76% of parents believe holidays are important for children (HomeAway.co.uk). 92% of holidaymakers plan to travel with family in 2014 (TripAdvisor). Orlando is most visited US city in 2013, with 59 million visitors (Visit Orlando).
When it comes to summer holidays, it seems that family-friendly fun in the sun is at the top of the list of requirements for UK holidaymakers. A recently published survey from HomeAway.co.uk in association with UKMums.tv found that 76% of parents believe holidays are an important time for children.
With such emphasis on the younger family members’ needs, summer holidays are often planned to suit their whims and wishes. In fact, the survey goes on to reveal that 65% of holiday trips and activities are decided upon by children, along with 50% of meals and 60% of decisions as to whether to head for the beach or stay by the pool.
With the children so firmly in charge, it is perhaps unsurprising that Florida – and in particular Orlando – is such a perennially popular choice of summer holiday destination. The family-friendly nature of theme parks and water parks can keep youngsters of all ages thoroughly entertained, from tiny tots to awkward teenagers.
Only 6% of those surveyed were not prepared to sacrifice any aspect of their holiday plans for their children. The findings are backed by data from the latest TripAdvisor family travel survey, which found that family holidays have increased in popularity this year. While in 2013 only 85% of respondents planned to travel with family, the figure rose to 92% for 2014.
While 55% planned to travel with their spouse and children, a significant number (20%) intended to travel with extended family – and again, the climate and myriad attractions of Florida can be understood in terms of their appeal for such groups. Indeed, of the TripAdvisor top ten Travelers’ Choice Hotels for Families in the US, the Orlando/Kissimmee area claimed two of the top three spots.
Philip Button, Managing Director of specialist property investment firm Brookes & Co, travels regularly to Florida with his two sons. He comments, “I’m lucky that my work takes me to Florida every 6-8 weeks, but I also travel there for pleasure trips with my family as well. Orlando is an outstanding city, with something to offer everyone. I saw from the Visit Orlando figures released recently that Orlando has now been confirmed as attracting more visitors in 2013 than New York – a record-breaking 59 million, in fact – and I can completely understand why.”
Button’s work sees him regularly inspecting the progress of the development underway at The Fountains at ChampionsGate, where Brookes & Co are working in partnership with Floridian developer Feltrim to offer high end three and four bedroom villas as investment properties to the UK market. Button himself is buying there – with villas available from £212,512 and US mortgages available, he sees it as the perfect family investment, explaining, “Buying at The Fountains makes sense to me as a parent. I can use the villa for six weeks completely free without compromising my rental income. For the rest of the year, it will generate an income at the same time as allowing my capital to grow.”
The popularity of The Fountains with Brookes & Co’s UK clients has shown the resort’s family appeal. The majority of buyers have been family groups, with two or three generations of family attracted to the lifestyle element of the investment, as well as the healthy financial returns.
Of course, family holidays aren’t always perfect. 85% of the TripAdvisor survey respondents admitted to wanting to escape from their family at some point during their trip. Thankfully The Fountains has access to 36 holes of Greg Norman-designed championship-level golf course on its doorstep, offering the perfect solution for when the family holiday involves just a little too much time with the family!
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
