For as long as we can remember, parents were at the forefront of holiday planning. But things are changing. According to the Hilton 2026 Travel Trends Report, 73% of kids are now actively involved in planning family trips, and it’s changing the way families travel. While kids planning trips keeps them busy, the trend is actually about a lot more than just that. There are real reasons parents are handing over the travel planning reins.
For one thing, today’s kids grow up drowning in information. By age 10, most of them can navigate YouTube better than their parents navigate rush hour traffic. They watch travel vlogs. They see their friends posting from beaches in Bali. Today’s kids likely know about places their parents have never heard of.
It’s also more than about kids being whizzes on the internet. Parents recognize that by involving kids in the planning process, the trip becomes an exciting element for everyone. When children help choose the destination or pick activities, they feel invested. They may complain less, and they’re generally more engaged because they had a say in what happens.
Plus, planning a vacation takes work. Between jobs, groceries, and remembering to pay the electric bill, many parents are happy to outsource some research to their enthusiastic teen who’s been watching surfing videos for three weeks straight.
How Kids Help With Trip Planning
Kids today don’t flip through brochures to find the perfect holiday spot. They scroll, scroll, and scroll some more.
TikTok has become an unexpected travel planning tool. Search for any destination and you’ll find hundreds of short videos showing hidden cafes, secret beaches, and “things nobody tells you about Tokyo.” These bite-sized recommendations feel more authentic than traditional advertising, and kids eat them up.
Instagram works similarly. A beautiful photo of a treehouse in Costa Rica – that’s going straight into the family vacation proposal. For deeper dives, YouTube is the go-to with 10-minute videos, some of which do entire walk-throughs of itineraries and attractions.
Then there’s Google Maps, which kids use like detectives. They’ll zoom in on neighborhoods, check reviews for restaurants, and even use Street View to virtually walk around before the family books anything.
Where Are They Choosing?
The destinations kids pick might surprise you. Sure, theme parks still rank high (Disney World isn’t going anywhere), but this generation gravitates toward experiences over famous landmarks.
Adventure destinations top many lists. Kids want to zip-line through rainforests in Costa Rica, snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, or try surfing in Hawaii. They’re less interested in museums and more excited about doing things that feel like the adventures they watch online.
Australia keeps popping up as a favorite. Something about the combination of unique wildlife, beautiful beaches, and that appealing accent makes it irresistible to young planners. Kangaroos and koalas don’t hurt either.
Japan attracts kids who love anime, gaming culture, and incredibly cool vending machines. The country offers a perfect mix of familiar and completely different from home.
Food destinations are also having a moment. Kids who watch cooking shows want to eat real ramen in Tokyo or try authentic tacos in Mexico City. Their culinary curiosity drives destination choices more than you’d think.
Making It Work for Everyone
Letting kids help plan doesn’t mean handing them the credit card and hoping for the best. Smart families set boundaries upfront.
Budget conversations happen early. Kids learn that choosing an expensive resort means fewer activity days, or that picking a faraway destination affects how long you can stay. These trade-offs teach real decision-making skills.
Most families use a collaborative approach. Maybe kids pick three potential destinations, then parents narrow it down based on practical factors like cost and time off work, or kids research activities while parents handle accommodation and flights.
The tech these families rely on makes everything easier. Apps for organizing itineraries keep everyone on the same page. Translation tools help kids research destinations where they don’t speak the language. And staying connected matters more than ever, whether you’re checking opening hours for that cool museum your daughter found or helping your son pull up directions to the surf shop he insisted you visit. For instance, if you’ve decided to explore the best surfing spots in the Land Down Under, an eSIM for Australia can provide reliable internet without the headache of finding a local SIM.
What This Means Going Forward
Kids planning vacations isn’t a passing fad. Kids who help plan family trips aren’t just picking places on a map. They’re actually building lifelong skills without even realizing it. As they compare destinations or debate the best route, they’re absorbing geography, culture, and a sense of how the world fits together. They’re learning that travel takes patience, teamwork, and the ability to roll with surprises.
Parents often notice the difference too. When kids feel part of the process, they’re more invested and less resistant. If your teenager spent half the week researching the best hiking spots, chances are they’ll be the first one out the door at sunrise.
Modern family travel looks a little different now — maybe even better. And if that means your eleven-year-old can lecture you on Icelandic hot pools, well, that’s just part of the adventure.
