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Half of UK parents wish they had done more travelling before they had children

Almost a quarter (24 per cent) of UK adults yet to have kids believe it’s important to experience travel adventures with their partners so they have memories to look back on. 59 per cent of adults felt that their partner would make the best travel partner.

LONDON – Settling down and starting a family is an exciting milestone in a person’s life however many parents now wish that they went on a ‘great escape’ and explored more of the world before they had children according to a new study.

The research, commissioned by online travel brand Meraki Travel in conjunction with YouGov, reveals that half (50 per cent) of UK adults with children wish they had done more travelling before they had kids. 37 per cent of those surveyed with children also believe that certain travel destinations and activities are best experienced under the age of 40.

Top ten destinations to travel to before settling down or having children according to Brits
1. Australia
2. Thailand
3. India
4. New Zealand
5. Japan
6. Vietnam
7. USA
8. Brazil
9. China
10. Peru

Highlighting how valuable travelling is for couples without children and the freedom to travel where they want to, just under a quarter (24 per cent) felt that it was important for both them and their partner to experience travel adventures together so that they have memories to look back on. Nearly one-fifth (19 per cent) admitted that they worry about missing out on certain holidays and travel experiences if they settle down or have children while 18 per cent said that they have a bucket list or wish list of holidays and travel experiences that they want to do before they settle down or have kids.

According to the research, trying different cuisines from around the world was one of the top experiences that UK adults without children have taken part in or would like to do before having kids (35 per cent) followed by exploring ruins of ancient civilizations (34 per cent) and visiting one of the seven wonders of the world (32 per cent) such as the Taj Mahal.  UK adults already with children listed seeing the Northern Lights as their top life experience on their bucket list (50 per cent) but also had ambitions to visit one of the seven wonders of the world (27 per cent) and take a road trip around the US (26 per cent).

Despite many couples going on big holiday adventures once they have finished working, 28 per cent of parents felt that a once in a lifetime trip was best experienced pre or post education, or in young professional years, before having children compared to just over a quarter (27 per cent) in retirement. For 44 per cent of parents, a luxury travel trip such as staying in a five star hotel would turn a holiday into a once in a lifetime experience followed by being immersed in the local culture (28 per cent).

Matt Hodgson, General Manager at Meraki commented, "Our research confirmed what we have always thought – travelling is a great escape from modern life pressures but also there is no better way to create lifelong memories with your partner. The world is filled with so many exciting and unique destinations, many of which are not very child friendly – so get out there and create those memories whilst you still have the energy to make the most of the opportunity!"

Meraki is a new concept for bespoke travel and users can make complex tailor-made trips to long haul destinations such as South Africa, Sri Lanka, India, China, Kenya and Tanzania easy and fun to plan, customise and then book online, with more exciting destinations coming throughout 2019. Hotels and experiences are carefully curated by the Meraki Travel team with accommodation starting from three-star hotels to character properties and luxury hotels. Experience packs ranging from Foodie, Cultural, Active and Authentic can also be added to each bespoke trip to help travellers create a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

 

Meraki Travel polled over 2,000 adults in the UK with YouGov in February 2019. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc.  Total sample size was 2104 adults, including 1146 with children and 958 without children. Fieldwork was undertaken between 5th – 6th February 2019.  The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+).

News Editor - TravelDailyNews Media Network | + Posts

Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.

She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.

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