10 New Year Family Travel Resolutions Worth Making

Start this year by letting your kids choose destinations, which 85% of families say strengthens bonds. Set a realistic travel budget—families averaged $8,052 in 2024—and prioritize experiences over luxury accommodations. Plan multi-generational trips since 74% of parents now favor extended family vacations. Focus on domestic destinations, with 80% preferring to stay within the U.S. Choose accommodations with kitchens and plan shorter 4-6 night trips for maximum impact. These intentional changes will transform your family’s travel approach entirely.

Let Your Kids Choose the Destination

While most parents instinctively take charge of vacation planning, there’s real power in flipping the script and letting your children lead the destination selection process.

When you involve kids as active co-creators of your journeys, you’re tapping into what 85% of families already know—travel brings families closer together.

Your children’s input naturally shapes trips toward greater value and meaningful connections. Whether they’re drawn to wildlife-rich destinations like Costa Rica or dream of theme parks, their enthusiasm becomes the foundation for educational experiences that 77% of parents say enrich their children’s learning.

This approach transforms vacation planning from a parental burden into a collaborative adventure, creating anticipation and investment that makes every family member feel heard and valued. Children aged 7-18 actively involved in trip planning enhance adaptability and enjoyment for the entire family.

Plan a Multi-Generational Adventure

Once your kids have sparked excitement about where to go, consider expanding that circle of adventure to include grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. You’re not alone in this thinking—74% of parents now embrace vacations with extended family, and 71% of grandparents have already taken multigenerational trips.

These adventures strengthen family bonds while enriching your children’s education. You’ll find luxury resorts offering versatile accommodations that balance connection with privacy, while vacation rentals let extended families pool resources for spacious stays. All-inclusive getaways simplify budgeting by bundling everything together. Many resorts now feature kid-friendly spa options and wellness activities that promote health and relaxation for every generation.

With seven generations traveling simultaneously in 2025, you’re part of a historic trend. Consider booking accommodations with kitchens to manage costs—50% of families use this money-saving strategy while creating unforgettable memories across generations.

Set a Realistic Family Travel Budget

After you’ve dreamed up that perfect multi-generational getaway, it’s time to crunch the numbers and create a budget that won’t leave you scrambling to pay bills when you return home. With average family travel spending hitting $8,052 in 2024, you’ll want to be strategic about where your dollars go.

Start by booking accommodations with kitchens – 50% of families use this trick to slash meal costs.

Consider limiting paid attractions and choosing airlines without extra fees for seats or luggage.

Don’t overlook staying with friends and family instead of hotels, as more travelers are embracing this cost-cutting approach. Make use of digital tools to hunt for deals and track your spending throughout the planning process.

Even high-income households are tightening their belts, opting for shorter stays and less luxurious lodging.

Set realistic expectations and prioritize what matters most to your family’s travel experience.

Prioritize Experience Over Luxury

Smart budgeting opens the door to what truly matters: creating meaningful memories that’ll last long after you’ve unpacked your suitcase. When planning family trips, resist the urge to equate luxury with expensive hotels or first-class flights. Instead, invest in experiences that bring your family together and broaden everyone’s perspective.

Consider private guided adventures like marine biologist-led whale watching or hands-on cultural activities where kids can train like gladiators in Rome. These immersive moments create deeper connections than any fancy resort amenities ever could.

Let your children’s wish lists guide destination choices – their excitement about climbing the Great Wall or exploring Harry Potter filming locations will make every dollar spent worthwhile. Focus on authentic local encounters that spark curiosity and create stories you’ll retell for years. Remember that time is luxury when traveling with family, so embrace a relaxed pace that allows everyone to truly savor each moment together.

Explore Domestic Destinations First

Before you start browsing international flight deals, consider the incredible adventures waiting in your own backyard. You’re joining 80% of vacation planners who stay within the U.S., and there’s good reason for this trend. Domestic travel lets you explore multiple destinations without breaking the bank—52% of in-state travelers take multiple trips yearly.

You’ll discover that beach vacations top family preferences at 62%, while theme parks attract 45% of families. With the average family spending $8,052 on travel in 2024, domestic choices stretch your budget further.

Whether you’re planning overnight stays in neighboring states or exploring your own state’s hidden gems, you’re building memories without passport hassles. National Parks attract 30% of vacationers, offering family-friendly adventures across the country. Start local, dream big.

Book Shorter, More Frequent Trips

While weekend getaways might seem less impressive than epic two-week adventures, you’re actually tapping into the smartest travel trend of 2025. Families are discovering that shorter, more frequent trips create better memories and reduce stress.

Last year, 64% of families took multiple 4-6 night vacations instead of one long trip.

You’ll find this approach works especially well for beach vacations (62% of families’ top choice) and visiting family or friends (61% prefer this). Theme parks and water parks perfectly suit these brief getaways too.

Families with young children under five averaged nearly six and a half holidays, proving frequent shorter trips are totally manageable. You’ll spend less per trip, reduce work disruption, and give everyone more to look forward to throughout the year. Plus, you can save significantly by choosing destinations within 50 miles of home, which 35% of families are planning to do.

Try Adventure-Based Activities Together

Whether you’re planning those shorter getaways or longer adventures, adventure-based activities are transforming how families connect in 2025. With outdoor adventures ranking as the second most popular trip type, 92% of parents are prioritizing these meaningful experiences for good reason.

Adventure travel isn’t just trending—it’s delivering real benefits. When you involve your kids in planning wildlife encounters or outdoor expeditions, 84% become more adaptable, while 61% show increased happiness and engagement.

From Costa Rica’s rainforests to Colorado’s ski slopes, families are choosing hands-on experiences over traditional attractions. These destinations offer incredible biodiversity and activities like zip-lining through canopies and wildlife safaris that create lasting bonds.

Your digitally native kids are already finding inspiration on social media for these adventures. By embracing activities like national park exploration or family safaris, you’re fostering confidence, flexibility, and unforgettable memories together.

Choose Accommodations That Create Memories

Since where you stay shapes your family’s entire travel experience, choosing the right accommodation has become more essential than ever in 2025. You’ll want to prioritize properties that bring your family together while creating lasting memories.

Look for accommodations with kitchen facilities—50% of parents book these money-saving options that let families cook together and maintain routines.

Multi-room suites and connected rooms work perfectly for large groups, especially since 57% of parents now travel with grandparents.

Beach properties remain the top choice, with 62% planning coastal trips.

Short-term rentals through platforms like Airbnb offer unique experiences that hotels can’t match.

Focus on cleanliness first—68% of families prioritize sanitation—then seek properties with pools, spacious common areas, and outdoor spaces where memories naturally unfold.

Start Planning Your Family Travel Legacy

Building a family travel legacy requires more than just booking trips—it demands intentional financial planning that turns wanderlust into a sustainable tradition. Create a dedicated “Family Travel” budget line item that reflects your trip frequency, whether annual adventures or milestone celebrations.

Use the bucket strategy to allocate discretionary spending without compromising your long-term financial security.

Consider gifting trips for graduations or anniversaries—memories last longer than material presents. Stay within the 2025 annual gift tax exclusion of $19,000 per recipient when funding family adventures.

Maximize credit card points and airline miles to stretch your travel dollars further.

Schedule family legacy meetings during holidays to discuss multigenerational travel as part of your estate planning. Establish dedicated funds that’ll support ongoing group experiences for generations to come. These shared adventures contribute to your family story development, making experiences as beneficial as they are memorable.

Make Every Trip About Quality Time

Once you’ve established the financial foundation for family adventures, the real magic happens when you prioritize meaningful connections over packed itineraries.

Research shows 85% of parents report family travel brings families closer together, while 75% of grandparents experience deeper bonding with grandchildren during multi-generational trips.

Instead of rushing through attractions, build in downtime for spontaneous conversations and discoveries. Let your kids influence the planning—84% of parents see increased adaptability when children help choose destinations.

Whether you’re traveling with grandparents or planning skip-generation adventures, focus on shared experiences that strengthen relationships. The pandemic has heightened family appreciation for vacations, rated at 4.1 out of 5.

Last Words

You’ve got nine solid resolutions to transform your family’s travel game this year. Don’t try to tackle them all at once—pick two or three that resonate most with your family’s current needs. Whether you’re letting the kids call the shots on destinations or finally planning that multi-generational trip, remember that the best family memories aren’t about perfect itineraries. They’re about being present, trying new things together, and creating stories you’ll tell for years.