• Intent to travel is high (92% plan a trip with children), and average spending reached $\$8,052$ in 2024, a 20% increase over 2023.
• Affordability is the largest obstacle for 73% of parents, who are using cost-cutting measures like cooking in hotel rooms and avoiding airline fees.
• Families with children with special needs graded the hotel industry poorly (C- grade) on inclusivity and staff training for neurodivergent kids.
• Children have a growing influence on trip planning (61% involvement), and multigenerational travel remains a major segment (71% participation).

The 2025 U.S. Family Travel Survey, conducted by the NYU SPS Tisch Center of Hospitality and the Family Travel Association, indicates robust intent to travel among families. An impressive 92% of parents plan to travel with their children in the next year, marking the highest level since the COVID-19 pandemic. Travel spending is also rising; the average hit $8,052 in 2024, a 20% increase over 2023, with 81% of parents expecting to maintain or increase that spending.

Despite the strong commitment to travel, affordability is cited as the biggest obstacle by 73% of surveyed parents. In response, families are implementing cost-saving measures, such as choosing to cook meals in hotel rooms instead of dining out, and actively seeking airlines that do not impose extra fees for seating together or luggage.

The survey also highlighted a critical area needing improvement in the hospitality sector: inclusivity. Families with children who have special needs graded the hotel industry poorly (C-), pointing to a lack of better staff training for neurodivergent children, a scarcity of sensory-friendly options, and insufficient accessibility in family spaces like kids’ clubs. Additionally, the survey confirmed that children now have a significant influence on planning, with 61% of parents involving their kids in travel decisions, and multigenerational trips remaining a popular choice.