Most popular destinations for families and why you should consider them too
This is a contributed post.
Family holidays continue to evolve, with UK travellers showing strong interest in new experiences, multi-destination trips, and child-centred adventures. According to Hilton's 2025 Trends Report, 60% of UK travellers actively pick holidays based on their children's needs and interests, whilst 81% consult with their children about holiday destinations. British families are travelling more often and exploring a wider range of destinations than in previous years, making it the perfect time to consider where to go next.
1. European Classics That Families Return to Year After Year
Destinations such as Spain, France, and Switzerland are firm favourites thanks to short flights, family-friendly resorts, and reliable infrastructure. Spain particularly dominates UK family bookings, with the Office for National Statistics reporting 17.8 million UK visits in 2024, more than double any other country. The Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca offer wallet-friendly accommodation alongside waterparks and Blue Flag beaches, whilst Switzerland's scenic, activity-rich holidays appeal to families looking for mountain adventures. Many families up and down the UK are already planning their summer holiday's for 2026 to secure the best deals and availability in popular European spots.
2. Long Haul Adventures for Families Seeking Something Bigger
Destinations like Orlando, Dubai, and Southeast Asia appeal to families wanting theme parks, sunshine, and all-inclusive convenience. Orlando is the ultimate family playground, with Walt Disney World and Universal Studios drawing British families year-round, whilst Dubai's modern infrastructure and guaranteed sunshine make it increasingly popular for winter escapes. Southeast Asian destinations like Thailand and Bali offer exceptional value, combining beaches, cultural experiences, and child-friendly resorts. These long-haul options provide adventure beyond traditional European favourites, though they require more planning and investment.
2. Destinations Inspired by TV, Nostalgia, and New Travel Trends
British families choose destinations based on TV shows, childhood memories, or "kid-led" planning. Hilton's research reveals that 45% of Brits take their children to destinations they visited as youngsters, whilst 47% actively return to childhood holiday spots to pass down shared experiences. Television influences travel decisions too, with programmes like Bluey boosting interest in Australian destinations. This nostalgic approach, termed “Nostalgication”, reflects families' desire to recreate cherished memories whilst building new ones. Children's opinions heavily influence final decisions, with 51% of adults choosing destinations they dreamed of exploring during their own childhood.
3. Multi-Stop and Experience-Led Holidays on the Rise
The growing popularity of "holiday hopping" sees families visiting multiple destinations in one trip. This trend reflects British travellers' appetite for variety and maximising holiday time. Multi-centre trips allow families to combine beach relaxation with city exploration or mix different countries within a single journey. European destinations particularly suit this approach, with short travel distances between Spain's coastal resorts and cultural cities like Barcelona or Seville. Experience-led holidays focusing on specific activities, whether cooking classes, wildlife encounters, or adventure sports, also gain traction as families prioritise meaningful engagement over passive tourism.
From reliable European classics to ambitious long-haul adventures, family holiday preferences reflect evolving priorities around child involvement, nostalgic experiences, and multi-destination exploration. Whether returning to beloved favourites or discovering new territories together, British families look for holidays that balance comfort, value, and memorable experiences for all ages.
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