Gary King, Head of Trade Sales, Wendy Wu Tours.
“What’s really resonating with these family groups is the idea of travelling beyond the ‘typical’ holiday – swapping beach resorts or theme parks for something more enriching and memorable. Experiences like walking the Great Wall in China, meeting local communities, street food exploration, or hands-on cultural moments (from calligraphy to cooking) tend to be the real hooks – they offer something genuinely different, while still being accessible and well-supported through our escorted format. We’re seeing growing appeal in places like Japan and South Korea with this audience – particularly driven by pop culture, food, and wider cultural curiosity.”
Top attractions for families
Rainforest Wild Asia: Opened in 2025 as Singapore’s fifth wildlife park, it’s designed more like an expedition through a rainforest than a traditional zoo, with varying trail difficulty levels and adventure elements built in.
Fun on the 93rd floor: An attraction that sells out in New York, kids and adults alike can be brave at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt. With transparent glass walls and floor panels, guests enjoy sweeping views of Midtown Manhattan while ascending along the outside of One Vanderbilt with the add-on Ascent experience. Book SUMMIT Experience tickets through dosomethingdifferent.com to earn commission.
Futuroscope: Long popular with French families but still overlooked by many Brits, the French park’s new “Mission Bermudes” combines immersive storytelling with cutting-edge ride technology. The whole park focuses on science, technology and multimedia rather than cartoon characters.
The Amazing Race: Families at Siyam World Maldives can join forces for a race across the island, completing challenges and hunting down clues at multiple locations across the island. Fun for all the family!
Out-of-this-world adventures: The U.S. Space and Rocket Centre in Alabama offers an immersive STEM experience. Visitors can explore a collection of rockets and space artifacts, interactive exhibits, simulators, and major attractions including Saturn V Hall and Rocket Park.
Book it with: Gold Medal
Gold Medal has seven nights at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, flying with Sri Lankan Airways via Colombo, for £11,796 for a family of four, departing August 2026. The price is based on two adults and two kids under 12 sharing a Deluxe Beach Villa on a premium all-inclusive basis, which includes dine around and three excursions (local island experience, guided snorkelling at Nemo Park and sunset cruise).
