These expanded family vacations will impact planning and booking, with all ages influencing decisions in new and surprising ways. When it comes to planning and decision-making, there’s a renewed appreciation for the value of fun and shared experiences. In fact, 74% say traveling has strengthened the family bond by participating in events related to their interests. More travelers are also encouraging their kids to bring friends along.
Redefining Family Travel
Multiple generations—even skip-generations—will travel together in 2026. Almost half (48%) of the global Hilton team members surveyed are observing more families traveling with three or more generations, signaling an appetite for epic family vacations. More than one in four travelers who vacation with children (29%) are embracing skip-generation travel by sending the kids off with just the grandparents. Alternatively, 50% of parents are using travel to capture special one-on-one bonding time with individual children.
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of the global Hilton team members surveyed are observing more families traveling with three or more generations, signaling an appetite for epic family vacations.
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of global travelers are embracing skip-generation travel by sending the kids off with just the grandparents.
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of parents are using travel to capture special one-on-one bonding time with just one of their children.
Hilton properties offer accommodations for groups of all sizes, from one bedroom to multi-room suites to connected rooms that join multiple parties together. Motto by Hilton Rotterdam Blaak is a great example, as the hotel’s connected rooms can host more than 24 people, across 12 connecting rooms.
In 2026, 73% of those who travel with children or grandchildren, globally, expect to actively encourage them to play a role in vacation planning. Seventy-eight percent of parents agree that their children inspire them to seek out new travel experiences on vacation.
Experiences are the Best Souvenirs: Families Prioritize Play
In 2026, a whopping 84% of travelers will seek out opportunities for the entire family to play together, with 86% saying they value experiences more than material gifts. For some, that means taking a break from phones and tablets, with more than half of parents (58%) planning to enforce 'no screen-time' moments next year.
This desire to “play” is often sparked by a childlike sense of wonder and the thrill of the unknown. Increasingly, grown-ups are choosing curiosity and letting playfulness guide their adventures. Beyond family playtime, 30% of travelers say they’re more open to trying new or more adventurous experiences while traveling than they would be at home.
Hilton brands are ready to provide opportunities for play and exploration. Think everything from game nights in the lobby of Tru by Hilton, to LXR Hotels & Resorts’ Pursuit of Adventure, a set of once-in-a-lifetime excursions ranging from private hikes in Hawaii to exclusive hot air balloon rides over the Sonoran Desert.
Playing together as a family can also come in the form of cultural exploration. In fact, 35% of those considering travel in 2026 are interested in cultural experiences.
An offsite experience at Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique takes guests through coffee fields for a lesson on the art of coffee production. They also take part in a private tasting with a barista champion.
At Zemi Miches Punta Cana All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton, travelers can enjoy hands-on artisanal workshops, culinary and mixology classes and Dominican-inspired ceremonies that bring the island’s heritage to life.
Just Hit Play (Ball)
Nearly 20% of global travelers cite sporting events and entertainment as the “why” behind their travel plans in 2026.
This element of human connection plays a central role in why people will travel next year. Sixty-three percent say they’ve made new friends while traveling to events related to their interests, and a third (33%) plan to take group trips specifically to enjoy a shared passion, from music to fitness.
Meanwhile, 31% are actively seeking local groups or communities to join when they travel. Hotel brands like LivSmart Studios by Hilton and Tru by Hilton offer digital display boards curated by Hilton team members that offer insider tips on favorite local restaurants, hidden gems, community events and more. Canopy by Hilton and Motto by Hilton hotels even have dedicated team members who are in the know about the locale, giving guests access and suggestions for authentic experiences.
Additionally, 84% of Hilton Honors members surveyed say they strengthened bonds with friends or family while traveling during events tied to their personal interests.
