Destinations like Mauritius, the UAE, the UK, Singapore, Zanzibar, Paris, and Amsterdam are topping must-visit lists for South African families, according to Flight Centre’s Year In Travel 2025 report.
Family travel is nothing new, but the reasons we’re doing it – and where we’re headed – have changed somewhat over the past decade or so. For example, wellbeing is right at the heart of the decision to jet-set,” explains Zay Ferguson-Nair, Customer Experience Leader at Flight Centre South Africa. 73% of parents now say that travel is crucial to their family’s mental health and happiness (higher than travellers without kids), reveals Flight Centre’s recent global survey.
There’s also another shift: families aren’t willing to handle the planning alone anymore. 97% of South Africans now see some sort of value in using a travel agent in planning their travel; gaining confidence, insight, and clever shortcuts they never knew they needed as a result.
What’s changed in family travel (and why it matters)
- Families want structure and easy budgeting. That’s why all-inclusive resorts and cruises have surged in popularity, promising perks like built-in meals, activities, kids’ clubs, and flexible accommodation, while eliminating dozens of daily decisions (the mental load relief is real!).
- Stopovers have become strategic. Families are turning layovers in places like Singapore or Doha into mini city adventures, breaking up long journeys and burning off energy (while letting everyone adjust to new time zones). Flight Centre’s survey shows that 51% of South Africans – especially those travelling with children – prefer some sort of stopover.
- The holiday is now for everyone. No more trips where one adult does all the emotional labour. Parents now actively seek destinations where everyone can bond and recharge (not just the kids).
- Seasonal rules have changed. School schedules make peak season unavoidable. Instead of fighting it, families look for destinations, packages and expert advice that help them make the most of school holidays. They’re also booking further in advance to snag those deals before everyone else does.
In short, families are investing more (time, planning, and budget) precisely because they expect travel to deliver in the form of replenishment for parents, fun and stimulation for kids, and quality time for everyone.
“Sadly, families often miss the details that can make or break a trip, like airport lounge access during long stopovers. A Travel Expert’s job is to answer the questions you didn’t know to ask,” explains Ferguson-Nair.
And it’s not just about the tablet when it comes to surviving flights with kids. According to Ferguson-Nair, it pays to know which routes can align with little ones’ nap times, where to book airport hotels for proper recovery, and how to stagger connections, especially with tricky time zones.
What actually works
In 2026, a picture-perfect beach and a buffet aren’t enough to guarantee a good break. What’s working as of now?
1. All-inclusive resorts:
All-inclusive holidays mean the budgeting’s already a burden off your shoulders, as you’re covered for most of your day-to-day needs while you’re away. But remember that not all all-inclusive resorts are the same! Ferguson-Nair advises to look for properties with genuinely age-segmented kids’ clubs, babysitting, separate sleeping spaces for adults and children, and scheduled downtime where parents can switch off, not just “keep watch.” Daily planned activities, evening entertainment, and on-site medical support are also non-negotiables.
2. Cruise holidays
Modern cruises are designed for families. Many of the top cruise lines sailing from and to South Africa, the Med, or the Indian Ocean, including Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises, now have supervised kids’ clubs for every age bracket (even teens), interconnected cabin options, 24/7 room service, and shore excursions with child-safe logistics. The biggest advantage (aside from only unpacking once!) is that everyone can do their own thing and still regroup easily for family moments.
3. International city breaks with kid appeal
Destinations like Singapore and the UAE are indeed bucket-list cities for grownups, but they also offer direct, safe public transport, science centres, world-class aquariums, theme parks, and green spaces that make them extra appealing to kids and teens. Financially, the key is mixing “big ticket” museums with free-play parks, and banking on time to decompress in between.
4. Multigenerational villas or apartments
Exclusive-use multi-room villas or smart apartments (found in destinations like Mauritius or Phuket) deliver privacy and shared living without non-stop togetherness. Pro tip: look for places with optional chefs, daily housekeeping, or even “holiday nannies” so the burden doesn’t land on one family member.
5. Itinerary planning that actually respects real life
Savvy families (and their advisors) build in jet lag buffers, “nothing days” and nap-friendly downtime. They also pre-book airport transfers and skip-the-line access, crucial for avoiding toddler meltdowns.
6. Unlocking value you didn’t know existed
Families often miss out on unadvertised inclusions, like free dining for kids or bundled activities (take family scuba lessons in Mauritius or private cycling tours in Amsterdam, for instance). Travel advisors unlock perks negotiated through years of relationships, so you always get that bigger bang for your buck.
In 2026, family holidays aren’t just about where you go, but about how thoughtfully you plan and who you have helping you along the way. Here’s to giving your family the advantage of real expertise, knowing that’s how you create those special connections and moments you’ll actually remember.
