Olympic Champ: Let Kids Plan Your Family Vacation

British long jumper Greg Rutherford won Olympic gold in 2012, but his latest campaign might be his most relatable yet: letting kids take charge of family vacation planning.

The retired athlete partnered with Marriott Bonvoy to champion children's involvement in travel decisions. After stepping away from elite sport in 2018 due to injuries, Rutherford now focuses on creating memorable experiences with his three children and fiancée Susie Verrill.

His family's recent Barcelona trip put the kids in the driver's seat. The youngsters chose activities, picked dining spots, and shaped their own adventure at Le Méridien Ra Beach Hotel & Spa.

"Pre-children we'd have traipsed round cities for hours," Rutherford told Euronews Travel. "Nowadays, which actually is so much more fun, we've got a great balance."

Research backing Rutherford's approach found that 63% of kids dream of free rein at breakfast buffets. Ice cream during lunch topped the wishlist for 58%, while 53% wanted later bedtimes.

The survey also revealed what children don't want: boring adult-only activities (35%), tidying their rooms (30%), or complicated itineraries that leave no time for spontaneity. A large pool with water slides ranked as a priority for 57% of young travelers.

Andrew Watson, Chief Commercial Officer at Marriott International, says kids want freedom, fun, and quality time with family. "If you're looking for inspiration for your next holiday this year, why not get the kids to plan it?" he suggested.

Why This Inspires

The Rutherford approach flips traditional family dynamics on their heads. While only 30% of adults have let their child plan a vacation, 72% are now curious or excited about trying it.

Parents aren't losing out either. The same study found 66% of adults prioritize quality family time above everything else when traveling.

Rutherford's family stays active on vacation too, hiring bikes, trying local water sports, and squeezing in hotel gym classes. Even in retirement, the athlete maintains that balance between relaxation and movement.

For families feeling overwhelmed by vacation planning, Rutherford's message is simple: sometimes the best trips happen when you share the reins. Kids know what makes them happy, and it turns out their priorities align perfectly with creating stress-free, joy-filled memories.