6 Family Travel Trends to Watch in 2023

The experts agree: 2023 will be a huge year for family travel. Parents and kids are ready to get out and explore, and they’ve also learned a few things over the last handful of years. As a result, we’re going to see far-flung family travel trends to exotic destinations and the re-emergence of family travel staples like cruises. There will also be a massive resurgence in multigenerational vacations, and eco-friendly options like travel by rail will be bigger than ever.

But where to travel in 2023? Here’s everything you need to know about the top family travel trends to watch in 2023, and some of our favorite vacation destinations.

1. The Romance of the Rails Continues

Railroad adventures are bigger than ever, and with good reason. You can cast your travel cares to the wind. That means no worrying about car rentals, finding places to stay, and booking entrance tickets. Best of all, you don’t have to worry about who will spend most of their time behind the steering wheel. (Kiss rochambeau good-bye!)

Fantastic travel options abound, and you can rest assured you’re traveling in a more sustainable and eco-friendly way. What are some of our favorite options? Journey Mexico offers an incredible eight-day railroad tour of Mexico that will take your family from El Fuerte to Chihuahua. You’ll ride the famed Chihuahua al Pacifico railway through the picturesque canyons of Northern Mexico and enjoy exploring many off-the-between-path towns.

If you’re after an adventure in America’s last frontier, head north for a roundtrip Alaska Railroad expedition by Railbookers. On this week-long trip, you’ll travel to Anchorage, Seward, and Talkeetna. Along the way, you’ll explore the fjords, glaciers, mountains, and lakes for which the 49th state is renowned. In this wild and untamed land, you’ll also enjoy countless opportunities to see local wildlife.

2. International Destinations Are Back

Over the past few years, many families have shied away from international destinations. But long-distance travel is back, so it’s time to start planning your next overseas vacation. What’s more, when it comes to where families will go in 2023, travelers aren’t afraid to take the long route.

Destinations popular with on-the-go families include Brazil, Thailand, Australia, and New Zealand. People are ready to put in the time for some serious globe-trotting, and we couldn’t be more excited about this trend. To make the most of a globe-circling vacation, work with an experienced travel advisor specializing in kid-friendly itineraries.

That’s where we come in. If a long-distance trip resonates with your family, start exploring the options now with our Brazilian Amazon Cruise itinerary. And the kid-tested, parent-approved options don’t end there. Explore our sample Thailand and Cambodia Family Adventure, or work with us to build a Custom Family Adventure.

3. Self-Care + Travel = Happy Families

What’s one of the most exciting family travel trends 2023? Adding a relaxing dose of self-care to the mix. Many hotels now offer special packages for the ultimate in leisure and pampering, and we expect this trend to continue and expand in the coming year.

Are you looking for a stress-free vacation customized to the interests and ages of your family and filled with VIP self-care perks? Then, we’ve got a tip for you. To enjoy the best in amenities and self-care perks, work with a family travel company that has forged strong and lasting relationships with partner hotels. Such collaborations ensure the best family-friendly accommodations and VIP treatment for every leg of your trip.

Our Whole Village has been in the travel industry since 2014. We’ve worked hard to corner the market on luxury and leisure travel. One of the ways we do this is by providing our clients with the best perks and special privileges offered by hotel programs. Learn more about the benefits of working with Our Whole Village to book the accommodations for your next vacation. We will ensure you enjoy an unrivaled self-care experience.

4. Cruises and Expedition Cruises Have Taken Off

Cruise ships have hit their groove again, and families are back onboard. The largest liners come with endless activities for kids and parents and all the food and entertainment you could want. Coupled with the adventure of exotic ports of call, it’s hard to beat the full package offered on cruises.

Fun options include Royal Caribbean International, which goes the distance to welcome families. Cruises include a family mealtime where kids aged three to 11 eat with their parents before heading off for ocean-themed activities. This gives parents time for much-needed adulting. Cruise ships also have rock-climbing walls, waterslides, and zip lines that appeal to tweens and teens. Whether you opt for a cruise to the Caribbean or the Mediterranean, it’s hard to beat this kid-friendly option.

For families interested in more intimate, customized experiences, explore the travel options available through Atlas Ocean Adventures and UnCruise Adventures. Advantages include smaller cruise ships and crews. And passengers number in the hundreds rather than thousands. One of our favorite itineraries offered by Atlas Ocean Voyages? A cruise to Antarctica.

5. Gramping Adventures Rock

Multigenerational travels are reaching a high point again. Families want to reconnect, which has placed a premium on “gramping” adventures. Gramping is all about leaving the parents at home and letting grandma and/or grandpa take the kids on an adventure of a lifetime.

Most grandparents opt for guided, small-group tours, leaving the planning and execution to a company. An African safari, a cruise or our Brazilian Amazon Adventure are popular choices.

What should you look for in a small-group tour company? Unique experiences and chances for exploration. Be sure to ask about special experiential family travel experiences, too. For example, Our Whole Village offers an experiential travel opportunity to spend a day in Peru, living in a typical Quechua village. Get the inside scoop on this incredible opportunity and how to enjoy it with family members of all ages.

6. More Conscious Explorations

One of the motivating forces for the creation of Our Whole Village has been the desire to design family-friendly adventures that give back. We continue to do this in a variety of ways, including collaboration with Crooked Trails.

Crooked Trails is a non-profit that supports tourism-focused development projects in communities around the world. These projects foster education and conservation and improve the lives of those at the destinations we are so lucky to visit.

Our company’s founder, Patricia Monahan, serves as an active member of the board, ensuring the maximization of travel as a force for good. Our Whole Village also makes contributions to Crooked Trails on behalf of our clients.

Family Travel Trends to Watch in 2023

Now’s the time to start planning your next family vacation. When you incorporate one (or more) of the family travel trends to watch in 2023 into your plans, you set the stage for an epic adventure. Whether you’re jonesing to travel to Thailand and Cambodia, hop a cruise ship to Antarctica, or get to know the villagers of Huilloc in Peru, we’ve got you covered.

Contact us now to get the ball rolling on your best family vacation EVER!