Nearly half of parents take their kids on holiday to the same places every year – with a quarter admitting they don’t know where else to go.
A poll of 600 parents and their children, aged six to 11, found they’re lacking holiday inspiration.
More than a third (37%) confess to being stuck in their comfort zone – worried they might not like a getaway elsewhere.
However, 46% of kids whose parents book the same trips every year admit they’re bored, and keen for change.
And furthermore, 50% of all children think they should have a greater say in the planning of family breaks.
Following these findings, for two days only – starting today (April 3) – TUI, which commissioned the study, is renaming its Liverpool Lord Street store to “Paddling Pool”, and its Newcastle Metrocentre store to “Sandcastle”.
With help from retail agents at these locations, kids will get the chance to let their imagination run wild and plan their next family break – with the most creative suggestions winning a dream family holiday.
Belinda Vazquez, of TUI, said: “With big imaginations, little ones can offer the best inspiration to help parents break out of holiday habits, and swap the “same-old” for exciting new destinations.
“Whether it’s a winter holiday to Norway, or a sunny beachside escape to Hawaii, we might not be able to guarantee talking snowmen, or a visit from island gods, but we are here to bring your child’s imaginations to life.”
The study also found 44% of parents who book the same getaway year after year claim to do so because they believe that’s what their children want.
But 83% of all mums and dads polled have let their kids have at least some say in the planning of holidays – although 14% of children said their parents are “too bossy” when arranging getaways.
Regardless, 30% of mums and dads, who have sought input from their little ones, admitted they come up more creative, inventive, or imaginative ideas than they would.
And 23% revealed their children propose getaway destinations they wouldn’t think of themselves.
The big screen in particular, is a source of inspiration for kids – with 63% saying their kids have asked to visit locations featured in movies.
Such places include New York, thanks to Home Alone 2; Norway, due to Frozen; London, inspired by Paddington; and Hawaii – after seeing it in Lilo & Stitch, and Moana.
The TUI study, carried out through OnePoll, also revealed what children’s dream holidays would consist of – including stays on a spaceship, in a mermaid’s underwater castle, and on a pirate ship.
Belinda Vazquez added: “Our expert teams bring a breadth of destination, hotel, and resort knowledge, combined with their own inspiration, so it’s only natural we give them their biggest challenge yet – making our littlest customers happy, too.”
