Original Travel has teamed up with kids' party people Sharky & George to uncover surprising insights into the rise of 'pester power' and children leading the way in holiday bookings.
According to the research, 62% of parents consider their children's wants and needs more than their own when planning a holiday – 74% say it is one of (or the most) important considerations they make when planning.
No sign of slowing
Nearly 82% suggested that their children will have more of a say in the future as they grow older.
Over half of respondents already see their children lobbying for a particular destination or holiday: safaris and Japan are the two most commonly requested trips by youngsters.
Original Travel's co-founder, Tom Barber, said, "No one knows what makes a family holiday work better than the children themselves, so we are fully embracing this rise in pester power.
"Our next step is finding out more about what children really want from a holiday, so we can create the ultimate family holidays."
The deciding factor
Children's interests and hobbies have the greatest impact on parents' deliberations about holidays: 80% consider them when booking.
The school curriculum and social media also make their mark: 37.5% claimed that something their child has learned in school has fuelled their holiday desires. Egypt, Rome and Greece lead the ranks in translating classroom learnings to holiday habits.
Over a quarter (28.6%) say that films or books have inspired their kids' holiday tastes.
18.4% attribute social media as a key influencer.
Tom continued, "'We are working together with our partners at Sharky & George and a group of what will affectionately be known as our 'guinea kids' to discover just that – and use that intel to create six new trips; one for each school holiday and half term, launching in September 2024."
