Omio Survey Reveals 90% of U.S. Parents Willing to Skip School for Family Travel
Event summary
- 67% of U.S. parents have taken kids out of school for vacations, with 24% open to doing so.
- Top reasons include better travel availability (22%), cost savings (19%), and avoiding extreme weather (19%).
- 44% of parents would consider skipping school for savings under $1,000.
- 44% believe missed school days are worth it for meaningful family experiences.
- Survey of 1,000 U.S. parents conducted July 30-August 3, 2026.
The big picture
Omio's findings highlight a fundamental shift in family travel priorities, where cost and convenience now outweigh traditional school calendar constraints. This trend suggests significant opportunities for travel platforms that can offer flexible, cost-effective booking options. The data also reveals a generational divide in attitudes toward educational value of travel, with Millennial parents more likely to view vacations as enrichment opportunities.
What we're watching
- Industry Adaptation
- How travel providers will adjust pricing and availability to capitalize on off-calendar demand.
- Educational Impact
- Whether schools will formalize policies for educationally justified travel absences.
- Generational Differences
- The pace at which Millennial vs. Gen X parenting approaches influence travel industry strategies.