Grandparents and grandchildren are increasingly embarking on holidays together, often without the parents, as revealed in Hilton’s 2026 Trends Report. The report, based on a survey of over 14,000 respondents from countries including Australia, Japan, China, India, and Singapore, highlights a growing trend in skip-generation (skip-gen) travel, with 60% of travellers in Asia Pacific having taken or planning such trips.
The report underscores the health and wellbeing benefits of family travel, with 89% of respondents believing it improves the wellbeing of older generations. Creating special memories is a key motivation for 58% of skip-gen travellers, particularly in India, Australia, and New Zealand. In Japan, the focus shifts to experiencing new things together.
Skip-gen holidays are not just about travel; they offer unique experiences that strengthen family bonds and build traditions. In China, 46% of grandparents are initiating these trips, highlighting their role in shaping family travel. “The rise of skip-generation travel highlights a fascinating shift in how families are connecting,” said Ben George, Hilton’s senior vice president and commercial director for Asia Pacific.
Accommodation preferences reflect the needs of multi-generational families, with 48% prioritising family suites or interconnecting rooms. The trend towards multi-generational travel is strong, with nearly half of families in Asia Pacific taking holidays with three or more generations annually.
Hilton’s report also identifies other trends, such as the desire for calm destinations and the influence of family traditions on travel choices, indicating a shift in how and why people travel.
