70% of Gen Z Choose Family Trips Over Friends
Gen Z are turning towards the connection and mindfulness of multi-gen holidays over holidays with friends, with 70% admitting they would prefer to holiday with family over friends, according to a new survey by holidaycottages.co.uk. With families set to reunite over Christmas in the coming months, this trend is likely to fuel a rise in holiday planning.
Busy schedules and digital distractions constantly pull families in every direction – 58% say their main motivation for going on multi-generational family holidays is spending quality time with loved ones. These trips focus on simple pleasures like eating together, walking in nature, and having meaningful conversations, which help 41% of people say to feel more connected with one another after these holidays.
What’s more, different generations bring their own favourite ways to relax and bond: younger adults aged 18–24 show a strong preference for visiting historic sites and taking long walks, while those aged 55–65+ often prefer relaxing on the beach – savouring those peaceful moments together.
Spending quality time together is the most significant reason families are going away on a multi-generational holiday; while making memories they will talk about for years to come is the second most important reason stated for taking these holidays. These holidays bring a sense of tradition and togetherness to look forward to for many families, another key motivation behind spending the time and money on these special trips. Many family members found they feel more connected with loved ones after going on multi-generation holidays, while others say they feel joy from going away altogether, and many feel very relaxed after such trip.
When it comes to spending quality time together on multi-generational holidays, it’s the simple pleasures that are most valued. According to holidaycottages.co.uk’s survey, 50% favour walks together – whether in the countryside or by the coast. Closely behind, many enjoy exploring local villages and towns together, while more than 40% say sharing a meal at a restaurant is a highlight of their trip – proving the importance that mealtime still holds in strengthening family bonds.
Overall, there are many similarities between the types of activities each generation likes to spend time doing together, the interests can vary between age groups. Young adults aged 18–24 are particularly keen on exploring historic sites, with 40% choosing this as a top activity, which suggests a growing interest in culture and heritage among young people. Walking also ranks highly among this age group, with 57% saying it’s their preferred activity with the whole family, which may be largely influenced by the influx of hiking and walking groups gaining popularity, as well as concern with health among the younger generation.
Best destinations for multi-generational holidays in the UK
You don’t need to jet off to make lasting memories with the whole family. The purpose of multi-generational holidays, for many, is about enjoying life’s simple pleasures together and enjoying each other’s company – from countryside walks to seaside picnics, there are plenty of perfect spots in the UK to do just that. Based on internal booking data, holidaycottages.co.uk has revealed the top destinations chosen by families in 2025 for multi-generational breaks, offering a blend of natural beauty and activities that appeal to every age group.
Here are the top five most popular destinations for a multi-gen escape:
- Peak District
- Cotswolds
- Suffolk
- Yorkshire
- Norfolk
Commenting on the study, Digital PR Manager at holidaycottages.co.uk, Sarah Pring, said, “We’ve seen a steady growth in multi-generational holidays over the last few years, so we wanted to understand what was driving this growing trend from the perspective of families across all generations.
“It’s heartening to see that the main motivation is simple: spending quality time together. These holidays are about slowing down, enjoying the little things, and reconnecting in a world that often feels too fast-paced. It’s also been fascinating to uncover how different age groups enjoy sharing experiences, and where they overlap.
“The data reveals that half of families prefer to self-catering cottages for their multi-gen getaways. Our collection includes beautiful properties not only in the most popular destinations mentioned, but across the UK and Northern Ireland, so you can make lasting memories, wherever you choose to stay.”