Germany’s Family Travel Trends Take a Surprising Turn as Holiday Inn Reveals What Children Really Want from Their Holidays

German families may be putting too much effort into organising the perfect holiday when children often find their greatest happiness in simple experiences. A recent survey commissioned by Holiday Inn® by IHG reveals that 86% of parents in Germany feel personally responsible for making family holidays memorable and enjoyable for their children. However, the findings suggest that younger travellers place greater importance on having fun, enjoying freedom, spending quality time with loved ones and experiencing spontaneous moments than following carefully planned schedules or taking part in costly activities.

The nationally representative study, which surveyed 750 German parents with children aged up to 12, also highlights the growing influence of children on family travel decisions. Although parents remain responsible for making the final arrangements, 40% actively encourage their children to share their preferences during the planning process. Children have the strongest influence over the selection of holiday activities and excursions, with 70% contributing to these decisions, while 58% participate in choosing food and drink options. Parents also recognise that involving younger family members in holiday preparations builds excitement, strengthens family connections and makes the entire travel experience more enjoyable.

The research further indicates that children’s expectations of a successful holiday are often far less complicated than parents imagine. Almost seven in ten parents believe their children appreciate relaxed, everyday moments more than expensive attractions or elaborate entertainment. When considering what children would prefer during a family getaway, 30% of parents identified additional playtime, while another 30% highlighted opportunities for adventure. Greater flexibility and unplanned experiences appealed to 22%, while 18% pointed towards spending more meaningful time together as a family. These findings suggest that giving children greater freedom to explore, play and enjoy shared experiences could be more rewarding than filling every day with sightseeing tours and tightly organised activities.

Holiday Inn is introducing its Chief Holiday Officer initiative across Germany this autumn, giving children the opportunity to take the lead in planning their family holidays. Throughout the school holiday season, young guests staying at Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn – the niu properties will be invited to become honorary “Chief Holiday Officers”. As part of the experience, children will receive a special iron-on badge and a personalised holiday wish list, encouraging them to share their ideas, choose activities and help shape their family’s travel plans. Drawing on nearly 75 years of experience in bringing families and travellers together, Holiday Inn has designed the initiative to make family breaks more interactive, enjoyable and memorable. The wish list will help children explore their interests, organise their daily adventures and play a more active role in creating meaningful holiday experiences for the whole family.

Mario Maxeiner, Managing Director Northern Europe, IHG Hotels & Resorts: “The research reinforces what we’ve long believed at Holiday Inn that great family holidays are often built around simple moments spent together. While parents are always looking for ways to create memorable experiences for their children, our findings show that fun, freedom and quality time together are what matter most. Holiday Inn has been designed around exactly those moments, and our Chief Holiday Officer initiative builds on our long-standing commitment to family travel. Across our hotels, families can enjoy welcoming communal spaces, flexible experiences and thoughtful family-friendly amenities designed to make travelling together easier and more enjoyable.”

As younger travellers take on a greater role in shaping family holidays, Holiday Inn is encouraging parents to create experiences that reflect the interests and preferences of every family member. Recent research shows that 58% of parents acknowledge their children’s strong influence over food and drink choices during holidays. Meanwhile, one in three parents believe their children place greater value on freedom, spending time together and enjoying spontaneous activities than following tightly organised travel schedules. These findings highlight a growing preference for flexible family holidays, where children can actively contribute to decisions and enjoy experiences that suit their individual interests.

Recognising these changing expectations, Holiday Inn provides an environment where families can enjoy greater flexibility throughout their stay. Children can participate in choosing restaurants, suggesting activities and deciding how to spend their leisure time. A central feature of this approach is the hotel’s Open Lobby concept, which offers a comfortable and versatile setting for families to relax, enjoy games, discuss upcoming outings or share meals. Rather than limiting guests to structured activities, these communal spaces encourage natural interaction and spontaneous experiences. This flexibility allows families to spend meaningful time together while giving younger guests opportunities to influence how their holidays unfold.

The research further indicates that approximately one-third of parents consider familiar meals and the ability to select preferred foods particularly important for children during trips. Holiday Inn addresses these expectations through its Kids Stay & Eat Free programme, which is designed to make family accommodation and dining more convenient and affordable, subject to applicable conditions. By offering younger guests greater choice at mealtimes, the initiative helps create a more inclusive holiday experience while allowing parents to manage travel expenses more effectively. Combined with flexible social spaces and family-friendly facilities, the programme reflects the brand’s commitment to making children active participants in their holidays rather than simply accompanying adults.

These insights underline Holiday Inn’s wider approach to family tourism, which places greater emphasis on shared enjoyment, personal choice and memorable experiences instead of overcrowded itineraries. Building on this philosophy, the Chief Holiday Officer initiative will be available at participating Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn – the niu properties across Germany during the autumn school holidays. The initiative encourages families to explore destinations from a child’s perspective, giving younger travellers opportunities to contribute ideas and shape everyday holiday activities. By celebrating simple pleasures, unexpected discoveries and quality time together, Holiday Inn aims to demonstrate that the most rewarding family holidays often emerge when children have the freedom to help decide what happens next.