by Donald Wood
Last updated: 11:11 AM ET, Thu March 15, 2018
A new survey from AAA Travel found that an estimated 88 million Americans plan to take family vacations in 2018.
The AAA study found the surge in vacations was due in part to 44 percent of millennials planning a family getaway, which is more than Generation X (39 percent) or baby boomers (32 percent).
One aspect of family travel expected to flourish is international tourism, with 35 percent of survey respondents planning a trip to a destination outside the United States, a nine-percent increase over two years ago.
AAA also predicted the top five most likely international destinations for families based on advance travel bookings, including Cancun, Punta Cana, Montego Bay, Rome, and Dublin.
For families traveling within the U.S., the highest gas prices since 2014 are not stopping people from hitting the road, as 64 percent of those planning a trip in 2018 will drive to their destination.
"Just like generations before them, millennials see a family vacation as one of the best ways to create memories and reconnect with loved ones," AAA Travel senior vice president Bill Sutherland said in a statement. "No matter their age, families are going on not just one, but multiple vacations throughout the year to revisit favorite destinations and experience new places."
AAA also revealed that 27 percent of respondents plan on taking three or more family vacations in the next 12 months, and 73 percent are going to arrive at a destination they have not previously visited.
When considering destinations for family vacations, 61 percent of travelers will visit beaches and mountains, 59 percent are hitting the road for sightseeing and 56 percent are looking for rest and relaxation.
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