Favourable economic conditions saw a release of pent-up demand for overseas holidays during 2015, with the number of family trips rising by an estimated 6%, as well as 4% growth in the number of UK family breaks. Market recovery is being led by more affluent households with many families in middle and lower income groups still feeling the pinch following the long years of economic downturn.

Meanwhile, Mintel’s research demonstrates how broad the ‘family holiday’ spectrum is, embracing an increasingly diverse mix of formats. Only half of those who have been on family holidays over the past three years fall into the traditional ‘nuclear family’ bracket of those who go away just with partner and children. Along with underlying demographic and societal trends, this has important implications for the travel industry indicating the need for a broader approach to both product and marketing.

This report covers family holidays taken by UK consumers to both domestic and overseas destinations, including both short breaks (1-3 nights) and longer holidays (4+ nights). Trips taken for business purposes, visiting friends and family and other purposes are not included. For the purpose of market sizing, the definition of family holidays includes only those trips involving parents and children. However, Mintel’s exclusive consumer research also considers a broader definition of family holidays, embracing all family combinations, but excluding ‘couple holidays’ in which people travel with their partner only.