Global Courant 2023-05-10 08:57:59
Theme parks and road trips – these are things that many family vacations are made of.
But a new study finds that parents are increasingly eager to get involved in a trend not often aimed at families: wellness travel.
That reports Thursday from the market information agency Morning Consult showed that, compared to others, parents showed less interest in traveling for leisure or cultural experiences, and more interest in traveling for mental and physical health.
The data showed an emerging picture of family travel — one in which parents may be beginning to prioritize their own needs over those of their children.
Travel to improve physical health
The American Kristen Graff made a diving trip with her family to Fiji in 2022.
“It was something we could all do that was active,” she said.
But “we did it for us,” she said, referring to herself and her husband. The kids just happened to be invited too, she said with a laugh.
Purpose of holiday travel for travel planned in next year.
Source: Morning Consult
She said the family set aside a day for kids-centered activities, such as driving an all-terrain vehicle, but spent most of their time in the water. Graff said she and her husband are avid divers, and as it turned out, her sons ended up loving it too.
Compared with non-parents, parents were nearly twice as likely to have plans to travel to improve their physical health, according to a Morning Consult study of some 2,200 US adults.
And the trend seems to be increasing. Travel for physical health is up eight points among parents since last year, says Lindsey Roeschke, travel and hospitality analyst at Morning Consult.
“One piece of data that I find particularly interesting is that when looking at the different goals for travel, we asked parents who benefits from those goals – the parent themselves, the children, someone else or everyone on the trip – and the idea of travel improving physical health is the one most likely to benefit the parent alone,” she said.
And “mental health is a close second,” she said.
One in five adult respondents said they plan to travel to improve their mental health, but among parents the percentage rose to almost one in three – perhaps due to the lack of time parents have in their daily lives to focus on their own well-being, according to the report.
“The idea of traveling for mental or physical well-being appeals to them because they feel the benefit themselves, rather than putting someone else’s needs before their own — which is what parents should do all the time,” Roeschke said. .
Travel to relax
Compared to non-parents, parents reported less interest in traveling to relax or “get away,” according to the study.
That’s probably because parents accept the reality of traveling with kids, especially young ones. According to another, parents of children under the age of five say they are the least likely to travel to escape or get away Morning Consult report on family travel published Nov.
Simply put, it’s harder for parents to relax while traveling,
Lindsey Roske
travel and hospitality analyst at Morning Consult
Parents of young children are also the most deterred from travel, according to the report, because of the expense or added stress of lugging car seats and strollers.
“Simply put, it’s harder for parents to relax while traveling,” Roeschke said. “I’ve often heard it said that traveling with a child is just like raising a child in a new location, and it can be even more difficult than raising a child at home due to schedule changes, lack of home comforts – such as toys, games, cribs, high chairs – and inverted routines.”
Parents also showed less enthusiasm for traveling to spend time with family and friends, the May report showed.
“Parents often do that at home, so they’re less likely to consider it the purpose of their trip,” she said.
Planning a wellness family vacation
While some wellness resorts allow adults only, places like The Farm at San Benito welcome guests of all ages.
The resort — 90 minutes south of Manila, Philippines — offers meditation and fitness classes for kids in addition to animal feeding and vegetable-picking activities, according to his website.
In February, Napa Valley’s Carneros Resort and Spa debuted in the spring with a “Little Seedlings” program for children, which included garden tours and chicken feedings. Kids can also take yoga classes, go on scavenger hunts and sleep outside in a tent – including s’mores by the fire.
“Napa doesn’t have to be just an adult experience,” said general manager Edward Costa. “The Little Seedlings program is designed to inspire our youngest guests…while allowing adults to fully embrace the charm and amenities of our luxury resort.”
Guests must be at least 17 years old to visit BodyHoliday Saint Lucia, but the all-inclusive resort makes an exception on major holidays and during fitness weeks in the summer. From July 3 to August 25, the family fitness weeks combine yoga, sailing, healthy cooking and “beach boot camps” hosted by visiting Olympians.
Plan your own wellness journey
Instead of staying at a resort, parents can plan their own wellness trips based on their interests.
One activity that suits many families is the safari, says Mike Harlow, the general manager of the Scott Dunn Asia travel agency.
“We can tailor safari holidays for families with little ones to see South Africa’s Big Five,” he said.
Places, like Madikwe Safari Lodge are ideal for families, he said, as they combine shorter game drives with bush and insect activities and animal tracking to ensure kids never get bored.
Madikwe Safari Lodge accepts children ages seven and older, and rides don’t come close to dangerous play, according to the website.
Hoberman Collection | Universal Image Group | Getty Images
In winter, Harlow recommends Sweden for sleigh rides, watching the Northern Lights and staying in the Ice hotel – with beds and chandeliers made of ice – while families fond of history can sail the Nile in Egypt.
Parents can also exchange the traditional family holiday for a trip as a couple or even a trip alone, or by booking a trip where only part of the family is present.
“We are seeing a growing trend around the world where one parent is taking a child for a bonding holiday,” says Harlow. “Mother-daughter trips in particular are on the rise.”
