Kuoni UK: Families risk missing their last big holiday

 

Parents may not realize how important one last family vacation can be until their children have left home, according to new research from UK travel specialist Kuoni.

The company has dubbed the trend the “nest-cation” – a final major family trip before children leave home and begin independent lives.

Kuoni’s survey of 2,000 UK adults, including parents and adult children, found that 43% believe every family should take a final vacation together. Among parents, that figure rises to 62%.

The research also suggests some families may wait too long. One in four parents whose 18-to-24-year-old children have already left home said they wished they had taken a nest-cation while they had the opportunity.

Among parents who are already empty nesters, 35% described such a trip as one of the most significant experiences a family can share.

Exotic destinations dominate

Kuoni’s booking data shows the trend is already reflected in family travel patterns.

Over the past five years, more than 27% of family bookings included at least one traveler aged 16 to 25. Bookings involving this age group surged 55% year over year in 2022-23, as families sought to make up for travel missed during the pandemic.

Rather than fading, however, the proportion has remained above 27%, suggesting that families continue to prioritize travel together as children approach adulthood.

The Maldives, Thailand and Mauritius were the three most popular nest-cation destinations booked through Kuoni in 2025-26, accounting for 15.2%, 9.8% and 8% of bookings respectively.

The full top 10 were the Maldives, Thailand, Mauritius, Greece, the US, Kenya, Vietnam, Italy, Indonesia and Tanzania.

Some of the fastest-growing destinations were more adventurous. Family bookings to Vietnam jumped 145% year over year, while Tanzania rose 83% and Kenya increased 61%.

The growth reflects demand for holidays combining memorable experiences with relaxation, including safaris, cultural attractions and beach stays.

Kuoni said 31% of UK families would choose a hot beach destination for a milestone family trip, while 18% would opt for an all-inclusive resort. Another 9% of parents with children still at home said they would prefer a bucket-list destination.

The clock may be ticking

Kuoni’s research suggests parents believe the ideal age for a final family vacation is around 18, while adult children put the sweet spot closer to age 20.

Yet there may be less time than parents expect.

Although 44% of 18-to-24-year-olds said they would still travel with their families after leaving home, 29% of respondents were unsure whether their family would ever take that milestone vacation.

“Family holidays create some of life’s most treasured memories,” said Kuoni managing director Mark Duguid.

“As children grow up and start to find their own way, that last big trip as a family becomes something worth marking.”

Tags:Mark Duguid  Kuoni