2026 is shaping up to be the year of family travel. According to Family Travel Associations’ (FTA) annual survey, 92% of parents plan to travel with their kids in the next year. This marks the highest level of intent for family travel since the pandemic.

In 2024, approximately 41% of overnight visitors to Houston travelled with children, according to recent data from Longwoods International. This is slightly higher than the U.S. norm of 38%.

Contributing to this growth is multi-generational travel which includes families traveling with grandparents, parents and children. In the past two years, 51% of Gen Z adults have traveled with their parents and 22% of millennials have travelled with their children and parents, according to Skyscanner’s Travel ’26 Trends report.  In addition, an article by Travel Weekly by Northstar highlights that 57% of parents planning to travel with grandparents and children, an increase of 2% from 2023.

“Exploring together beyond the familiar four walls expands horizons and generates authentic opportunity to share stories and memories across generations. A unique space for bonding in a busy, transactional world,” Travel Psychologist and Essentialise Founder, Lee Chamers, said in Skyscanner’s Travel ’26 Trends report.  

Last year, the average family spent around $8,052 on travel, marking a 20% increase over 2023.

Written by Norma Salcedo