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With families starting to plan their winter getaways it appears children are having more say than ever before about where they will go on holiday.

A survey from tour operator Thomas Cook suggests 20 per cent of British children aged 12 to 16 have booked a family holiday themselves and a further 18 per cent have helped mum or dad book one.

But their winter escape plans are much different than those of their parents, as most children want to jet away to play in the snow or have a scream at a theme park while their folks would prefer to see incredible sights or relax on a sun-drenched beach.

Fun in the sun: Most parents who were surveyed said they would prefer to relax on a beach

When it comes to planning, children rule the roost. One in four parents admit to choosing their holidays around their children and nearly 50 per cent give their children equal weighting.

While three quarters of parents say that 'all' or 'some' of the holidays they choose are influenced by their children, only 16 per cent admitted to being selfish and booking the getaways that they want.

Just five per cent say they prefer to go away without the kids. 

But with clashing desires it's a challenge to find a holiday that will please everyone. 

This winter, more than a third of parents want to escape the cold with a break on the beach while a third of children would like to hit the slopes.

Of nearly 2,000 Britons who were asked to rank their favourite winter travel activities, 38 per cent of parents said they would prefer to see the Northern Lights or other amazing sights, while 34 per cent of children said visiting a theme park would be the perfect winter break.

In charge: 74 per cent of parents say that 'all' or 'some' of their holidays are influenced by their children

Britain's Generation Z – the new millennials – are travelling farther, sooner and to more exotic destinations than their parents ever did.

Almost 90 per cent of the youngsters surveyed have already been abroad, while only three-quarters of parents had been abroad by the age of 16.

Dr Paul Redmond, who worked on the study with Thomas Cook, said: 'This new research offers a fascinating and tantalising glimpse into the extent that changing social demographics will revolutionise the travel and tourism sector and that no longer will consumers, of any generation, put up with one-size-fits-all holiday solutions.

'Instead, different generations are seeking generational-specific, customised holiday experiences.'

It's a scream: 34 per cent of children said visiting a theme park would be the perfect winter break

The director of student life at University of Manchester said: 'Even with families, these generational differences are particularly apparent.

'Time-poor, work stressed, financially pressured Generation X parents seek quiet, relaxation-orientated holidays.'

He added: 'What is particularly fascinating about this new study by Thomas Cook is the light it shines on Generation Z – the new millennials – who are already exerting influence on the travel and tourism industry.'