Brits Embrace 'Mum Trips' as New Holiday Trend Replaces Lads' Getaways
For years, British holiday trends have been dominated by lads' holidays and girls' trips, but a significant shift is now underway. Increasingly, Brits are swapping group getaways for time away with the person who took them on their first ever holiday: their mum.
Research Reveals Growing Preference for Parental Holidays
New research from Heathrow Express reveals that 30% of adults have been away with their mum, parent or carer in the last three years. Meanwhile, 16% are actively planning a holiday with their mum in the next year, fuelling the rise of bonding trips based on genuine connection rather than party-focused adventures.
The study shows a growing desire for spending quality time with loved ones, with nearly 60% of respondents expressing concern that they're not making enough time for their mum, parent or carer as they age.
Benefits of Holidaying with Parents
Those who do travel with parents report substantial benefits. 38% say it's a more relaxing experience than going away with friends, while others highlight long-term advantages including:
- Creating lasting memories (37%)
- Strengthening relationships (29%)
- Helping with reconnection (28%)
Aoife Considine, business lead at Heathrow Express, commented: "Travel has a wonderful way of pressing pause on everyday life. When you're away together, there's space for conversations you don't normally have and moments you don't always make time for at home."
"For many adults, a trip with their mum or parent figure isn't just another holiday – it's a chance to reconnect, laugh about old stories and create new ones. Those are the kinds of memories people carry with them long after they've returned home."
Mother's Day Travel Incentives
As families celebrate Mother's Day, Heathrow Express is offering travellers 20% off from March 14 to 21 by using the discount code HEXMARCH. Additionally, those travelling over the Mother's Day weekend can receive a complimentary dessert with any main course purchased at Gordon Ramsay's Plane Food Market at Heathrow Terminal 5.
This emerging trend reflects broader societal changes, with adults increasingly valuing meaningful experiences and family connections over traditional group holiday formats. The data suggests that what was once considered an unusual holiday choice is becoming mainstream, with 'mum trips' representing a new chapter in British travel culture.
