From “cool” summer destinations to movie set locations, this year’s family travel trends are guaranteed to appeal to all ages and inspire future explorers. Amanda Statham, Editor of 101 Family Holidays, gives us the lowdown on where to book your next adventure.
VILLAS WITH EXTRAS
The trend for multi-generation getaways keeps growing. Travellers are putting family first in a big way, however it’s not only grandparents joining the fun, close friends are being added to the mix too and consequently large villas are in high demand.
Ed Pike, Managing Director of Simpson Travel says, “The demand for properties that work for multi-generational groups and special get togethers continues to grow and this year our villas are reaching new standards of luxury in terms of facilities.” So how luxurious and personalised are we talking? Pike lists requests for the usual private pools and outdoor kitchens, but also private basketball courts, high tech gyms and even somewhere to moor a boat.
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As far as luxury villas go, four-bedroom Villa Alessia on Lefkada in Greece is spot on - think tennis court, pool and Jacuzzi, plus amazing added extras including a herb garden and a section of a private vineyard. Seven nights from £683pp including flights and car hire, based on eight sharing.
TAKE TO THE WATER
Family holidays based around water have always proved a hit. Blue space makes everyone feel better (it’s scientifically proven!) which is why beach getaways are a winner. However, family escapes featuring lakes, canals and rivers are also on the rise and neatly tap into another key travel trend for 2025 - the desire to explore lesser-known, under-touristed destinations.
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To celebrate its 40th anniversary, Headwater Active Holidays is reintroducing the first trip it ever offered: Canoeing on the Loire. This family-friendly holiday for adventurers aged 8+ is perfect for reconnecting and getting active. You’ll paddle down the tranquil waters of France’s Loire Valley, passing historic villages, rollings vineyards and fairytale chateaux, with plenty of opportunities to come ashore and make the most of the French cuisine and chic boutique hotels. Five nights from £1,179pp including equipment and hotels.
COOL-CATIONS
Summer 2024 was awash with news stories about record-breaking temperatures in some of Europe’s most popular family holiday destinations. Instead, the cool crowd opted for more temperate climes, such as Alpine peaks, Scandinavian islands and Icelandic boltholes. Not only are they a sensible option with younger kids, these chilled destinations often come with the added bonus of fewer crowds and cheaper flights.
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If you want to discover the highlights of Iceland in one easy trip, Regent Holidays has a dreamy 10-day Iceland on the Road summer break for 2025, featuring the Gulifoss Waterfall, Skaftafell National Park and its volcanic peaks, puffins at Dyrhólaey Cape and a boat tour of Papey Island. I’ve never met a child who isn’t curious about volcanoes or puffins, making this a must-book family trip. From £1,715pp including return flights, nine nights accommodation, car hire, some meals and 24-hour emergency car support.
DEEPER CONNECTIONS
Creating deeper connections (with each other and the wider community) while travelling is the aim of an increasing number of families. A swimming pool and all-you-can-eat buffet goes a long way with younger kids, admittedly, but there comes a time when you long for more depth on your hols, particularly with tweens and teens. But where to get those live in the moment, fully immersed kicks? Fleewinter’s Madagascar expert Robin Swanepoel took his own son on a tour of the spectacular, nature-filled Indian Ocean island recently and said it was, “some of the best time we’ve ever had together," which is quite the recommendation.
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From lemurs and chameleons to pristine beaches and lush rainforests, Fleewinter’s new Madagascar Family Holiday has it all. It begins in the bustling capital of Antananarivo, before taking in the tranquility and natural wonders of Anjajavy le Lodge on the north west coast, home to towering baobabs and ring-tailed lemurs. You’ll also get to spend time with the local Sakalava people in neighbouring villages. From £5,570 per adult and £2,250 per child, including return flights and accommodation.
BLAZING SADDLES
Horse-riding holidays are hot. What started as a fun break for pony-obsessed kids has developed into a full-blown tourism trend, from ranching to equestrian therapy. Before you stop reading, hear me out, because a family horse-riding break doesn’t have to mean camping and a sore bum, there are plenty of luxe places to get in the saddle plus there’s something to appeal to all ages and genders, whether that’s playing cowboys in the wild west or trotting across the Brecon Beacons.
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North American Travel Service has some hot-to-trot riding holidays, including ranch options, such as Kay El Bar Guest Ranch in Arizona, where equestrian-based experiences are the main allure with twice-daily rides included. For non-riders there’s loads to do too, including cowboy cookouts, archery, star-gazing and hiking. Family-sized suites in a cosy casa means there’s room for all the fam, and children aged four and under stay free. Five nights for a family of four from £2,922, including meals, accommodation and all activities, but excluding flights.
SET-JETTING
More than ever, families are picking travel spots featured in their favourite films. Entire industries have been built around famous locations, such as The Lord of the Rings tours in New Zealand, and today set-jetting is a major tourism driver. So where’s going to be big in 2025? Paul Mescal starring in Gladiator 2 is predicted to boost family trips to Malta where much of it was filmed, while smash hit Paddington in Peru has seen interest in the South American country soar.
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For an unbeatable family holiday, follow in the footsteps of everyone’s favourite Peruvian bear and book The Best of Magical Peru & The Amazon with Affordable Luxury Travel. This bucket-list adventure takes in Lima, Arequipa, the jaw-dropping Colca Canyon where condors soar overhead, Lake Titicaca, Cusco City, the Scared Valley, Machu Picchu and a cruise down the Amazon River. Chances of hearing the words “I’m bored”? Zero. From £3,449pp including flights.
