Why your kids might be the real travel agents this year

In 2025, children aren’t just tagging along on family vacations – they’re shaping them. With increased exposure to global destinations through YouTube, TikTok, and school projects, kids are influencing where families go, what they do, and even when they travel.

A recent Expedia report confirms it: over 65% of parents said their child’s preferences played a major role in their summer vacation planning.

What’s different in 2025?

Here’s what sets this year apart:

• YouTube and TikTok are driving destination requests
  Kids are asking to visit places they’ve seen in vlogs – like Japan’s Pokémon centers or Iceland’s blue lagoons.
• Educational + fun is the new winning combo
  Science museums, wildlife reserves, and volcano tours are top choices. Parents want learning, kids want excitement – so now, families look for both.
• More active planning roles for kids
  Kids are helping research hotels, vote on activities, and even build custom itineraries using apps like Sygic Travel or Wanderlog.
• Screen time = destination scouting
  What used to be considered “too much screen time” is now a key research method. If a travel YouTuber goes there, kids want to follow.

The top summer destinations for families in 2025

Whether you’re traveling from North America, Europe, Asia, or beyond, these global hot spots are kid-tested and parent-approved:

🇯🇵 Tokyo, Japan

• Why kids love it: Pokémon stores, Studio Ghibli museum, robot cafés
• Why parents love it: safety, clean transport, educational culture
• Best time: Late June to early August

🇵🇹 Lisbon, Portugal

• Why kids love it: castles, oceanarium, egg tarts
• Why parents love it: walkable, family-friendly, affordable
• Best time: June or early September

🇨🇷 Costa Rica

• Why kids love it: ziplining, volcanoes, sloths
• Why parents love it: eco-lodges, wildlife tours, language learning
• Best time: July to August (green season deals)

🇨🇦 Vancouver, Canada

• Why kids love it: science centers, whale watching, nature parks
• Why parents love it: multicultural, nature access, clean city
• Best time: June to early September

🇹🇭 Chiang Mai, Thailand

• Why kids love it: elephants, night markets, cooking classes
• Why parents love it: culture, affordability, hospitality
• Best time: July to August (rainy but cooler)

How to let kids guide (without chaos)

Letting your child help plan doesn’t mean giving up control. Here are smart ways to involve them:

• Give them 2–3 vetted options instead of open-ended questions.
• Watch travel videos together and discuss interests.
• Assign them “research roles” like choosing food spots or learning words in the destination language.
• Build excitement with countdown apps or printable maps.

This approach builds confidence, curiosity, and stronger family bonding.

FAQ

Are kids really old enough to help plan vacations?
Yes! Even children as young as 6 can express preferences, while older kids can research, vote, and help build schedules.

Won’t this lead to chaos or unrealistic choices?
Only if it’s unmanaged. Give kids a voice within your guidelines—they love participating when given structure and respect.

What about budget or long travel times?
Make it a learning opportunity: talk about costs, travel time, and how to balance dreams with logistics. It turns planning into a life skill.

Sources

• Expedia Group. Family Travel Trends 2024–2025.
• National Geographic. Family Travel Insights.
• Booking.com. Travel Predictions 2025.