You might remember a time when family travel planning was all about the adults. But if you’ve noticed that your kids now have more to say about your holiday destinations, you’re not alone. Family travel planning is changing fast, and Generation Alpha and Generation Z are the ones leading the charge.
According to Hilton’s 2025 Trends Report, these young travellers are shaping the future of the travel industry with preferences that reflect their personal interests, cultural pride, and thirst for adventure.
Kids Are Steering Family Travel Planning
Source: Big Stock Photo
Gone are the days when parents decided everything. Now, your little ones (or not-so-little-anymore teens) are becoming the real navigators of your family adventures. In Asia Pacific, 87% of young travellers, including Gen Alpha and Gen Z, are actively involved in family travel planning.
In countries like China and India, these numbers skyrocket to over 90%! These generations are tech-savvy, globally minded, and eager to explore the world on their terms. And they’re not just asking for a say, they’re getting it.
This shift means that while you still handle the logistics—think transportation, accommodations, and budgeting—your kids are taking the lead in picking activities and destinations. And why wouldn’t they? They’re the ones plugged into the latest trends, whether it’s the best theme park, the coolest music festival, or a must-see sports event.
It’s exciting to see your kids come into their own as travel planners, but it can also feel a bit like you’re handing over the reins. How do you balance their excitement for adventure with the realities of planning a family trip? The good news is that their involvement can actually take a load off your shoulders.
They’re not just choosing activities. They’re creating experiences that you’ll all enjoy.
Cultural Pride
For Generation Alpha and Generation Z, travel is about more than just seeing new places. It’s a chance to connect with their heritage, learn about their culture, and grow as individuals. In fact, 75% of young travellers in Asia Pacific take pride in their region’s global cultural influence, and 73% are eager to explore their roots through travel. This cultural pride is a huge driving force behind family travel planning.
As parents, you’ve probably already seen this firsthand. Maybe your child has suggested a trip to a historical site that connects with your family’s traditions or a destination that celebrates a festival tied to your heritage. You’re not just booking flights and hotels anymore. You’re planning experiences that enrich your family’s understanding of where they come from.
And this isn’t just a one-off trend. With 68% of young travellers viewing travel as essential to their education and personal development, the next generation is turning every trip into a learning experience. Whether you’re exploring temples in Japan, hiking in the mountains of India, or visiting art museums in Singapore, your children are absorbing the world in ways that will shape their identities for years to come.
The Rise of Sports and Entertainment Travel
Does your family have a budding sports fan or a K-pop enthusiast?
You might want to get ready for some major travel events in 2025. Hilton’s report shows that sports and entertainment are at the top of the travel wish list for young adventurers in Asia Pacific.
Sports events like the ODI World Cup for Women and the Table Tennis World Championships are becoming the hottest tickets for family vacations.
And it’s not just the athletes who are drawing the crowds. APAC youth are flocking to music festivals and concerts, with K-pop ranking high on the list.
If you’ve ever had a family debate over whether to visit a museum or catch a concert, you know that these entertainment-driven trips can be some of the most exciting for your kids. And honestly, what better way to bond as a family than to cheer on your favourite team or dance the night away at a concert? It’s a way to make memories that are uniquely yours.
The Digital Natives of Travel
We all know how glued kids can be to their screens, but did you know that technology is now central to how they travel?
Source: WiT
Gen Alpha and Gen Z are spending hours a day on their devices, even while on vacation. Smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches have become travel essentials for them, serving as tools for entertainment, connection, and learning. Whether they’re streaming videos, playing games, or sharing their travel experiences on social media, technology is their way of interacting with the world.
This constant connection to the digital realm might seem like a distraction at first, but it can actually enhance your family travel planning. Apps can help you navigate foreign cities, translate languages, and find the best places to eat, all in real-time. So while you might want to set some limits on screen time, embracing technology can make your trip smoother and more fun for everyone.
Domestic vs. Global Travel
When it comes to where these young explorers want to go, there’s an interesting mix. While Gen Alpha and Gen Z across the Asia Pacific are excited to explore local destinations, they’re also looking beyond the region. Australia, Japan, and South Korea are some of the top international destinations for 2025, with young travellers eager to experience different cultures firsthand.
For Singaporean parents, this is where things get interesting. Your kids might be clamouring to explore the beauty of Asia, but don’t be surprised if they suggest venturing further afield. With the rise of cultural pride and personal growth through travel, your children may be keen to discover places that expand their horizons beyond what they know.
The Future of Family Travel Planning
So, what does all of this mean for the future of family travel planning?
Simply put, it’s going to be a lot more collaborative. As Gen Alpha and Gen Z continue to shape the way we travel, parents will have to adapt to their children’s growing influence. But that’s not a bad thing! In fact, it can lead to richer, more fulfilling travel experiences for the whole family.
As Hilton’s 2025 Trends Report points out, the future of travel is all about blending relaxation with adventure, and cultural exploration with personal growth. Your family trips are no longer just a break from the daily grind. They’re an opportunity to create lasting memories and learn about the world together.
Ready to Let Your Kids Take the Lead?
Family travel planning is evolving, and your kids are more than ready to be a part of it.
While you might still be in charge of the budget and logistics, letting your children have a say in the activities and destinations can turn an ordinary trip into an extraordinary one.
So, what’s your next family adventure? Whether it’s cheering at a sports event, exploring your cultural heritage, or just soaking in some downtime, let your kids take the lead.
You might be surprised by where they take you!
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