2023 TransUnion Holiday Travel Report: Households with Children Lead Holiday Vacation Travel

Over half of families with children plan to travel this holiday season, with 33% visiting family and another 24% planning a holiday vacation, according to a recent TransUnion report. A similar number of households without children planned to travel to visit family (30%) while a much lower percentage planned to travel for vacation (14%).

These findings are part of research conducted for the 2023 TransUnion Holiday Travel Report, which includes insights regarding consumers’ plans on how long they plan to travel, where they want to stay and much more.

For households planning to travel for vacation, those with children — especially of younger ages — are much more likely to opt for relaxing trips than households without children. Households with children under six were more likely to prefer an all-inclusive vacation (38%) or cruise (33%), while households with older children were most likely to prefer a resort (52%) or a visit to a big city (48%). Comparatively, only 15% of households without children are planning an all-inclusive vacation, while 19% plan to take a cruise, and 28% plan to visit a big city.

More than half (57%) of those traveling for vacation plan to spend between $1,000 and $5,000. However, 18% are budgeting between $5,001 and $7,500, and another 17% plan to spend more than $7,500. Importantly, most families are not planning to increase their debt for these trips, with 42% paying with their debit card and 38% planning to use a credit card they will pay off before the next statement.

“This year marked a clear return to travel, although consumers are being thoughtful about not over-extending themselves financially while getting away," said Cecilia Seiden, vice president of TransUnion’s retail business. “Particularly for those with school-aged children, the holiday season is becoming an opportunity for a relaxing winter getaway.”

For more information, read the 2023 TransUnion Holiday Shopping Report and 2023 TransUnion Holiday Travel Report.