More than a third of holidaymakers are looking for long-haul travel destinations in 2025, as trends show tourists are starting to expand their holiday horizons. America has become one of the go-to destinations for trips outside of Europe, with 50 different states to choose from, offering theme park getaways, beautiful beaches, natural wonders and more i’s for families looking to take a long break from their day-to-day lives.
With more and more tourists visiting the USA every year, our experts decided to look at how families tend to plan their long-haul holidays, and what they look forward to the most when touching down in America. Looking to treat your kids to some family fun in 2025? Here’s our report of the best family holidays to America you can buy.
How Do Parents Go About Planning the Perfect Holiday?
Getting ready to set off on a holiday is an exciting time, as our survey shows that 86% of holidaymakers enjoy the planning stages of their trip; with 68% typically enjoying it more than they expect.
When we asked how much planning typically goes into a getaway, more than a third of UK adults said that they pre-plan most of their trip. 15% said they prepare their trips in full detail, while 13% like to be spontaneous and make plans on a whim once they land. More than 4 in 5 of us include our kids in planning conversations too, making sure the whole family gets to pick their ideal holiday.
Our survey listed budgeting, travel logistics, and choosing a destination as the three toughest stages of planning. Luckily, our American Holidays experts can help find flights, accommodation, all the best deals, and more to give your loved ones the USA family holiday they’ve always dreamed of.
What Does US Travel Look Like for Families in 2025?
A huge 96% of UK families have said that visiting the US is on their bucket list for 2025, while a third of families surveyed already plan to visit within the next year – but what are the most popular destinations?
American beach holidays proved to be the most popular choice of activity, with 34% looking to have fun in the sand and sea with their families. When it comes to locations, Florida holidays and trips to Hawaii were particularly popular with those we surveyed. Meanwhile, just under a quarter of families visiting the USA are planning theme park trips, and 14% have trips with multiple destinations in mind.
What Are the Main Sources of Fun on Family Holidays?
More than half of family holidaymakers said that they like to relax on their trips, whether that be on a sunny beach, or a day at the spa. On the other hand, thrill rides and theme parks were the choice of 45% of families. Just over a third of those surveyed enjoyed shopping and dining, while 30% liked outdoor adventure activities such as zip-lining, hiking, climbing, etc.
Museums and heritage sites are the fifth most popular activity, according to our research, with 26% of families liking to get in touch with culture during their visits. There’s so much more to do in America as well, with sporting events like baseball and basketball games, road trips, musical performances, and historical tours all being favourites of UK families.
Biggest Bucket List Destinations for Families Visiting the US
America is the third biggest country on Earth, so you’re spoilt for choice on destinations on your USA family holidays. With that in mind, where are the most places to go for British visitors and their children? Our travel experts asked what US holiday destinations were on the bucket list of families, and compiled the most common answers to find your dream holiday itinerary.
Florida
Florida was the #1 dream North American holiday spot for those we surveyed, with 69% of them having the state on their bucket list. With its sandy beaches, varied wildlife, and theme parks to suit the whole family, it’s no surprise that it ranks so highly. With its wide range of activities for all ages to enjoy, Florida is also a top spot for multi-generational holidays,
63% of families we asked had a Walt Disney World holiday on their bucket list, making it the most popular attraction in America, while Universal Orlando Resort, LEGOLAND Florida, and Kennedy Space Centre also rank high on our survey.
Whether you’re soaking up the sun on Clearwater or St Pete Beach, or getting some retail therapy at some of Florida’s best shopping malls, there are so many ways to get the most out of your family trip to The Sunshine State.
New York City
The Big Apple is home to some of North America’s most iconic sights, making it a perfect spot for a city break, and a dream destination for 65% of tourist families. More than a third of families we surveyed (36%) said that spending their Christmas and New Year in New York City was on their holiday bucket list, but America’s biggest city has plenty to offer in the summertime too.
See the Statue of Liberty, cross the Brooklyn Bridge, scale to the top of the Empire State Building, or unwind in Central Park – taking the kids to NYC is sure to make family memories that will last a lifetime.
Los Angeles
The most popular destination on America’s West Coast, 42% of our surveyed families had Los Angeles on their bucket list. Known for being the home of the rich and famous, LA offers iconic beaches, brilliant boutiques, and unique experiences for the whole family.
If your kids have ever dreamt of living like movie stars, why not give them a taste of Hollywood magic? Universal Studios Hollywood was on the bucket list of more than 2 in 5 families visiting the USA, with the Walk of Fame, Madame Tussauds, and the iconic sign all letting you get closer than ever to your favourite films.
Miami
While Florida as a whole ranked as our #1 destination, Miami is its most popular city for family breaks. With its luxury hotels, famous art museums like the Wynwood Walls, and boating tours across one of America’s most picturesque locations, everything you could possibly want for a great family holiday is right at your fingertips. 28% of families have it as a bucket list location, and it’s only getting more popular over the years.
Cruise Holidays
Looking to get the most out of a trip to North America? A cruise holiday is a great way to see a variety of top holiday destinations, with plenty of activities to take part in on the high seas along the way.
Our cruise packages let you experience the best of the USA before exploring the further reaches of the continent. Whether you’re looking to sail from Miami to the Western Caribbean, or from Orlando to the Caribbean, you’ll get a varied experience out of your trip that the whole family is sure to love. With 34% of families choosing beach destinations for their holidays, a stay on a cruise liner lets you experience the best of the USA’s coastline, as well as letting you soak up the sun in other nearby countries in the Caribbean. You’ll get a varied experience out of your trip that the whole family is sure to love. With 34% of families choosing beach destinations for their holidays, a stay on a cruise liner lets you experience the best of the USA’s coastline, as well as letting you soak up the sun in other nearby countries.
Multi-Centre Holidays
Natural wonders also seem to be points of interest for a number of families. Niagara Falls, the Grand Canyon, and Yellowstone National Park all took spots in the top 10 biggest bucket list destinations in the country. If one state isn’t enough, why not plan a multi-centre holiday and take in the sights across the mainland?
How Are Families Booking Long-Haul Holidays?
Almost half of families in the UK book their long-haul trips through an online travel agent, making it the most popular way to plan holidays outside of Europe. Meanwhile, 2 in 5 families booked through a company’s website directly, making arrangements with their hotel, airline, etc.
If you’re looking to book a USA family holiday in 2025, let American Holidays ease the planning pressure for you. Whether you’re staying in a Walt Disney World hotel, or planning a peaceful beach escape on the coast, our experts are able to help you plan the perfect holiday for your budget and preferences. Get in touch today, and see how we can help you plan your adventure, your way.
