Travel Trends 2006: Family Travel Is Up And Going Higher Across USA

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By FTFc Staff
Published: 13 June, 2006
Tags: usa

Trends in Family Travel

Since 2004, FTFc (www.FamilyTravelConsulting.com) has noted an increase in vacation groups of three or more generations by analyzing requests to FamilyTravelForum.com's trip-planning service. The 2005 YPB&R National Leisure Travel Monitor estimated that more than 35% of American grandparents took one or more trips with their grandchildren. Among American Express Travel agents surveyed in 2006, 81% observed an increase in the number of multi-generational travel requests and 69% saw more "grandtravel" or grandparents traveling alone with grandchildren.

FTFc expects that number to grow as tour operators and resorts roll out new multi-generational product. And thanks to two colliding trends -- shorter vacations for parents who work, and better health and finances for many retirees - grands will be taking children and grandchildren farther afield and in more luxurious circumstances in years to come, while breadwinners stay home and win bread.

Quote of the year: "Travel fosters understanding and builds respect and creates a subtlety of opinion."
-Condoleezza Rice, April 12, 2006 Global Travel and Tourism Summit Breakfast