More families plan to take trips together in 2011. TripAdvisor reports a four percent rise in family travel this year over last year. 83% said they will take at least one vacation with family members this year. "Travelers may not be able to pick their families, but they can certainly choose whether or not to plan trips with them – and Americans intend to do so in their droves this year," said Karen Drake, senior director of communications for TripAdvisor.
What They're Spending
The majority plan to spend between $1,000-3,000 on their vacation. And to save money, 26% of parents say they'll take a vacation while school is in session.
Parents were asked how old is too old to take a "kid" on a family trip. 67% said that children are never too old to treat to a family trip. However, 21% said you should stop paying the bill once the kids graduate from college. Drake says, "Family vacations are no longer the preserve of young kids and their parents, but a time for relations of all ages to come together for quality time."
Where They're Going
Most plan to stay within the U.S. 58% of travelers with children plan to take domestic-only family trips in 2011. While 32% plan to travel both within the U.S. and internationally. 10% will take international-only trips.
The top five types of family trips in 2011, according to the survey:
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Beach destination - 57%
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City trip - 39%
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Amusement park/theme park - 23%
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Cultural trip - 21%
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Camping/outdoors trip - 17%
Other Findings About Family Travel
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37% of respondents plan to take a multi-generational family trip this year.
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The biggest challenge of taking a family vacation is finding activities that the whole family likes, according to 21% of respondents – more challenging than the travel itself (19%), or staying on budget (12%).
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29% plan to travel for a major family event this year, such as a reunion or wedding.
Do you have plans to travel with your family this year? Where are you headed? What's the best/worst thing about traveling as a family?
