From Bear Grylls survival academies to cookery schools and nanny-services to rain-forest expeditions, family holidays are getting an upgrade, according to worldwide travel specialist Kuoni.

The days of a traditional two-week trip to the sun in the summer holidays have moved on according to the premium operator, which is seeing demand rise for more adventurous overseas breaks in the February, May and October half terms. 

There is growing demand from families to explore the world on more adventurous trips according to Kuoni – destinations including Kenya, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Mexico and the Caribbean have all seen growth from the family market over the past year. 

Overall family bookings have risen by 10% over the past year, according to Kuoni and parents are turning to trusted travel companies to help plan more complex trip which give them peace of mind they'll be looked after from booking to returning home.

For families travelling predominantly with primary aged children Kuoni has seen growth of nearly 60 per cent to Africa and Thailand, as parents seek out wildlife rich experiences to educate and inspire young minds, while at the same time offering a combination of exploration and relaxation on the beach, from the white sands of Zanzibar to the golden sands of the Thai Islands.

Parents with pre-school children are also travelling in style, with a 20 per cent growth in family bookings outside of school holidays indicating a growing trend for well-travelled parents to take their tots to worldwide resorts which are geared up for babies and toddlers.

Mark Duguid, managing director of Kuoni, said: “We're seeing innovation like never before in the family travel market, it's a growth area and we're adapting our approach to bring the best of family holidays around the world into one place.   Many of our own team travel with families so know the hurdles and can help to smooth the way and that's important when we're planning more complex itineraries.”

“All around the world families are investing in upgrading the holiday experience – a generation of parents who are used to travelling in style want to continue to do that with their children, partners and even their own parents in tow and hotels are investing in all sorts of villas, multiple-room suites, nanny-services for mini globetrotters, playgrounds, cool hangouts and activities.”

“Just one example of how resorts around the world are adapting to attract families is at Windjammer Landing in Saint Lucia, which has an in-villa nanny service available to book for even tiny babies – and all the paraphernalia such as bottle-warmers, sterilisers and pureed baby food is on hand, so parents can pack light.”

Tots, tweens and teens all need catering for on a family trip and resorts around the are investing in raising the bar. At Sani Dunes in Halkidiki, kids can enrol in the Bear Grylls Survival course and learn skills like shelter building and night navigation or perfect their serve at the Rafa Nadal tennis academy or head off on mountain bike trails through the forest.

Greece is also shining through as a top spot for special family holidays.   Mixing Athens with a beach resort and doing a bit of “stealth education” bringing the classroom to life by seeing historical sights, followed by a beach stay is also a trend.  

Safaris are on the up as well for children from age seven and up.  The ultimate Kenya safari brings animals only seen in books and at the movies brought to life in spectacular fashion in the Maasai Mara combined with a few days at the beach at Malindi for water sports and turtle-spotting.

Other destination on the rise for young families are the Indian Ocean and the Caribbean which have increased sales by 45% over the last year, showing these families are seeking out relaxing beach holidays and taking advantage of all-inclusive stays particularly during shoulder periods when they can get great value, with facilities and activities to keep the young ones busy and knowing everything is taken care of.

As demand rises Kuoni has adapted its approach for family holidays and has launched a new range of Family Holidays

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Kuoni creates holidays around the world and is one of the most trusted brands in travel, recognised as a Recommended Provider for family holidays by Which?   Well-travelled experts are on hand to help plan holidays by phone, website or through it's 27 stores throughout the UK and within John Lewis stores and through trusted travel agents.  For more visit www.kuoni.co.uk

For further information please contact:

Stacey Owens, Kuoni Stacey.owens@kuoni.co.uk

Rachel O'Reilly, Kuoni rachel.oreilly@kuoni.co.uk