#family-vacations

#family-vacations

Though a piece of our hearts will always belong in the "Ahh! Adulting!" era, these days, us millennials are the ones traveling with young kids. That shift has redirected vacations from the overstimulation of our hustle-culture years toward something more intentional, prioritizing presence and connection with loved ones. And the data backs it up. Hilton's 2026 Trends Report surveyed 14,000 travelers across 14 countries, and this year's data sends a clear message: vacationers want their time off to feel meaningful.

Fall makes the whole world seem different - and not just because of the changing leaves. Suddenly, you can wander for hours outside without melting in the heat, seasonal produce and holiday dishes hit dinner tables, shops buzz with back-to-school energy, and everything seems to vibrate with a sense of possibility. (The spirit of renewal isn't just for spring.)

Nearly 30 years ago, we went on a vacation with my two little boys to Sanibel Island. We chose a pizza place because, why not? But the pizza they served was, of course, different from our pizza at home. I remember watching with dismay as my oldest son, Nat, who has fairly profound autism, took a bite, scrunched up his face, and said, "Vacation" with angry tears in his voice.

Disney World is not just a theme park; it's an experience steeped in nostalgia, magic, and family memories that largely justifies its rising costs.

"It's peak season in the holiday calendar as children escape school and parents take a well-earned summer break."