South African travellers are leading the global shift toward ‘togetherness travel’, with 90% saying their top priority for 2025 is exploring with family and friends, according to Flight Centre’s Global PR survey (which surveyed thousands of travellers across SA, the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand).
This type of travel is all about slowing down, reconnecting across generations, and choosing experiences that balance meaning with ease.
That’s why guided touring is gaining serious traction amongst local families.
“Today’s itineraries are flexible, personalised, and built for shared discovery without logistical stress,” says Antoinette Turner, GM at Flight Centre South Africa.
The demand is so strong that major global operators are launching entire portfolios moulded around this new mindset:
- More cultural depth
- More cross-generational flexibility
- More ways to travel your way
“We’re seeing this reflected in real time across Flight Centre’s tour offering, from short city breaks to multi-country journeys designed to keep everyone engaged. And with our exclusive Bundle & Save offer, families can access handpicked adventures at exceptional value,” comments Turner.
Here’s how it works: Book and pay in-store for an international tour or cruise (minimum 5 nights) plus return flights and travel insurance, and you’ll save R5 000 off your booking. This offer is available exclusively to subscribers of Flight Centre deals. T&Cs & R80 000 minimum spend apply. View full details here.
Why family travel is having a moment
Today’s families are travelling both to get away and to get closer. The rise of multigenerational travel is being fuelled by something simple: uninterrupted and unhurried time together is now seen as the ultimate luxury.
And with 86% of South Africans saying they would, or would consider, travelling with multiple generations of their family, the industry is evolving fast to meet this demand.
Modern escorted tours are built for flexibility, enrichment, and convenience, giving grandparents space to slow down while teens stay stimulated by experiences that go far beyond surface-level tourism.
“We’re seeing more families ask for structure without feeling over-scheduled,” Turner explains. “They want itineraries where everything’s taken care of, but still have time built in for spontaneous moments and personal connection.”
It’s also about balance: enough cultural depth to keep adults inspired, enough downtime so kids don’t burn out halfway through day three. And when you remove the stress of planning logistics across multiple cities or countries? That’s when real quality time happens.
Tours that bring generations together
Here are just a few of Flight Centre’s Travel Experts’ current top picks:
India’s Golden Triangle – G Adventures
- Travel dates: September 2025 (selected departures)
- Perfect for: Culture-loving clans keen on mixing world wonders with village hospitality – and not afraid to try something spicy!
- What families love: A balance between awe-inspiring icons like the Taj Mahal plus immersive moments: cycle rickshaw rides through Delhi markets, hands-on visits in rural Rajasthan, and street food tastings you’ll talk about long after returning home.
This classic seven-night tour brings India vividly alive, from Delhi’s chaotic bazaars to Agra’s marble marvels and Jaipur’s pink-hued palaces. Experience must-see sights without feeling rushed and let expert guides handle every detail so you can focus on sharing jaw-dropping moments as a family. The perfect introduction if you’ve always dreamed about India but wanted someone else handling logistics!
- Travel dates: July – December 2025 (selected departures)
- Perfect for: Sun-seeking families who want jungle hikes one day and samba beats on another.
- What families love: The freedom of beach time on Ilha Grande mixed with local-led city walks through Rio – plus plenty of downtime for poolside fun or spontaneous ice cream stops.
From Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Christ the Redeemer statue to Paraty’s colourful colonial lanes and Ilha Grande’s rainforest-fringed beaches, this eight-day tour is Brazil at its best. Designed with flexibility in mind (and led by local experts), every member of your crew can find something that wows them.
- Travel dates: August 2025 – December 2025 (selected departures)
- Perfect for: Culture-loving clans ticking off Europe’s icons together.
- What families love: Big names, flexible pacing, and travel by comfy coach. That’s what we call low-stress Europe done right.
A six-day journey through Rome, Florence, and Venice that keeps things moving but never overwhelming. With orientation walks instead of full-day marches and plenty of free time between highlights like the Colosseum and Leaning Tower of Pisa, there’s room for gelato stops (lots!), spontaneous photo ops, and downtime when needed.
Turkey: Coastlines & Cappadocia – G Adventures
- Travel dates: October 2025 (selected departures)
- Perfect for: Active multigenerational groups craving variety – think ancient ruins by day and Turkish feasts by night.
- What families love: Balloon rides over fairy chimneys (optional!), overnight boat adventures along turquoise shores, and just enough free time for spontaneous discoveries together.
This immersive 15-day journey ticks off Istanbul’s Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar before heading east into Cappadocia’s surreal landscapes. It then winds south along Turkey’s sun-kissed coast, with boat trips, beaches, and bustling markets at every stop. With a blend of hotel stays and special experiences like overnight buses or gulet cruises included, it’s built for adventurous souls who want a bit more than just ticking boxes.
Cairo to Luxor Explorer – On The Go Tours
- Travel dates: July – December 2025 (selected departures)
- Perfect for: Families with history buffs or adventure-seekers eager to unlock the mysteries of ancient Egypt together.
- What families love: Each day is packed with iconic monuments (pyramids, temples, tombs) balanced by comfortable hotels and an unforgettable sleeper train experience.
Discover Egypt’s timeless wonders as a family on this expertly guided six-day adventure. Starting in Cairo and ending in Luxor, you’ll walk among the pyramids of Giza, marvel at treasures in the Egyptian Museum, and explore legendary sites like the Valley of the Kings. With included airport transfers, private transport throughout, and expert guides who bring history to life for all ages, it’s a stress-free way to introduce young explorers (and curious adults) to one of civilisation’s most fascinating destinations.
Connection, covered
With Flight Centre’s Bundle & Save offers on trusted tour brands across Europe, Asia, and beyond, you can lock in great value while still customising your trip around your family’s pace and preferences.
Let our Travel Experts help you find a tour where no one gets left behind (or bored). Whether it’s castles or coastlines, culture or cuisine, we’ll match you with an itinerary built for memories that last.
Start planning your next family adventure today and make 2025 the year of unforgettable togetherness.