Join host Daniel Edward on Destination Unlocked, the chatty travel podcast, as he interviews Holly Axelrad, a luxury family travel planner. Together, they discuss the emerging family travel trends for 2026, including the rise of multi-generational trips, early booking habits, and the shift towards nature and adventure-focused holidays.

Discover top destinations like South Africa, Thailand, Costa Rica, Iceland, and the Maldives, and get practical advice for planning unforgettable family vacations. Tune in for insights, tips, and inspiration for your next family adventure.

Daniel Edward_Family Travel 2026: Welcome to Destination Unlocked

with me, Daniel Edward.

Destination Unlocked is the Chatty Travel Podcast where a local expert helps

you unlock their corner of the world.

Today we are looking ahead to the family travel trends of 2026 at

exactly the moment when people start planning this year's big trips.

My guest is Holly Axelrad, a luxury family travel planner who works

with busy families, grandparents, and multi-generational groups.

We're talking where families are booking, why people are traveling earlier than

ever, and how trips are shifting away from those flying flops to towards nature,

adventure, and those shared experiences.

If you are planning a family holiday or maybe even your first one, this episode

is full of smart practical insight.

So Holly, what are you unlocking for us today?

Holly Axelrad_Family Travel 2026: Today I am unlocking the

family travel trends for 2026.

Daniel Edward_Family Travel 2026: And this is super exciting because as we

get to the end of the year, everybody is already starting to think about next

year's big trips, and especially with the kids because it comes back to Christmas

time, everybody's back at home again.

The last time they were all back at home for a long period of time

was holiday season and, and summer.

so conversation I think does tend to start to veer towards warmer times

and, and summer holidays already,

Holly Axelrad_Family Travel 2026: Yeah, definitely.

actually what we are seeing tying into to families getting in together at

Christmas is multi-generational trips.

So that's when grandparents are taking their children away and taking their

grandchildren away, and whilst we've seen that on the increase, what's I'm

seeing for 2026 is actually, rather than being a celebratory trip or a milestone

trip, these are becoming annual trips.

so I've had lots of bookings for families ranging from kind of seven people right

up to 15 people all going away together.

So they are booking that, earlier just because of

availability for such a big group.

Daniel Edward_Family Travel 2026: Well, it's a convention at that point.

Holly Axelrad_Family Travel 2026: It, it takes quite a bit of planning

and I think that's where I come in to help, with all the logistics.

Daniel Edward_Family Travel 2026: Multi-generational trips

are a wonderful thing.

Being able to bring families together away from any stress of one person having

to host and cook and do all of these things, which I suppose Christmas is

known for that, that the burden's usually on one person who's always hosting.

A holiday where everybody gets away and everybody can relax is really special.

But you are noticing that it's the grandparents taking the lead.

Holly Axelrad_Family Travel 2026: Yes it is.

so it's, it's actually the grandparents treating the rest of the family.

but what they are doing is they're being very mindful of their children and the

grandchildren and whilst it's typically grandparents that are, paying for these

trips, it's actually then their children that I'm speaking to and discussing

what they're looking for from the trip.

So, if they've got young children, are they looking for somewhere

that possibly is all inclusive just to make it a bit easier or are

there facilities for the children?

So really, I'm speaking to a number of the family members to make sure

it's exactly what they're looking for.

Daniel Edward_Family Travel 2026: I love that delegation.

You are like, I'll pay, but you are gonna go do the research on this.

and so you are, you are helping people sort of work out destinations and

styles of holidays that are going to work for everyone because there's

clearly such a different need for, let's call it a 65, 70-year-old

grandparent and a 7-year-old child.

Holly Axelrad_Family Travel 2026: Absolutely.

And I think it's everybody coming together on what they might be looking for.

You may have grandparents that wouldn't typically, go to the types of resorts

that they're going to, but it's really about that special family time, and

all being together and noticing that it's more shorthaul destinations and

also going within the school holidays, to cater for the grandchildren.

Daniel Edward_Family Travel 2026: So what sort of destinations within that short

haul category are looking really popular?

Holly Axelrad_Family Travel 2026: Greece.

Greece is, is a big one, I think, just because it's great throughout the year.

it's not too far away and there's a number of great family friendly resorts.

Daniel Edward_Family Travel 2026: And when we're talking family friendly

resorts, what's that really mean?

Holly Axelrad_Family Travel 2026: I think what works for families and what they're

looking for for family friendly is that, there are activities for the children.

And that may not be, a resort that has a huge water park within it.

That's maybe not what they're looking for, but what they're definitely

looking for is for, these children's clubs that are engaging the children

and they're doing more, they're doing treasure hunts around the resort.

They're getting the children on the beach.

They're learning, about the world and about the area they're in.

So it's much more, and I think that that's definitely something

that my clients are looking for.

The all inclusive model does work very easily because then there's no nasty

surprises at the end of the trip.

It's all catered for.

And also if you've got fussy eaters, it's great that you can go and pick and

choose and don't have to worry too much.

and typically we're seeing that, beaches are the most popular.

But then also depending on when you are going, if it's the half term, say

the May half term, October half term, we are getting quite a lot of requests

for, heated pools to make sure that it really does cater for the children

being able to enjoy themselves and swim.

and then having that area for the adults only.

So if the children are playing in the kids club or they've got younger ones

in a creche that the grandparents, have somewhere that they can go.

and the parents, so that might be the spa or it might be an adults only pool.

I think.

these often, are factors that people are looking for.

Also, any experiences that they can do together.

So that might be a boat trip or, being able to, even though they are part of an

all inclusive, actually going to a local taverna, and really experiencing, say if

it is Greek, that Greek culture and that brilliant Greek food that we all love.

Daniel Edward_Family Travel 2026: And if somebody's doing this with

a travel planner, they'll get an itinerary that plans all of that out

for them based on their wishlist.

Holly Axelrad_Family Travel 2026: Yes.

So, I typically work with families and busy professionals.

and everyone knows that when you start to look for a holiday, it's all very fun.

And then you research and research and there are so many choices

that then it becomes, Just too much and it's very time consuming.

so that's where I help my clients.

I, have a very, detailed conversation with them.

If they're new clients, understanding again, what are they looking for?

What's their vibe?

What, how do they like to travel?

and then essentially I matchmaking them.

Some know the destination they want to go to.

Others don't.

so it's about me being able to provide, various destinations that I

think would work for the time of year they're going, the budget that they

have, and really their requirements.

So then I'll put together a proposal and I'll share that with them.

And that will include private experiences.

So it could be, yeah, boat trips or going local experiences within the

area, or visiting, elephant sanctuaries.

It really varies on the destination as to what I'm helping them to plan.

And then once we've got that finalized, I then will book that for them.

And then also I'll handle any, concierge; that might be a restaurant bookings,

or especially if you've got larger groups booking that, or any childcare

needs or if they're hiring cars.

and making sure that this child seats all of those extras I'll help with.

And I'm just, I'm there in case anything, goes wrong.

Just that extra, pair, safe pair of hands.

Because we know travel can sometimes be quite unpredictable.

Daniel Edward_Family Travel 2026: Especially with kids,

Holly Axelrad_Family Travel 2026: Exactly.

it's a joy, but it's also a challenge.

Daniel Edward_Family Travel 2026: It sounds to me that this sort

of service is more than what people expect of a travel agent.

So they see a travel agent on the high street and they're think,

okay, somebody's gonna book me a package holiday, and that's that.

But this seems much more bespoke.

Holly Axelrad_Family Travel 2026: I think travel agents, that do have a

shop are brilliant because they have a client base who want to come in.

They want to have that face-to-face interaction,

collect their tickets in person.

The clients that, that I work with, they're busy professionals,

they really lack time.

They love to travel, but they need helping hand to put these, these trips

together, and be able to save them time.

Daniel Edward_Family Travel 2026: Yeah, use the spare time that they have to

actually go on the trip, not think about all of the logistics of going on the trip.

Holly Axelrad_Family Travel 2026: Exactly there, there is a lot to think

when you're traveling with children, everything that you need in the rooms,

transfers, are there child seats.

Flights, flight times.

So I just really, help my clients by, by looking into all of that for

them, presenting the options, and then we choose the best ones for them.

Daniel Edward_Family Travel 2026: In terms of trends.

We always talk about trends, looking ahead to the next year, and everybody

says, yes, 2026 is gonna be the year for this or the year for that.

Are you then promoting that to your clients and therefore creating the trend?

Or are you recognizing the trend because of what they've

started to ask you individually and then you realize, hang on.

The whole group of people are asking me very similar things here.

It's therefore a trend.

Holly Axelrad_Family Travel 2026: It's the latter.

I have seen, especially with, parents that have school children, they are booking,

and have booked so far in advance for next year, for those school holidays.

so May, summer holiday, but most specifically the October

half term, and I have booked that for so many of my clients.

I suddenly thought this really is, people are booking a lot further

ahead than they have in the past.

Daniel Edward_Family Travel 2026: Why is this people booking for October

next year that is 11 months away , are people panicking that there isn't

gonna be enough space or is it because there actually isn't enough space?

Holly Axelrad_Family Travel 2026: I think it's a bit of both.

there are some destinations that I would always recommend that

my clients are looking at, you know, 10 to 12 months in advance.

And they're typically your safari trips, going to Japan, definitely.

and then also looking at trips like Lapland, Disneyland, ones

that get booked up very quickly.

But with this, it, it has been, a mixture of those trips that you do need to book

in advance, but also I think because, the October half term in terms of the weather

and also some of the schools do get slightly longer, it's a very popular one.

and I have noticed that even some resorts are fully booked

now for October half term.

So it's definitely worth getting there earlier.

Daniel Edward_Family Travel 2026: yeah, I would've thought with the October

half term, that is the opportunity for parents with kids in schools which don't

have the standard one week holiday at half term can actually get out of school

holiday rates on resorts, which makes the holiday much more cost efficient.

Holly Axelrad_Family Travel 2026: Yes, I think, it, it does, the prices

do go up, especially the flights.

and I would say that's typically if you are looking for your shorthaul trips,

but if you are looking to go a little bit further afield, the Caribbean,

Mauritius, Asia, your flights don't fluctuate as much as they do with Europe.

Daniel Edward_Family Travel 2026: Okay, because I suppose those long haul trips

are a bigger schlap for a family and therefore less likely to actually care

whether it's school holidays at all.

Anyway.

Holly Axelrad_Family Travel 2026: Yes.

The short haul, they know that they've, they've got the majority

of, especially the uk, they're going to be traveling at that time.

and they know that especially with, the schools being very strict on school,

holiday time, and children taking their holidays, that that specific week is

when everyone's going to be going.

Daniel Edward_Family Travel 2026: So for a moment, talking about adults

looking to go away without kids, would we therefore say it's worth looking at

long haul destinations within school holiday time and shorthaul without

outside of school holiday time?

If you are totally flexible of it, when you can travel.

Holly Axelrad_Family Travel 2026: Yes.

I used to live in Asia.

and so I'm, I'm very pro long haul trips.

and I do think that you can definitely get better value for money on those flights.

of course they're going to be more because you are going further, but

they don't peak as much as some of the short haul flights, which can

change, thousands just for one day.

Because it's the half term

Daniel Edward_Family Travel 2026: Ah.

It's just such a crazy difference, isn't it?

You mentioned earlier about safaris and some more exciting, adventurous

type holidays, and this is something which you've spotted as well as a

bit of a trend, which uh, I love what you've called it, a Todventure.

Families going away 'cause the kids are getting adventurous.

Holly Axelrad_Family Travel 2026: Yes.

And I think, I've seen this and I've been booking this for 2026.

and I think typically families, in the past may have thought, let's

wait until our children are a certain age, they won't remember it.

you know, we really want to get the most outta the trip.

but I am seeing now the families that I'm booking on these trips,

You know, going to Thailand Island hopping, going to to Cape Town

and, and then going on to Safari.

They are younger.

so we've got children that are under five traveling on these trips.

and you know, I'm, I'm also a massive advocate.

I took my children, five and two, and we went traveling around Indonesia

in the summer and my 2-year-old she swam with turtles and now all

she's talking about is turtles.

So she's definitely remembering it and hasn't forgotten

Daniel Edward_Family Travel 2026: Yeah, that's true.

And these are the formative years.

Yeah, one experience can change a lot.

Holly Axelrad_Family Travel 2026: They're learning so much, about

different cultures, different foods.

they're making friends with children from across the world,

and all playing together.

It's, I think it's really, really important.

and it's great to see more families doing it.

Daniel Edward_Family Travel 2026: I love the way children are able

to play with each other when they can't talk to each other.

It's something that adults, we just don't do it.

If we can't communicate verbally, we sort of back away.

We get nervous.

Kids don't care.

They'll play regardless.

Holly Axelrad_Family Travel 2026: language isn't an issue for them.

you know, if they're splashing in the pool, they're all having a great time.

and, and it was, it was great to see and all the children together.

and it was a real experience and something that I would definitely do again.

Daniel Edward_Family Travel 2026: Given that it's something which is becoming more

popular, getting the kids further away on something more exotic, more adventurous,

is there something that parents or grandparents, if it's a multi-generational

trip, should have in mind before that holiday starts to prepare the kids?

Because it's gonna be a very different experience for them

from what they've had before.

Holly Axelrad_Family Travel 2026: Yes, it is.

I think it's understanding where you are going to, like I say, with any families

preparing for, long haul flights, and being prepared for those journeys.

and then in destination, it's, it's all about being prepared and planning.

and that's where I really help my clients is by.

Putting together their bespoke itineraries, their drivers, their

experiences, and I'm partnered with, credible guides across the world.

and they are really catered to families, and understand that you

are not going to be out for eight hours at a time with a 4-year-old.

It's about working what's going to be feasible for that family.

because you don't want to add any stress to that experience.

You want everyone to have an incredible time.

And also if you've got grandparents for these multi-gen trips, understanding

how far are they able to walk?

Is this something we should be mindful of?

And, and this is really whenever I'm, I'm working with any of my clients,

it's being really mindful of their specific family, and how they travel

and what extra help they need.

Daniel Edward_Family Travel 2026: When you are looking at partners around

the world and local guides, what makes a really good guide for kids

to get the most out of a destination?

Holly Axelrad_Family Travel 2026: Fun, fun guide, someone who breaks it down.

Really simple.

I think in South Africa the Rangers are just incredible.

They engage the children.

There's a footprint, there's a track.

Let's have a look at it.

Let's talk about what it could be.

and then I know so many of the Safari lodges, they have children's programs

and they will take the children out on walking safaris, and give

them their certificate at the end of the trip to be a junior ranger.

So they make it fun.

And I think when children are having fun, they learn so much more.

so that's definitely, when I'm looking at the guides, yes, having exceptional

knowledge about which destination they're in, but also are they able to be flexible

and adapt to the specific family.

Daniel Edward_Family Travel 2026: So you mentioned earlier that

you lived in Asia for a bit.

Whereabouts was that?

Holly Axelrad_Family Travel 2026: I lived in Hong Kong for seven years.

Daniel Edward_Family Travel 2026: Wow, I assume you moved for work.

Holly Axelrad_Family Travel 2026: Yes, I did.

My husband was working in Hong Kong and I moved out there and was

working in public relations, for hospitality brands in Hong Kong.

Daniel Edward_Family Travel 2026: And did that then fuel your passion for

helping people see the world more?

Holly Axelrad_Family Travel 2026: my first real experience I think of travel

was when I was probably about seven.

My grandfather loved a multi-gen trip and he took the whole family to Africa and.

It was such an incredible experience.

I can still remember so many details of it now, kind of Oh wow like 35 years on.

but it's those moments that you create during travel that you remember forever.

And I think living in Asia gave me the opportunity with so many great

places on my doorstep, like Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Singapore,

Thailand, Sri Lanka everywhere.

That's so close.

I was able to travel, and, and explore those different cultures.

And, and yes, Asia has a, a special place in my heart.

I was very fortunate.

And I think also, that was before we had children, so it was a little bit easier

to do those trips, which can be a little trickier when you've got little people.

when you are, you are hopping across different islands,

and exploring, the jungle.

But having said that, these opportunities are still possible

for families with children.

It's just about going to the right areas.

like Langkawi in Malaysia's, absolutely brilliant.

You've got the beach and then you've got the jungle.

it's really family friendly.

So there, there are different options.

Also Japan, which is just one of my favorite places in the world.

You've got the buzzing ness of Tokyo, which is such a great walking city.

So just getting out as a family and exploring and just walking around

and visiting the gardens, and then going on the bullet train to Kyoto.

It's, it's just incredible.

It's a great part of the world and the food, I'm a big foodie, so, just the,

the different type of cuisine like Vietnam, Vietnamese food is very special.

it's great.

Daniel Edward_Family Travel 2026: Do you have any tips for encouraging

kids to try the local food?

I know some kids are very nervous to try things that they don't recognize.

Holly Axelrad_Family Travel 2026: They are, I think it's not forcing

them to try but just being open with them and, and encouraging to

just try once, try everything once.

And if you don't like it, that's absolutely fine.

Well done for trying and I think it's great because you, you are

surprised, and I see this with my own children, surprised how much they love.

My son's absolute favorite is Vietnamese pho, which he had.

And, and now he often asks for that.

so I think it's also about being maybe a little bit more adventurous, cooking at

home, and knowing that your children and.

are opens to the trying different things.

and so when you go on holiday, it's actually a bit easier to, to

introduce these foods, if they are having slightly different food or

food that you are eating at home.

Daniel Edward_Family Travel 2026: You've sort of primed a little

bit of adventure into the palette.

So you came home from Asia back to the uk, and then you set yourself up

as a luxury family travel planner.

So, do you wanna talk to me about the business that you set

up here whilst you did that.

Holly Axelrad_Family Travel 2026: Yes.

So I, I worked for over 18 years in communications, working with absolute

beautiful properties across the world.

and then when I came back from, from Asia, I decided.

I had all this knowledge and that I wanted to share it.

and I was being asked anyway by lots of friends and family to put itineraries

together, especially if it was Asia, because I, I had all these, you

know, from experience and knowledge, these gems that you, you really want

people, you know, oh, don't go to that area 'cause that's really touristy.

Like, try this, this route.

and, that's when I, when I set up.

so I'm part of Artisan and, and really creating bespoke itineraries and it's

matchmaking my clients and that could be.

A fly and flop, they just all want a break together.

Or it could be a family that really wants to do something different.

They're adventurous.

you know, they want to go and explore the jungle, Africa,

they love snorkeling and diving.

I had, some clients and, they went to the Maldives and they went, with the

marine biologists, swimming with the, whale sharks, which is just incredible.

I think it's, it's about,, giving that inspiration to clients, but also being

responsible with where I'm recommending and also those private experiences.

All of our partners are like, we work with, conservation, programs.

and so if we are doing any of these experiences, it's

all, sustainable and ethical.

Daniel Edward_Family Travel 2026: And that is important, and I think people

really care about that at this point.

Holly Axelrad_Family Travel 2026: Yes.

And I think it's, it's also, over tourism and just being mindful of

that, of, of where people are going.

I think nowadays we're fueled by all the incredible pictures that

we're seeing through social media.

It's being careful not to damage these beautiful areas, so that our future

generations can still go on to enjoy them.

Daniel Edward_Family Travel 2026: Absolutely.

If somebody is listening and thinking, this sounds exactly

what my family needs, how can they find you and then contact you?

Holly Axelrad_Family Travel 2026: They can contact me through my

website, which is hollyaxelrad.com.

Also, I do have social media, which is Holly Axelrad Travel, so

they can contact me through there.

Daniel Edward_Family Travel 2026: I wanna dig into some of the top

destinations that you've identified as being really popular coming up for 2026.

I, I wanna start with South Africa.

We've mentioned a little bit about, safari experiences so far, and are you finding

that South Africa is the best one to start on if you've never done a safari before?

Holly Axelrad_Family Travel 2026: Yes.

I think, I think this is for families, but also anyone that's

thinking about going on Safari.

I think a great one to do is to go to Cape Town.

Cape Town first, for four to five nights.

If it is a family and they do have younger children, then, south

Africa's Eastern Cape is probably where I would recommend for families.

They can, either fly, you know, fly there or they can go, along the Garden Route.

Which is a great drive.

obviously they can see the, the penguins in Cape Town.

then when they get to the Eastern Cape, there will be able to see the Big Five.

Typically a lot of the lodges there do have private game vehicles and

that is a requirement for families.

If they've got children under five, they will need to have

a private vehicle to go out.

so, that they feel, at ease and also they're not disturbing

any of the other guests.

Daniel Edward_Family Travel 2026: And that's really thoughtful actually,

because children do things at a totally different pace and are focused on totally

different things from adults who have brought their very best diamond binoculars

and all of these other things, and don't want to put up with somebody else's

children acting up at the weirdest moment.

Holly Axelrad_Family Travel 2026: Yeah.

And also it's excitement.

They are seeing incredible animals, and I think even as adults, it's

kind of like, oh my goodness.

Wow.

And then you have to realize, no, we we're trying to be quiet,

andand not disturb everybody else who's enjoying this experience.

but yes, I think that combination's great.

Also, it's malaria free, which is something that people need toto think

about when they're thinking about Safari

Daniel Edward_Family Travel 2026: What about Thailand?

Holly Axelrad_Family Travel 2026: Thailand.

Absolutely great destination.

I will say that because I do love Asia, but I just think the food is incredible.

and also there's now the new route which will go, straight to Phuket,

which makes it a lot easier for families traveling because at the moment it is

a little trickier to get to Thailand.

Daniel Edward_Family Travel 2026: And is that a much better option than

going through to Bangkok for families?

Holly Axelrad_Family Travel 2026: I think Bangkok is great and I

think it's great for three to four nights, but it is extremely busy

and there is a lot of traffic.

But I think if families know that in advance and they're prepared for that, I

think there's a lot to see and I do like combining a city with a beach destination

just 'cause there's so much culture.

But it depends on the children's age.

and I do have some clients that are taking their two year olds and three

year olds, and for them they will be going to Phuket, but then actually they

will be going to the islands from there.

so you've got Koh Lawa, you've got Koi Raya Yai,

They, are brilliant because you are flying to one destination and then

within a 30 minute boat journey you are going to these more, secluded

islands and having a bit more of an authentic experience in Thailand.

Daniel Edward_Family Travel 2026: And I think going on the boat is much

more pleasurable than planes as well.

There's something very exciting for kids to be on the sea, and you can see

more about what's going on around you.

Holly Axelrad_Family Travel 2026: Yeah, it's a really lovely option.

and you're getting away from the crowds.

Daniel Edward_Family Travel 2026: Another place that you've identified

as being really popular people looking at for next year is Costa Rica.

Holly Axelrad_Family Travel 2026: Costa Rica, I think, this is a great destination

because of the combination of you have got the jungle and seeing all of the,

it's a different safari experience, the different animals that you're seeing.

and then you can combine that with the beaches.

so kind of there are incredible,

Itineraries that we can put together for kind of 10 nights, which I think

is a great option for families.

and just depending on the different ages of what activities

we would, include there.

Daniel Edward_Family Travel 2026: I think it's amazing.

I remember going to Costa Rica and you just look up into the trees and you think

you can see nothing, and then within a couple of seconds you realize, no, no.

I can see a lot of things right now.

And the animals are very well camouflaged to begin with, and once you've

started spotting one, they all appear.

Holly Axelrad_Family Travel 2026: become alive and, uh, yeah.

And I think for children again, you know, they're seeing these animals in

the books that they, at bedtime stories.

and to see them in real life for all of us, and really reconnecting with

nature is really special and it is something you just remember forever.

Lying on a beach is fantastic and I have nothing.

I love that.

But it's when you do these experiences that you remember that day and that

specific experience, and you'll find your children will also remember it

and it becomes a lifelong memory.

Daniel Edward_Family Travel 2026: and I think something that's very

important for kids is having that story to go back to school with.

Holly Axelrad_Family Travel 2026: Yeah.

it's great.

and my children have been, they tried surfing.

In Bali.

and they absolutely loved it.

And also they swam with turtles, as I mentioned, the Gilly Islands.

And they were swimming with their swimming instructor the other

week, and this was back in August.

And my son was just so excited to tell them that he swam with

turtles and he was surfing.

So it's something that they love to share and it's different achievements.

It's, my son, he's not as academic in the classroom, but when he's outside, he's

an adventurer, he wants to learn more.

At the moment, he's so into whales and he keeps asking, can we go and see whale?

So I'm thinking about he wants to go and see whale Shark,

which is my dream as well.

I'm a diver and I haven't seen them yet, and that would be my ultimate.

So, I love the fact that my children are getting involved with what

they'd like to see from our holidays.

I think that's really important for them to be part of that decision making.

Daniel Edward_Family Travel 2026: You have to get to Kiribati.

Holly Axelrad_Family Travel 2026: Oh, yeah.

Daniel Edward_Family Travel 2026: I'm not sure how family friendly

it is as a destination remote and tiny in the middle of nowhere.

But, you'll see the, you'll see the whale sharks.

now going away from the warm places for a minute, a lot

of people would automatically assume families, kids, Lapland.

But you are finding that Iceland is picking up.

Holly Axelrad_Family Travel 2026: Yeah, Lapland has been hugely popular

and I'm not saying it's not popular anymore because it is still, and it

is one that you have to book very far in advance, especially if you're

looking to go anytime in December.

Iceland is, I think people firstly think it's not possible with children.

Again, it's working, with the partners that we have on the ground, and having

those bespoke itineraries that really cater to children, and for them to

see the spectacular sites of the landscape, being prepared, wrapping

up, warm, and letting them enjoy that.

It's not always hot trips.

we've seen a big rise in families booking, the mountains of the Dolomites.

And that's kind of in, autumn time, and winter.

And they're not necessarily going to ski.

It's more about, them going to be, again, in nature, being around beautiful

scenery, and coming together as a family, and going on family hike, cycling, or

if it is in the snow, shoe snowing.

It's these experiences together that's really important.

We are definitely seeing that from the bookings.

Daniel Edward_Family Travel 2026: And I think that's so clear through

the list that we've gone through so far of these top destinations

that people are looking at.

Nature just shines through and it sort of shows how much people want to

get back to the pure stuff in life.

We are, we're hassled by computers and technology all the time.

Even the kids are, they learn through screens and computers now, and we need

to get outside, we need to connect with nature and each other away from tech.

Holly Axelrad_Family Travel 2026: Yeah, I think, it's so important.

I think technology's brilliant and it has its place, but nothing beats

not having a screen in front of you.

You wanna take the pictures, you want to take the videos of what you're seeing,

but actually thinking, no, I want to enjoy this moment, looking at the world,

looking at what I'm seeing without anything in front of me, and just taking

it in and remembering this moment.

And, I, I don't think anything beats that feeling, especially when

you're experiencing it all together.

Daniel Edward_Family Travel 2026: Your final in the five that are really

picking up for 2026 also surprised me 'cause I think of it as a honeymoon

destination, but it's the Maldives.

Holly Axelrad_Family Travel 2026: The Maldives is absolutely

incredible for families.

There's hundreds, I think about 126, maybe more, different islands.

and yes, some of them are much more adult focused, honeymoon focused, but

then there's lots of other resorts which really cater for children, and

what they're doing with their marine conservation and teaching the children.

I was with, the Manta Trust, when I was out in the Maldives and they are

just incredible how they're teaching, children all about the manta rays, and

understanding, where they are and how we need to make sure we look after them.

And then you can go out and swim with the manta rays and understanding how you have

to respect that you are in their home.

But to be able to see them swimming around you, with the marine biologist

and they're teaching you about the different markings so that you can

identify the different, manta rays.

I think this is great for families because you've got direct flights from

London, you can then either get to your resort by speedboat or seaplane, and then

you've got these, all inclusive resorts.

so everything's included.

and their kids programs are just exceptional.

so I think, yeah, I think the Maldives is a really great one.

And actually I say to clients, the sweet spot for, for the Maldives, you've kind

of got the peak season, so you've got the December, the January, the February.

But then I think the beginning of the, the summer, kind of beginning

of July, mid July, just as the summer holidays are starting, that's a

really great time when you're gonna get good value for the Maldives.

and the weather is still really, really nice.

It's a tropical climate, so even in the dry season, it doesn't

always play ball and you can sometimes get those rainy showers.

But I think for families it's definitely a great option, when you are comparing

kind of your short haul, Europe trips and the price of that when

you are looking at an all inclusive, in the Maldives, it's great value.

Daniel Edward_Family Travel 2026: 2026 could well be, and will be

for many people, the very first time they go on a family holiday,

they've got a new young family.

Maybe the first year or so they thought, we're not gonna do it.

We're not going away yet.

And now this year is the year they're gonna say, yes.

This year we're going away.

It's gonna be our first family holiday.

What advice would you have for them?

Holly Axelrad_Family Travel 2026: well that's super exciting, that they're

gonna be going on their first holiday.

I love that.

And I think travel is really important.

and I would actually say to parents, don't be scared of.

Travel earlier than that because actually children sleep

incredibly well on airplanes.

so even from kind of seven months onwards, that's a really

great time to go on holiday.

I think, when you are going to be mindful of how long your flight is, if you are

feeling slightly nervous, then possibly go for a short haul like Spain, or,

you know, the islands like Majorca.

I think that's a great option.

And also considering, Is it pram friendly?

Is it easy for you to be able to walk around?

and also is the hotel able to cater for your needs?

So when you have a little one, you do have a lot that you have to think about.

You've got those nappies so you can take your nappies, but if you're gonna run

out, is there somewhere to get more?

Do they have, facilities for, sanitizing bottles?

Do they offer cots?

So it's really, making sure that you are finding a family friendly place

to go that will make it easier for you because it, there is a lot to

think about when you have a little one, and it's quite different to when

you've just traveled the two of you.

Daniel Edward_Family Travel 2026: We're gonna wrap up with our quick fire round.

So I've got six questions for you all.

With family travel in mind.

What would you say is the top thing that a family can either see

or do on their holiday together?

Holly Axelrad_Family Travel 2026: Ooh, the top thing.

I think animals.

Animals in the wild.

Daniel Edward_Family Travel 2026: What would you say is the

top tourist trap to avoid?

Holly Axelrad_Family Travel 2026: I think with tourist traps, it's

going where everyone else is going just because they're going.

So when you are looking, if it's somewhere.

Of interest to you and do you think your family then try and go as early

as possible, but if you are just going to tick a box because other people

are going, I would avoid that and find something that you are more interested in.

Daniel Edward_Family Travel 2026: What's your favorite time of year

to recommend for a family trip?

Holly Axelrad_Family Travel 2026: My favorite time of year would be.

Easter holidays because that's a great time to go to Asia.

Daniel Edward_Family Travel 2026: Is there a good book or film or series

that as a family you could watch or enjoy together before going on a big,

exciting holiday that you'd recommend?

Holly Axelrad_Family Travel 2026: I think, anything that David

Attenborough has filmed is just perfect for getting you excited.

I think as a family sitting down on a Sunday afternoon,

watching his programs is ideal.

Daniel Edward_Family Travel 2026: What is a top food or drink

experience to try as a family?

Holly Axelrad_Family Travel 2026: Oh gosh, so many.

As a family, I think thai food is really good, and I think that's a

great one to get children started with.

I think Japan, the food markets are very exciting, to see the food cooking.

but there's so much, the fresh fish that you get in Greece, I can't pick one.

There's too many.

Daniel Edward_Family Travel 2026: Uh, you're a foodie.

Love it all over the world.

and my final question, I always ask people for their top,

authentic souvenir recommendation.

With kids in mind.

Kids love collecting things as well.

Is there something that you can prime your kids to look out for when they're

traveling around to these various holidays that maybe creates a little

collection for them over the years that will remind them of all the places

that you've gone together as a family?

Holly Axelrad_Family Travel 2026: Something that I did, and I think this

works really well, is to just take a blank notebook for each child and

wherever you are, ask them to draw a picture or put down some words, or

some food they had, and just draw that and put that in their journal and then

do that throughout their holidays.

and I think that's really special because it's something that they've decided to

include so it's something special to them.

And they're able to tell you.

Why, why they did that and, and what it means to them.

Daniel Edward_Family Travel 2026: That's such a beautiful idea.

Well, Holly Axelrad, luxury family travel planner.

Thank you for unlocking the family travel trends of 2026 for us.

Holly Axelrad_Family Travel 2026: Thank you so much.

Daniel Edward_Family Travel 2026: That's all for this episode

of Destination Unlocked.

A big thank you to Holly Axelrad for unpacking the family Travel trends

shaping 2026 from multi-generational trips and early booking habits to

safaris, Iceland, and travel that's really about shared experiences.

If this has sparked ideas for your next family holiday, you can find

holly@hollyaxelrad.com or via Holly Axelrad Travel on Social Media.

And if you enjoyed the conversation, hit follow or subscribe so you can easily

find your way back here next time.

Thanks for listening.

I'll catch you next time.