For many children, grandparents are their favourite storytellers, secret snack-givers and biggest cheerleaders. Now, they are becoming travel partners too. Imagine a holiday where grandparents and grandchildren pack their bags, board a flight and set off together, while the parents stay back at home. This is known as skip-gen travel, and it is quickly becoming an exciting new way for families to spend quality time together.
According to Hilton’s 2026 Trends Report, 79% of Indian respondents said they had taken or were planning to take a skip-generation holiday, compared with 60% across Asia Pacific. The report also found that creating special memories was the biggest reason for Indian families choosing these trips.
And honestly, it makes sense. Sometimes, the best holiday is not about travelling with everyone. It is about giving two generations the chance to truly enjoy each other’s company.
What Exactly Is Skip-Gen Travel?
Simply put, skip-gen travel means grandparents travelling with their grandchildren without the children’s parents.
It could be a grandmother taking her granddaughter to Kerala, a grandfather taking his grandson to Rajasthan, or grandparents and two grandchildren enjoying a relaxed holiday in Singapore.
The idea is simple:
Grandparents + Grandchildren + New Experiences = Special Memories
Unlike a regular family holiday, these trips give grandparents and grandchildren more uninterrupted time together.
There are no school runs, office calls or everyday family responsibilities getting in the way.
Just conversations, sightseeing, food, laughter and plenty of photographs.
Why Is This Trend Growing in India?
India has always valued the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren. But today’s busy lifestyles are making quality family time harder to find.
Parents may have demanding jobs. Children may have school, tuition, activities and exams. Grandparents may live in another city.
A holiday creates an opportunity to bring these two generations together.
Hilton’s research found that 67% of Indian respondents said creating special memories between grandparents and grandchildren was their main reason for taking these trips. Strengthening family bonds and passing on culture and traditions were also important reasons.
This makes skip-gen travel much more than a holiday trend. It is becoming a beautiful way to reconnect.
1. A Special Bond Gets Even Stronger
Grandparents often have a completely different relationship with their grandchildren.
They have more time to listen. Children feel comfortable sharing stories, asking questions and simply being themselves.
A holiday gives them hours together without the usual distractions.
A long train journey can become a storytelling session. A simple dinner can turn into a conversation about childhood memories. A visit to an old fort can become a history lesson.
These small moments often become the memories children remember for years.
2. Grandparents Get to See the World Through Young Eyes
Travel is not only about children learning from grandparents.
Grandparents also discover new things through their grandchildren.
A child may introduce them to taking selfies, using travel apps, trying a new food or exploring a fun activity they would never have tried alone.
This makes skip-gen travel a two-way experience.
Grandparents share their stories and life lessons. Grandchildren bring energy, curiosity and a fresh way of looking at the world.
3. Children Learn About Family Stories and Traditions
One of the most beautiful parts of travelling with grandparents is hearing stories that may never be found in a textbook.
A visit to Jaipur can lead to stories about Indian history. A trip to Varanasi can introduce children to family traditions. A holiday in Kerala can become an opportunity to learn about local food and culture.
Grandparents can become the storytellers of the journey.
And children get to carry those stories forward.
Hilton’s research found that 47% of Indian respondents saw passing on culture and traditions as a reason for skip-generation holidays.
Why Senior Citizens Can Benefit From These Holidays
For older travellers, a holiday with grandchildren can bring much more than sightseeing.
It gives them something exciting to look forward to.
It can encourage gentle activity, social interaction and quality family time. Hilton’s India findings reported that 96% of respondents believed travelling with family improves grandparents’ wellbeing, while 51% said quality time with grandchildren was the most valued part of the experience.
Of course, every senior traveller is different. The trip should always be planned around their comfort, mobility and personal needs.
The goal should not be to see everything.
The goal should be to enjoy everything.
How to Plan a Comfortable Skip-Gen Holiday
A successful skip-gen travel experience needs a little more planning than an ordinary holiday.
1. Choose Comfort Over a Packed Schedule
Do not try to cover five cities in five days.
For grandparents, changing hotels and travelling long distances every day can become tiring. Choose one or two destinations and give everyone enough time to relax.
Pick Senior-Friendly Hotels
Look for:
- Lift access
- Comfortable beds
- Easily accessible bathrooms
- Rooms close to dining areas
- Medical assistance nearby
- Easy transport options
- Senior-friendly food choices
Hilton’s 2026 research found that many Indian families consider senior-friendly facilities such as mobility support, medical assistance and accessible dining important when travelling together.
2. Keep Medical Needs in Mind
Grandparents should carry their regular medicines and prescriptions.
It is also wise to keep important emergency contacts, medical information and insurance details easily available.
If there are specific health or mobility concerns, discuss the travel plan with their doctor before the trip.
Plan Breaks
Children may want to keep exploring.
Grandparents may want to sit down with a cup of tea.
Both are completely fine.
Build breaks into the itinerary so nobody feels rushed.
3. Let Children Have a Say
Ask the grandchildren what they want to do. Maybe they want to visit an aquarium, enjoy a boat ride, explore a theme park or simply spend time at the beach. At the same time, let grandparents choose some experiences too. The best trip is one where both generations get something they love.
Best Types of Destinations for Grandparents and Grandchildren
The perfect destination depends on the age of the children and the comfort level of the grandparents.
1. Kerala
Relaxing backwaters, cultural experiences and comfortable stays can make Kerala a good choice for a slower holiday.
2. Rajasthan
Jaipur and Udaipur offer forts, palaces, local food and fascinating stories that grandparents can share with children.
3. Goa
For a relaxed trip, families can enjoy beaches, easy sightseeing, good food and plenty of downtime.
4. Himachal Pradesh
Destinations such as Shimla can work well when planned at a comfortable pace, with short sightseeing days and suitable accommodation.
5. Singapore
For families looking for an international experience, Singapore offers attractions, easy transport and activities that can appeal to different age groups.
The important thing is not to select a destination simply because it is popular.
Select one that works for both the youngest and oldest traveller.
What Should Grandparents Pack?
Packing for skip-gen travel should be simple and practical.
Grandparents should carry:
- Regular medicines
- Prescriptions
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light and comfortable clothes
- Personal medical information
- Emergency contact numbers
- Sunglasses and a hat
- A small first-aid kit
- Phone chargers and power banks
For children, carry their essentials, favourite snacks, entertainment for the journey and any regular medicines they need.
And one more thing is important:
Do not forget the camera.
Because this is one trip where the photographs may become family treasures.
Parents Can Help Without Joining the Trip
Parents do not have to travel to make the trip successful.
Before departure, parents can help grandparents and children understand the itinerary, hotel details, transport arrangements and emergency contacts.
They can also schedule a simple daily video call if everyone wants one.
But once the holiday starts, give them some space.
The magic of skip-gen travel comes from allowing grandparents and grandchildren to create their own little adventure.
A Holiday They May Remember Forever
Travel has changed.
Earlier, family holidays often meant everyone travelling together. Today, families are discovering that different generations can also create meaningful memories in smaller groups.
Skip-gen travel gives grandparents something precious: uninterrupted time with their grandchildren.
And grandchildren get something equally valuable: time with people who have stories, wisdom and love to share.
The destination may eventually become a distant memory.
But the evening spent laughing together, the first selfie, the shared meal, the funny travel mistake and the stories told along the way can stay forever.
So, if your parents and children are ready for an adventure, perhaps it is time to let them pack their bags.
Because sometimes, the best family holiday is the one where two generations discover the world together.
Final Thought
Skip-gen travel is not about leaving parents behind. It is about bringing grandparents and grandchildren closer. And for senior citizens especially, it can be a beautiful reminder that there are still many journeys to take, stories to tell and memories to make.
