Travel companies are reporting a shift in travel trends towards less conventional family holiday destinations.
Andrew Yell, general manager sales, product and marketing for Creative Holidays says people are now looking for family vacations beyond the traditional family beach holiday. Australian travellers are looking for more exotic destinations such as Africa and Vietnam even China, India and Borneo, he said. The big drawcard is the educational benefit from experiencing a different culture, history and way of life.
In the past places like Vietnam and Africa were not necessarily considered family destinations but today perceptions have changed and travel providers are accommodating this new wave of family travellers.
Parents want to teach their children, give them a sense of themselves and the world around them - and there is not better way than through first hand experience, said Mr Yell. Travelling allows us to see other people's lifestyles, belief systems, culture and history and this is driving Australian families to look for more than a flop and drop beach holiday. It is all about educational tourism and travelling to learn. These families are looking to share an adventure, and to grow and learn from a unique once in a lifetime experience. Parents want to teach their children a new world view and give them an insight into the world around them.
Mr Yell said that Australians are naturally adventurous and mobile but the key is in choosing an experience and a product which is suitable for families. Parents looking at more adventurous options for travelling with children can benefit now from product that has been tailored by companies such as Creative Holidays specifically to suit their travelling needs.
- Travel & Living news
Australian families buck traditional holiday trends
