Brit kids share what they would expect on ‘dream” holiday

A poll of 600 6–12-year-olds and their parents revealed what youngsters are really dreaming of doing when they go travelling, with having ice cream for every meal also high on the list.

Others long for magic-themed theme parks, beaches home to every type of fish and sea creature, and visits to a museum – dedicated to their favourite fictional characters.

The study also found 98% of parents let their little ones have at least some input in their holiday planning. And 82% claimed this makes their trips more fun.

The research was commissioned by Crayola, which partnered with Jet2holidays to launch a competition asking kids to draw what their dream holiday looks like.

A spokesperson said: “We can finally see how fun it could be if you let the kids plan the whole holiday and unleash the full scope of their imaginations.

“It’s also really lovely to know how much parents appreciate their little one’s ideas when it comes to choosing where to go and what to do. If only all the magical and wonderful things kids can imagine could come true and make their trips even more unforgettable.”

The study also revealed kids’ imaginations in this department definitely can’t be limited to the realistic – with 51% wishing for a unicorn or a dragon (45%) as their mode of transport on holiday. While others said a trip to meet dinosaurs (42%) or knights (35%) also wouldn’t go amiss.

But with 81% wishing the world was a more magical place in general, 67% claimed that going on holidays does make them feel this way, even if temporarily.

It also emerged 86% of children want a real say in where they go, while 88% would like input into what they do on their holidays. Although 68% of parents insist their child does get a say in the activities (68%), excursions (48%), and destination (29%) when planning a trip.

With 69% prioritising what their children want to do on holiday more than themselves – 48% of the average trip specifically catered to the whims of little ones.

The research, carried out via OnePoll.com, also found six in 10 in parents said their children’s creativity inspires them to be more creative themselves, and 51% saying the same about their imagination. While 59% believe everyone could benefit from seeing the world through a child’s eyes.

The winner of the competition will get to see their drawing come to life and £1,000 worth of vouchers towards a holiday with the UK’s largest tour operator.

Crayola’s spokesperson added: “We want to harness the imagination in every child and celebrate their creativity to inspire them to dream big. So, we encourage anyone interested to sign up to our competition and make your dream holiday ideas come to life.

“And when you pick up one of our products to help unleash your creativity, you can also get money off towards a holiday so you can continue exploring the world.”