Un‑Adulting Travel in Europe: New Trend Highlights Six Playful Destinations
Adults can now plan holidays focused on amusement parks and nostalgic attractions across Europe, a trend highlighted for 2027. The shift targets travellers seeking playful, theme‑park‑centric experiences instead of traditional sightseeing.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- European destinations are now marketed for adult‑focused amusement and nostalgic attractions
- Timing
- Trend highlighted for 2027 in travel guide
- Who is affected
- Adults looking for playful, theme‑park‑centric holidays
The details
Emergence of the Un‑Adulting Travel Trend
Travel And Tour World reports a growing “un‑adulting” travel trend that encourages adults to rediscover childhood joy through amusement parks, interactive museums and seasonal celebrations. The article frames the trend as a response to travellers’ desire for carefree adventures beyond conventional sightseeing, positioning playful experiences as a core holiday component.
- Amusement parks offering roller coasters, carousels and themed rides
- Interactive science centres and imaginative exhibitions
- Seasonal festivals and holiday‑time celebrations
Six European Destinations Showcasing the Trend
The guide highlights six locations where the un‑adulting concept is most visible. Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens, Europa‑Park in Rust, Efteling in Kaatsheuvel, Disneyland Paris in Marne‑la‑Vallée, PortAventura World in Salou and Alton Towers in Staffordshire each provide a mix of nostalgic entertainment and modern thrills, making them ideal for adult holidaymakers.
- Copenhagen, Denmark – Tivoli Gardens, Experimentarium and Bakken
- Rust, Germany – Europa‑Park and Rulantica water world
- Kaatsheuvel, Netherlands – Efteling fairy‑tale attractions
- Marne‑la‑Vallée, France – Disneyland Paris parks
- Salou, Spain – PortAventura World, Ferrari Land and Caribe Aquatic Park
- Staffordshire, United Kingdom – Alton Towers Resort and nearby countryside
Tourism Recovery Provides a Strong Foundation
Recent tourism statistics show a robust recovery across the featured countries, creating a supportive environment for the un‑adulting trend. Record overnight‑stay figures and rising international visitor numbers indicate strong demand for leisure travel, especially to entertainment‑focused destinations.
These figures underline why theme‑park destinations are gaining prominence as adult holiday options.
- Denmark recorded about 66 million commercial accommodation overnight stays in 2025, with 35.3 million from international visitors
- Germany’s accommodation stays rose from 310.2 million in 2021 to a record 497.4 million in 2025
- Netherlands welcomed 52.2 million guests in 2025, including 22.3 million international visitors
- France reported 465.4 million overnight stays in collective tourist accommodation in 2025
- Spain’s hotel overnight stays reached 366.7 million in 2025
- United Kingdom saw 40.8 million inbound visits in 2025, with inbound visits of 42.6 million in 2024
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Adults planning a holiday can now add amusement‑park visits to itineraries for a playful experience
- Peak seasons such as spring, summer and Christmas may see higher demand for park‑adjacent accommodation
- Travel agents may want to promote package deals that combine city stays with theme‑park tickets
Cost and documents
- No additional visa fees or special entry requirements are mentioned for the un‑adulting trend
- Standard passport and visa rules for each country remain unchanged
What you need to do
- Check opening times and seasonal events of each attraction before confirming bookings
- Reserve accommodation near the parks early, especially for high‑traffic periods
- Monitor regular travel advisories for each destination as usual
Who this affects
-
Adults seeking theme‑park holidays
The article promotes destinations that cater to playful, nostalgic experiences for grown‑up travellers
What to do Consider incorporating amusement‑park visits into holiday plans
-
Travel agents offering leisure packages
The trend highlights new market demand for adult‑focused entertainment itineraries
What to do Develop or update packages that feature the six highlighted destinations
-
Tourism boards of the six destinations
Each board can leverage the un‑adulting narrative to attract adult visitors
What to do Promote attractions and seasonal events that appeal to adult audiences
Frequently asked questions
What is un‑adulting travel in Europe?
Un‑adulting travel refers to holidays where adults focus on amusement parks, nostalgic attractions and playful experiences rather than traditional sightseeing, allowing them to relive childhood joy while abroad.
Which European cities offer the best un‑adulting experiences?
The six highlighted cities are Copenhagen (Denmark), Rust (Germany), Kaatsheuvel (Netherlands), Marne‑la‑Vallée (France), Salou (Spain) and Staffordshire (United Kingdom), each featuring major theme parks and entertainment venues.
When is the best time to visit Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens for an adult holiday?
Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens is especially attractive during spring, summer and the Christmas season, when the entertainment calendar adds extra rides, concerts and seasonal celebrations.
How has tourism recovery affected theme‑park destinations in Europe?
Strong post‑pandemic recovery, shown by record overnight‑stay numbers in Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, France, Spain and the United Kingdom, has increased visitor capacity and demand for leisure attractions such as theme parks.
Do I need a special visa to travel for un‑adulting holidays in Europe?
No special visa is required; travellers must follow the standard passport and visa regulations of each destination country.
Are there any new travel packages focused on un‑adulting experiences?
While the article does not list specific packages, travel agents are encouraged to create itineraries that combine city stays with tickets to the highlighted amusement parks and related attractions.
