What Families Want From Resort Vacations

Big pools. Spacious and adjoining guest rooms. Lots of dining options. Kids’ clubs. According to a report released this week by Hilton Hotels & Resorts, these are four of the most important amenities that families seek when they plan family vacations at resorts.

The report, titled, “Resort Travel Trends: What Families Want,” pulled together data from 1,238 respondents, and offered a comprehensive look at some of the current trends in family travel.

In addition to the four amenities listed above, report findings also indicated that: 1) moms are still the ones booking trips, 2) the majority of trips are planned within six months of departure, 3) Hawaii remains the most popular destination for U.S. travelers, and 4) a growing number of families are interested in all-inclusive resorts where the cost for everything is included in a package price.

(In case you’re wondering, the report also offers up some pretty pictures of Hilton properties all over the world.)

All of this data got me thinking about some of the amenities and features that we Villanos want from our resort-oriented trips. Then, last night, I rounded up my wife and a steno pad and made a list:

• Proximity to off-site grocery store and parks or other places for outdoor adventure
• Separate sleeping quarters for those under the age of 13
• 24-hour fitness center (where we parents can take turns working out after kids go to bed)
• Open-air balconies where Dad can write stories at 2 a.m.
• Some sort of cultural program/immersive cultural experiences

Even if you eliminate the entry about balconies where yours truly can write until 2 a.m., our list still differs dramatically from the “average” survey respondent’s. What does your list look like? What’s most important to you? What do you think about the report’s conclusions about what matters to other families? Leave a comment and let me know.