Key Points
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Gen Alpha kids are helping shape where families go and what they do on vacation, according to a Hilton report.
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Letting kids help plan the trip builds their confidence and makes travel more fun for everyone.
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Parents can still enjoy personal time on trips by choosing family-friendly places with kid-focused activities.
The next generation is actively shaping family travel plans, according to a recent report from Hilton. That’s right, Gen Alpha—consisting of kids born between 2010 and 2025—is influencing their millennial and Gen Z parents’ travel decisions.
Of the about 13,000 traveling adults Hilton surveyed, 70% who travel with their kids pick the destination based on their children’s needs and interests.
Kids are also influencing restaurant choices while traveling as 63% of parents “always or often” let their kids pick where they dine. Furthermore, the report found that 56% of families choose hotels based on their kids’ club or youth programming.
Parents with Gen Alpha kids may not be surprised since this age group is known to be curious, strong-willed (they have been compared to honey badgers for a reason), and tech-savvy.
And experts say this new trend of travel planning with Gen Alpha can make a family trip even more successful.
Benefits of Involving Gen Alpha in Travel Planning
When children are involved as decision-makers, family travel becomes more collaborative and tailored to the interests of every family member, explains Tamara Soles, PhD, a Montreal-based child psychologist and parenting coach.
“When kids are given a voice in these decisions, it empowers them and shifts family dynamics toward a more inclusive experience,” adds Dr. Soles. “This shift can also inspire more creative and diverse travel plans that reflect the evolving preferences of younger generations, such as a desire for more immersive experiences.”
That’s especially true for Gen Alpha—aka kids 14 and under. “Gen Alpha is incredibly tech-savvy, with access to an array of resources like travel apps, social media, and online reviews,” says Dr. Soles. “They are more engaged with content that sparks their interest, such as adventure parks, interactive museums, or eco-friendly destinations.”
This is a point Karyn Pavich, Fora travel advisor, agrees with and has experienced firsthand.
“My kids are discovering destinations through YouTube that I didn’t even know existed at their age,” she says. “Instead of the typical Disney trip, they’re asking to go to places like Abu Dhabi. They’ve also been learning Spanish since they were little, and now they love traveling to places where they can practice the language.”
When it comes to accommodations, Pavich also says kids will likely prioritize amenities like pools, water slides, or game rooms, just adding to the fun.
What’s more, making your Gen Alpha kids part of the decision-making process creates an opportunity for shared responsibility and teamwork, which strengthens family bonds. It helps everyone feel invested in making the experience enjoyable.
“It also encourages open communication, mutual respect, and collaboration, reinforcing the idea that the family functions as a unit, where each person’s preferences matter,” says Dr. Soles. “This collaborative process can deepen emotional connections and create lasting memories based on shared experiences.”
While it can also help kids feel more excited about the trip, asking for their input teaches them important lessons. “When children feel like they’re contributing meaningfully,” says Dr. Soles, “it also supports their emotional development, boosting self-esteem and confidence. Plus, it helps teach them decision-making skills that will benefit them in other areas of life.”
What About ‘Adult Time’ While Traveling?
Keep in mind, just because you included your kiddos in the planning process, doesn’t mean you can’t have some personal time with a partner or friends, if that’s something you desire. This feeds into data from Hilton that found 54% of parents also carve out “adult time” during family getaways to balance family fun with personal moments.
That can be easier when booking an all-inclusive family vacation. Pavich says that a great way for parents to carve out “adult time” during a family vacation is by taking advantage of resort amenities, like spas.
“Many resorts feature multiple hotels on the same property, allowing parents to retreat to a quieter setting when needed,” adds Pavich. “Some also offer ‘dinner and a movie’ programs for kids, giving parents the opportunity to enjoy a private dinner.”
She recalls when her kids were younger, she and her husband would have them go to bed early and hire a babysitter to stay in the room, giving them the chance to have a romantic meal.
“Now that my kids are a bit older, it’s even easier to find a balance,” she continues. “On our upcoming trip to Costa Rica, for example, we plan to explore the rainforest as a family and then send the kids to surf camp for a few days, giving us some child-free time while they burn off energy. It’s all about finding those moments that allow for both family fun and personal relaxation.”
So, next time you plan a family vacation, opt to get input from your kids on where to go and what to do, while also remembering some alone time (as long as the kiddos are safe) is totally OK.
Read the original article on Parents