Last month, the Family Travel Association (FTA) released its annual U.S. Family Travel Survey, conducted in partnership with New York University. The study looked at results from more than 1,000 families across the country and focused on post-pandemic travel behaviors and attitudes. The results shed light on what’s most important to these consumers as we head into 2023. (Note: In full disclosure, I also serve on the board of the FTA, although I was not directly involved with this report.)
One of the positive messages from the survey is that 85% of parents are likely to travel in the year ahead; in 2019, this number was 70%. Multiday international vacations are planned by 38% of respondents, and 49% expect to spend more on international travel next year.
The survey also examined the growth of group travel — particularly multigenerational travel. Just under half (47%) of respondents say they are planning a multigenerational trip, and 44% say that they are planning a trip with people who are not related to them.
Finally, the role of travel advisors has grown among families since the pandemic. One in four respondents (25%) have used a travel advisor to book at least one family trip in the past three years. This is an increase over 2021, when 17% of respondents reported they had used a travel advisor. Over half (52%) indicate they are willing to use a travel advisor for their family travel needs in the next two years.
In general, coming out of the crisis, the FTA survey shows that families are excited to get together with friends and loved ones and make their travel dreams a reality. Best of all, they are relying on advisors’ expertise to help them. I know you won’t let them down.
