Which accom trend do families say is a game changer?
Australians say travelling with children is easier than it’s ever been – thanks to Airbnb.
Lonely Planet surveyed Australian and New Zealand parents with children under 18 about their travel habits, preferences and how family travel has changed compared to when they were young.
While cost is still widely considered the biggest challenge parents face today, an overwhelming 94.7 percent reported that family travel options are better now than when they were children.
Parents said travelling with children was more viable and accepted today, with respondents citing reasons like better resources, improved family-friendly options and more financial stability than in their parents’ day.
Most notably, home-sharing was credited as a ‘game changer’ and a major reason family travel has transformed in recent years to become more accessible and affordable.
Among all respondents, 67.7 percent reported having used short term rentals like Airbnb and said it surpassed hotels as the preferred accommodation for families on holiday.
A similar percentage also said they had taken, or would like to take, their own kids somewhere they went on vacation as a child. Specifically, they valued the slower pace, the time spent with relaxed parents and simply being together as a family.
“Parents are prioritising travel more than ever before,” said Lonely Planet spokesperson Chris Zeiher.
“Whether or not they travelled as a family in their childhood, they emphasised the importance of travelling with their own children, particularly so they can experience different cultures at a young age.”
The majority of parents did, though, say that if they could change one thing about family travel, it would be to create either cheaper airfares or cheaper accommodation.
Lonely Planet Kids conducted the survey via multiple online channels from March 7 to 30.
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