A Multi-generational Adventure: Booking.com Shares Five Family Friendly Destinations for a Perfect Getaway Together
Global Intergenerational Week 2023 is celebrated annually from April 25th - May 1st. It’s a week-long opportunity to celebrate and connect different age groups through experiences and projects across the globe. There’s no better way to create close bonds and unforgettable memories with all of the family than on a travel adventure. As nearly half (41%) of American travelers put family travel at the top of their agenda for their 2023 vacation plans, Booking.com is sharing five destinations to inspire the next vacation with the entire family. Whether it’s a relaxing river cruise or an amusement park with rides and entertainment in every corner, each destination brings families together and ensures a treasured experience to connect with loved ones across the generations.
Budapest, Hungary
Take the whole family on a city escape to Budapest, a perfect way to tick famous landmarks off the checklist. Experience iconic sites such as Buda Castle, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and the Fisherman’s Bastion, a well known monument in Budapest. Located on the Danube River in the central north of Hungary, this city is blessed with elegant boulevards and gorgeous bathhouses replenished by mineral-rich hot springs. Aside from the luxurious thermal baths, there are many activities for families to enjoy, from museums to playhouses and theatres, as well as a variety of outdoor activities such as playgrounds, attractions, tours, and parks that will have generations enjoying each other’s company. After a long day of exploring the city with the whole family, travelers can top the evening off with a Danube River Sightseeing Evening Cruise where they sail along river Danube and can raise a glass of champagne or a non-alcoholic drink and say egészségedre (cheers) to an eventful evening whilst observing the picturesque views of the city.
Where to stay: Situated in the heart of Budapest 7Seasons Apartments Budapest is a great home away from home choice for the whole family to appreciate. All apartments boast a fully equipped kitchen, a spacious living room, and a dining area for all to enjoy. Located a short walk away from the apartments, the State Opera House is one of the leading opera houses in the world and worth visiting for a family night out. After an awe inspiring evening, families can branch out to try traditional Hungarian cuisines such as Goulash or Chicken Paprikash in one of the many restaurants nearby.
Niagara Falls, Canada
Located at the southern end of Niagara Gorge, Niagara Falls, Canada, is a great destination to retreat to for the whole family. As 65% of American travelers say that an iconic landmark is their motivation to travel,** families will be in awe of the surrounding natural beauty and wonder of Niagara Falls, comprising three breath-taking waterfalls. Each month, travelers will also be able to encounter spectacular LED light shows that feature color palettes and movements inspired by nature. These occur on certain days of the month, so it’s recommended to plan ahead and check the dates before traveling. The sights of Niagara Falls are best enjoyed on a scenic eco-friendly trolley, ideal for families with younger kids. Or for the more adventurous, explore on foot on one of the many hiking trails, including the Great Gorge Railway Trail, which is suitable for beginners, and those with older kids. For some more family fueled fun, the Niagara Falls Scavenger Hunt
Where to stay: Overlooking the Niagara Gorge, Redwood Bed and Breakfast is a short drive away from the stunning waterfalls. This family friendly B&B is ideal for all ages, offering a barbeque and picnic area to relax and a playground area for the younger family members. Each room within the B&B is romantically decorated and offers a Victorian style feel with ensuite bathrooms. Families will awake to the spectacular sights of the sun rising from their private balcony facing the great gorge in the morning. After a delicious breakfast, be sure to head out and visit the world’s largest free-flying indoor aviary, an exciting adventure for all ages, just a short walk away from the property. Families will have the chance to discover hundreds of tropical birds, encountering exotic animals up close in their natural habitat.
Kyoto, Japan
Nestled in the Kansai region on the Japanese island of Honshu, Kyoto is the cultural capital and home to numerous Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, palaces, and gardens. This destination is great for families looking to experience traditional Japan at its finest with many inspiring sights such as the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a pathway where travelers can stroll between the endless towering bamboo trees, or the Golden Pavilion a golden zen temple that reflects into the Kyoko-chi pond. With a leisurely walk along the city’s narrow streets, travelers will be able to capture the rich history of Japan ranging from their old wooden shops to the sliding doors of local restaurants. For the 65% of American travelers who want to experience new foods with the family**, purchase a Arashiyama Gourmet Coupon with Tram Pass. Travelers can try tasty local eats such as Japanese croquettes and mochi ice cream, a sweet treat made with sticky rice and ice cream and enjoy unlimited access to the Randen tram, great for touring around with the family.
Where to stay: A trip to Kyoto is incomplete without an authentic stay in Muromachi Yutone Kyokoyado, a traditional Japanese ryokan located in the heart of Kyoto, where families can embrace the atmosphere of the ancient town. Surrounded by flowing lakes and verdant green trees, this Booking.com Travel Sustainable property provides guests with information regarding local ecosystems, heritage and culture and has plenty of green spaces and rooftop gardens for guests to relax. Families will be treated to mouth-watering dishes such as Hirai beef and Kyoto’s traditional Wagyu beef, the most sought-after luxurious beef in the world at the on-site restaurant. Following dinner, guests can unwind in the Library Lounge and enjoy a game of chess together or simply observe nature whilst conversing on their day.
Zakopane, Poland
Zakopane is a lovely town located in the south of Poland, at the foothills of the majestic Tatra mountains. This peaceful town is popular for families who are interested in high-impact activities such as skiing in the winter or climbing and hiking in the summer. Adults and children can hop on the Kasprowy Wierch Cable Car to capture buildings on the highest altitude on their way up to the Gubalowka mountains whilst snapping the mesmerising scenes of Poland. In the summer, the Aqua Park is a perfect place to cool off as it includes a relaxation area for adults and amusement rides for young adults and children. As the town is famous for its charming views, families can spend quality time together on a Zakopane and Tatra Mountains Tour from Krakow. Travelers will visit the postcard perfect town taking in the alpine landscapes and fairy-tale homes inspired by Polish folklore.
Where to stay: Willa pod Orłem - Zakopane is an intimate homestay perfect for a family holiday in the Tatra Mountains. This gorgeous Booking.com Travel Sustainable property will allow families to feel at home with plenty to see and do nearby such as a visit to the White Valley, which is a great hiking trail surrounded by beautiful landscapes, perfect for a peaceful walk. Breakfast, with delicious locally sourced food, can be served to the room for families to sit on their terrace to enjoy a chat and a warm drink ahead of a fun filled day. After an exciting day of skiing or hiking, guests can enjoy the jacuzzi and sauna to relax and unwind.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Famous for its unique luxury and family friendly activities, Dubai is the perfect playground for both adults and children as it is home to some of the world’s best theme parks, exhilarating water-sports, and lavish shopping malls. Located on the Persian Gulf coast of the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is a great destination for families seeking high-end feels whilst relaxing in pure bliss. This sun-kissed paradise offers amusing attractions such as the Global Village, where travelers of all ages can discover entertainment, cuisine, and cultural shows from over 80 countries, along with a range of shops, rides, and leisure pursuits. Or families can take part in the Photography-themed Tour of Dubai, capturing aesthetically pleasing pictures of the modern side of the city and finish off the tour with a view of the traditional water taxis crossing the creek.
Where to stay: Nestled in central Dubai, Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf is a great stay for families that are seeking an all-inclusive resort full of entertainment, restaurants, and facilities to entertain the whole family. Families can enjoy a game of golf, get competitive over a sporting game on the private beach, kids can make new friends at the kids club, or make a splash at the waterpark which is suitable for all ages. This Booking.com Travel Sustainable property features exquisite Arabian inspired summerhouses offering guests an incredible view overlooking the fresh seawater ways. Guests will have plenty of dining options to choose from, with seven restaurants on site, and 80% of the ingredients sourced locally.
For travelers looking forward to a vacation with the entire family, Booking.com is sharing Getaway Deals. Discounts start at 15 percent at participating properties indicated by the “Getaway Deal” badge, and are valid for stays with check-out on or before September 28, 2023. In addition, Booking.com is giving travelers around the world the keys to unlock a new level of additional perks with the introduction of a third tier to its Genius loyalty program. Designed to make every trip a better experience, Booking.com’s loyalty program is completely free, easily accessible and membership lasts a lifetime – travelers simply need to create an account to achieve Genius status for life. As Genius members unlock new levels, they get access to larger discounts and more travel rewards that never expire. All travelers have to do is sign into their Booking.com account and look for the Genius logo to identify benefits, discounts and perks.
*Travel Predictions 2023 research commissioned by Booking.com and conducted among a sample of adults who plan to travel for business or leisure in the next 12-24 months. In total 24,179 respondents across 32 countries and territories were polled (including 1014 from Argentina, 1006 from Australia, 505 from Austria, 504 from Belgium, 1009 from Brazil, 503 from Canada, 1009 from China, 1010 from Colombia, 505 from Croatia, 505 from Denmark, 1010 from France, 1001 from Germany, 500 from Hong Kong, 1005 from India, 504 from Ireland, 504 from Israel, 1008 from Italy, 1003 from Japan, 504 from Mexico, 502 from The Netherlands, 1007 from New Zealand, 1009 from Portugal, 507 from Singapore, 1008 from South Korea, 1001 from Spain, 505 from Sweden, 508 from Switzerland, 500 from Taiwan, 504 from Thailand, 1006 from the UK, 1009 from the US and 504 from Vietnam). Respondents completed an online survey in August 2022.
**Research commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of 42,513 respondents across 33 markets (2,000 from USA, 1,008 from Canada, 2,000 from Mexico, 1,000 from Colombia, 2,000 from Brazil, 1,000 from Argentina, 2,000 from Australia, 1,000 from New Zealand, 2,000 from Spain, 2,000 from Italy, 2,000 from France, 2,000 from UK, 2,000 from Germany, 1,000 from Netherlands, 1,000 from Denmark, 1,000 from Sweden, 1,000 from Croatia, 1,000 from Switzerland, 1,000 from Belgium, 1,000 from Ireland, 1,000 from Portugal, 1,000 from Israel, 2,000 from India, 1,000 from China, 1,005 from Hong Kong, 1,000 from Thailand, 1,000 from Singapore, 1,000 from Taiwan, 1,000 from Vietnam, 1,000 from South Korea, 1,000 from Japan, 500 from UAE). In order to participate in this survey, respondents had to be 18 years of age or older, had to have traveled at least once in the past 12 months, and planning to travel in 2023 and be either the primary decision maker or involved in the decision making of their travel. The survey was taken online and took place in January and February 2023.