Family Travel Planning for 2026

A Year of Meaningful Adventures

The start of a new year brings fresh energy, and a sense of possibility especially when it comes to travel. For families, January is the moment when conversations shift from “we should travel more” to “where do we want to go this year?”

As parents begin planning vacations, many are rethinking how they travel. Focusing less on doing everything and more on creating meaningful experiences together.

Top 11 Family Travel Goals

These are some of the most popular travel goals for the year:

1. Take at least one family vacation where everyone can truly unplug and enjoy
2. Plan a trip that balances kid-friendly fun and adult downtime
3. Travel with grandparents or extended family
4. Explore a new destination instead of repeating the same trip
5. Choose experiences over things — memories over souvenirs
6. Travel during off-peak seasons for less stress and more flexibility
7. Include educational or cultural experiences for kids
8. Let kids help shape part of the trip
9. Build in time for rest not just packed itineraries
10. Return home feeling refreshed, not exhausted
11. Hire Destination Sitters’ babysitter to allow Mom & Dad a TIME OUT for themselves

These goals reflect a growing shift toward intentional travel: Trips that support connection, joy, and balance for the whole family.

Building a Family Travel Bucket List

A family travel bucket list doesn’t have to be extravagant. It’s about shared goals and moments that bring everyone joy.

Ideas to spark your list:

Watching the sunset on a new beach

Visiting a city you’ve never explored together

Staying at a resort with amazing pools

Experiencing a cultural festival or holiday celebration

Taking a grandparents-and-grandkids trip

Exploring a national park or outdoor destination

Whether you’re dreaming of beach escapes, city adventures, or multi-generational gatherings, thoughtful planning now can turn the year ahead into one filled with unforgettable memories.

Write it down, pin it to the fridge, or turn it into a vision board. Seeing those ideas all year long keeps travel planning exciting and intentional.

How to Involve Kids in Trip Planning (and Why It Matters)

One of the biggest family travel hacks is involving kids in the planning process. When children feel included, they become more engaged, flexible, and excited, which often leads to smoother trips.

Here are simple ways to bring the kids into conversation:

• Let them help choose between two destinations
• Ask what activities they’re most excited about (beaches, animals, museums, pools)
• Have them research one fun thing to do in the destination
• Give them a role, like “hotel expert” or “activity planner”
• Encourage them to create a packing or travel wish list

When kids feel heard, they take pride in the journey and parents often find fewer surprises and less resistance along the way.

The Rise of Multigenerational Travel

One of the strongest trends shaping family travel is multigenerational vacations. More families are choosing to travel with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, creating shared experiences across generations.

Why families love this style of travel:

Kids benefit from deeper connections with grandparents

Parents enjoy added support and shared responsibilities

Everyone creates memories together instead of exchanging gifts

Trips feel more meaningful and less rushed

Multigenerational travel works best when families plan ahead, choose flexible accommodations, and build in support,  including hiring professional childcare so everyone can enjoy the trip at their own pace.

Planning Ahead—Smarter Travel

As you plan your 2026 travels, remember that the best trips aren’t just about where you go, they’re about how you experience them.  Building in balance, flexibility, and support allows parents to relax, kids to thrive, and families to truly connect.

👉 Wherever the year ahead takes you, Destination Sitters is here to give parents peace of mind® while traveling. Book early — childcare fills up fast during peak travel seasons.