The Rise of Experience-Based Family Travel

collaborative guest post

Modern families are moving away from the idea of a traditional vacation. Forgetting lounging by the pool and sipping iced drinks, parents are now looking for adventures with active and immersive experiences.

Of course, you can still indulge on a beach getaway, but plenty of families now prioritize a taste of the unknown. From wild adventures to community projects, here’s why experience-based travel is getting so popular. 

Leaving materialistic views behind

It’s no secret that the holidays always come with excess — and it seems that every year must be bigger and better than the one before. In 2024, online shoppers spent a record-breaking $6.1 billion on Thanksgiving. From toy store sales to flash deals on computers, everyone wants the next best thing.

But instead of collecting prized possessions and souvenirs, some families now want to collect core memories instead. 

Whether that’s hiking through a national park or trying a new team sport with new friends, travel can mean so much more. Your next vacation could turn into an opportunity for your family to grow together and share new experiences. 

Looking for meaningful connections

With the distractions of work and school, it’s easy for family members to drift apart. Add to that the chronic stress caused by technology, and it’s hardly surprising that some families use vacations as a chance to reconnect. 

The holidays provide a special time to focus on each other, away from our usual routines. Shared experience promotes connection, even on vacation. This can be achieved by overcoming challenges together or learning new skills. It could even be something super simple like completing a tough hike together.

A collective sense of achievement is something to be proud of, strengthening family bonds and solidifying meaningful memories. 

Ditching the fakes

Some of the most authentic experiences can be uncovered through purposeful travel.

Rather than returning to the most typical tourist spots, families can find ways to connect with local communities and get immersed in another culture. This is about moving beyond just taking a photo in front of a landmark. If you’re ready to make a difference, luxury family vacations mean exploring places on a deeper level. You’ll meet local people and learn how they live. 

For many families, that means trying homemade delicacies at family-run restaurants or learning from artisans at workshops. These experiences allow families to walk off the beaten path and enjoy a more genuine travel experience.

Being part of something bigger 

Volunteering and hands-on activities could soon become central to family travel. 

Adventure sports, such as kayaking or ziplining, are now popular ways to get the whole family involved. These activities provide excitement and promote teamwork, helping family members grow closer as they share new experiences. 

Meanwhile, volunteering during a trip could give the travel experience a whole new meaning. From working with local communities to supporting conservation efforts, you could make a lasting impact. 

Tourists want hands-on learning experiences too. Whether it’s taking a cooking class or participating in an art workshop, these experiences allow families to engage with a destination in a way that’s fun, educational, and authentic.

The modern family vacation is all about engaging with the world in ways that create lasting memories and restore family connections.