There’s no doubt that life is hectic! Balancing work, your responsibilities at home, and your family’s schedule loaded with activities is no easy feat. To take a look at how our hectic lives take a toll on quality family time, Disney Parks recently commissioned Kelton – a research firm – to conduct a blind survey.
More than 1,000 parents of children age 5-17 were asked their thoughts on quality time when at home verses when on vacation. Here is a look at some of the results:
- We’re Busy – Time is precious, scare, and fleeting! Out of 52 weeks in a year, the survey showed parents typically only have about 15 “free” weekends a year with no plans. 13% polled said they have no free weekends. But this is a problem parents are fully aware of – 96% said they would give up at least one thing to spend just one extra hour with their children every week.
- Go On Vacation – Vacation is a key way for your family to bond. The survey showed that when families vacation together, the time spent with each other is more likely to be “quality time” and that the whole family is more excited, relaxed, and even more affectionate. And family time together over meals nearly doubles when on vacation – going from an average of 10 meals per week at home to 19 meals on vacation!
- The Future of Family Travel – It appears that those who have already taken family vacations now realize the importance of this family time. Of those past vacationers, 82% said they will take the same amount of, if not more, vacations over the next five years. 94% of parents surveyed acknowledged the importance of family vacations taken on a regular schedule. Responses showed popular types of family vacations were theme parks, beaches, cruises and camping. The top destinations were Florida, California, and Hawaii.
As travel professionals, our Magic Makers® have experienced first-hand the value vacation time can bring to a family. Don’t let any more time slip away – contact us now to start creating memories to last a lifetime!
I concur!