Top trends in family travel.

• Position: YOUR LIFE

The enormous family segment of the travel industry--estimated to comprise more than 100,000,000 leisure trips per year in the U.S. alone--is more influential than ever. In an era when moms control 2.4 trillion dollars in spending, selling to the family travel market is smart, say industry specialists Eileen Ogintz (creator of TakingtheKids.com) and Kyle McCarthy (founder of Family Travel Forum), who have formed Family Travel Consulting, New York.

They surveyed family bloggers and industry specialists to identify the 10 strongest trends for 2013:

Toddlers rule the roost. They are seen as the key to building generations of repeat customers, especially since 37% of traveling grandparents have kids in tow.

Multigonerational travel is golden. This segment has taken the lead in the family market. Well-funded and active seniors go on trips almost 25% more than the average leisure traveler.

Cruise industry evolves faster for family market. More than 1,500,000 children are cruising every year and, with 10 new ships slated for 2013, there will be more innovation in cruising than in any other segment of the family vacation market.

Health and eating equal family vacation wellness. The average American family is so obsessed with food that parents are demanding kids' menus with farm-to-table entrees and all-natural snacks.

Mobile connects families on the go to travel plans. Moms are 38% more likely than the general public to own smartphones...