The 20 holiday destinations kids want to visit this year – with waterparks and ice creams a ‘must’

KIDS would most like to visit America next year – but adults would prefer to stay in the UK, according to research.

A poll of 1,000 adults and their children, aged 6 to 16, revealed the top desired destinations for 2024, with the USA topping the list for youngsters, while holidaying on home soil is more appealing to parents.

SWNSKids and adults have revealed their top 20 places to visit this year[/caption]

Portugal, Greece and Italy also featured high on the grown-ups list, while Australia, Dubai and France are places kids are keen to explore.

Half of children want to go somewhere that offers fun activities – with 29 per cent of mums and dads agreeing with this too – while 38 per cent of youngsters like the idea of having a swimming pool play area.

More than a third of adults (34 per cent) are keen to stay in accommodation that is near a beach, and 21 per cent cite evening entertainment as high importance.

Anais Dessales-Quentin at hotel chain, Novotel, which commissioned the research, said: “It’s been fascinating to learn where people are wanting to holiday this year.

“Looking at travelling through the eyes of children has shown us that families need some well-spent time with the most important people in their life.”

It was revealed half of parents try and visit somewhere new each year, with only 10 per cent admitting they keep going back to the same destination.

The biggest priority for mums and dads when booking a holiday is ensuring it is right for their children (36 per cent), as 77 per cent most look forward to quality family time.

Creating new memories is what it is all about for 71 per cent, while 58 per cent are eager to find time to unwind.

When quizzed on why holidays are important to them, eight in 10 children cited spending time with their family as their biggest priority, with 37 per cent saying it is to recover from the stress of school.

While a heart-warming 34 per cent are keen to make new friends, and 24 per cent want to take advantage of being able to sleep as much as they want.

On their next family holiday, 61 per cent of kids would like to go to a water park, 25 per cent are keen to try a form of water sports – and for 43 per cent, it is all about eating as much ice cream as they can.

Accommodation is something both parents and children have in common, as a hotel came out top for where parents will choose to stay next year (45 per cent) and is where children would most like to stay overall (54 per cent).

It also emerged 48 per cent of adults polled, via OnePoll.com, think that between three and six hours is the ideal duration for travelling when going on their main family holiday.

Anais Dessales-Quentin added: “Hearing that even children feel they need a break from the stress in everyday life is an eye-opener, particularly as our commitment to families is incredibly important.

“Through our partnership with mental health app, CALM, families can also access customised content like bedtime stories or relaxation exercises to make their hotel stay as chilled as possible.

“This is another way to support families and children in enjoying much-needed relaxation and quality time during their dream vacation.”