Whether it’s over the river and through the woods or something a little further afield, lots of us will travel over the holidays. Many families will find a way to give travel as a cherished gift. Before we know it, the calendar will roll over into the New Year, and many of us will be thinking about where we can travel for vacations in 2025.
You don’t have to look much further than the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) checkpoint numbers to see that air travel soared in 2024. In the TSA’s 22-year history, all ten of the busiest travel volume days have happened this year during the summer months. More than three million travelers made it through U.S. airport security on June 23, 2024, setting the all-time record for number of passengers screened in a single day.
Based on interest in travel and trends we’re seeing with bookings through AAA, next year could be even busier. Cruises and international destinations were very popular in 2024, and that’s likely to be the story for 2025 as well.
According to the most recent Family Travel Association annual survey, here are some of the top travel trends for families:
- 81 percent of parents surveyed were likely or very likely to travel with their children.
- 68 percent of parents are planning a multi-day vacation here in the U.S.
- 46 percent are planning an extended stay international vacation.
Multi-generational travel is also big right now with extended family likely to travel together to locations that can accommodate large groups and offer activities for different age groups. Having some fun in the sun is also on many itineraries. In the poll, 54 percent noted they are planning a beach trip, while 33 percent are planning to visit a theme park or waterpark. Nearly one in four respondents said they were planning a cruise vacation.
There’s nothing like cooler weather to inspire many to start dreaming of and planning for trips to exotic, warm weather locations. Now is a great time to book that summer 2025 trip to know you have the room, itinerary, tours, and attractions all booked and confirmed.
Tips for Family Travel Success
Whether you’re booking on your own or working with a travel advisor, you might want to start your travel planning online. There are lots of resources to help you research ideas, cruises, destinations, tours, and inspiration and then turn it into a custom vacation for the whole family.
Consider giving a vacation as a holiday gift and involve the whole family in the planning. Talk with family members and find out favorite activities, destinations, and attractions. Develop a family travel itinerary together.
Here are some additional tips:
- Consider working with a travel advisor. They can assist you in exploring your options and offer guidance and expertise along the way. They can also advocate on your behalf should your flights or other travel plans be disrupted in any way.
- Look into travel insurance. Purchasing a trip, especially for a family, can be a big purchase. Travel insurance helps protect that investment if something outside of your control interrupts your trip or keeps you from traveling. There are many kinds of policies, so read the fine print to know what is or isn’t covered.
- Peek at your passport. If you’re planning an international trip, make sure everyone in the family has a valid passport. A valid passport has an expiration date more than six months past your travel dates. Adults twenty-five and older can now renew passports online and the turnaround time is much quicker than it has been in the past few years.
- Keep up with specials. Cruise lines offer Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals to those who are looking to book. Travelers who have already booked may find excursions, drink packages, and other on-board experiences are on sale for the kick-off to the holiday season.
I really hope you’ll think about giving the gift of travel this holiday season! It’s a gift that definitely will be appreciated and remembered – and a family vacation will not gather dust or be returned, that’s for sure. Once-in-a-lifetime trips, especially for families, can create experiences and memories that will last forever.
