Lately, a heartwarming travel trend has everyone talking: grandparents jetting off on adventures with their grandkids, leaving the parents behind. Known as skip-generation travel, this unique style of travel allows grandparents and grandchildren to make memories, celebrate milestones, and simply enjoy each other’s company.
We’ll explore the reasons behind this growing trend, provide tips for planning the ultimate grandparent-grandchild vacation, and discuss the benefits for everyone involved (and not involved!).
What is Skip-Gen?
Skip-generation travel, or “skip-gen,” is where grandparents take their grandchildren on vacation, leaving the parents to enjoy a well-deserved break at home. Unlike traditional family vacations, this travel style allows for more meaningful interactions between grandparents and their grandkids.
Imagine the joy of seeing new places, sharing stories, and creating unforgettable memories—just the two generations together! These trips provide a wonderful opportunity to give both generations new perspectives.
Many families tie these skip-gen getaways to milestone birthdays— such as a grandchild turning 10, 12, or 16. These age-based adventures celebrate important life transitions and give grandchildren something exciting to look forward to as they grow. After all, who wouldn’t want to celebrate their big 1-0 by searching for lions on safari in Kenya or throwing a boomerang in the Australian outback?
As families become more geographically dispersed, skip-generation travel presents a perfect opportunity to bridge generational and geographical gaps. It’s a chance for grandparents and grandchildren to bond over shared experiences and create stories that will be cherished for years.
What are the Benefits of Grandparents Traveling with Grandchildren?
For grandparents, this is a golden opportunity to connect with your grandchildren in a relaxed and neutral setting. Whether it’s teaching them how to fish, sharing tales from your childhood, or simply enjoying gelato together, these moments create bonds that last a lifetime.
Grandkids not only get to learn about their family history but also gain invaluable exposure to different cultures, environments, and activities. They also get to bask in that special treatment that grandparents are known for!
Finally, for parents, skip-generation trips provide a much-needed break so you can have space for self-care, reconnect with your partner, or even take a long-awaited vacation without children! It’s an opportunity to recharge and enjoy well-deserved ‘me time’ while knowing the kids are being looked after by their grandparents.
Choosing the Perfect Destination for Skip-Gen Trips
Selecting the ideal destination for your adventure is like picking the perfect ice cream flavor – there are so many delicious options, and you want to ensure everyone gets a scoop they love! The key is finding a location that balances activities catering to both generations’ interests and energy levels.
For a truly magical experience, consider family-friendly safari destinations like Kenya and Tanzania. These countries offer natural wonders and educational opportunities, allowing grandparents to share their love for nature while grandchildren explore the wild. Camps like El Karama Lodge provide a treasure trove of child-friendly experiences, from fishing with guides to exciting game drives through the savanna in a shaded canvas-topped vehicle.
For those grandkids who aspire to become veterinarians, visiting a wildlife rescue organization in Costa Rica is always an excellent choice! You can stay in eco-friendly lodges like Pacuare Lodge, where you can gently raft down the river to reach your remote jungle retreat.
If you’re looking for something a bit different, why not consider a trip to Sweden? Here, you can learn the ancient techniques of the Indigenous Sámi people, sleep in a cozy tipi, and even walk alongside reindeer.
When choosing your destination, consider the interests of both grandparents and grandchildren. Think about activities they can enjoy together, such as walking, crafting, or simply soaking up the sun on a beach. If you need some inspiration or guidance, don’t hesitate to contact our expert Travel Advisors.
What challenges are there for multi-generational travel?
Although skip-generation travel can be incredibly rewarding, it also comes with unique challenges.
One common challenge is bridging the generation gap. Grandparents and grandchildren often have different interests, communication styles, and levels of technological fluency. To overcome this, grandparents can take this opportunity to immerse themselves in their grandchildren’s world, learning about their favorite hobbies, likes, and dislikes.
Another potential hurdle is managing different energy levels, as grandparents may tire more easily than their younger companions. Plan a balanced itinerary that includes a mix of active adventures and restful downtime—after all, sometimes the best memories come from those unexpected moments. Grandparents should prioritize self-care, ensuring they can keep up with their energetic grandkids and return home feeling refreshed.
Finally, handling unexpected situations, such as health issues or travel delays, requires patience and preparedness. Having a well-thought-out contingency plan and maintaining a positive attitude can turn potential setbacks into opportunities for learning and growth. By proactively addressing these challenges, grandparents and grandchildren can focus on enjoying their time together and creating lasting memories.
If this sounds too much to you, leave the details to the experts who can create your contingency plan and be available before, during and after your trip for support.
How do you plan grandparent-grandchild vacations?
Thoughtful planning that considers the needs and wants of grandparents and grandchildren starts with setting clear expectations with all family members, including the parents, to ensure everyone is on the same page.
One of the most delightful parts of planning is involving the grandchildren. Give them age-appropriate choices in activities or destinations. This builds anticipation and excitement and gives them a sense of ownership of the trip.
When it comes to creating the perfect travel itinerary, it’s all about balance! Incorporate structured activities and free time for spontaneous moments and rest. Take into account the physical capabilities and energy levels of both generations. Engaging yet manageable activities can be a chocolate-making workshop in Belize, whale watching in the Azores, or a textile weaving lesson with a native Quechua woman in Peru. As these activities are guided, the grandparents can relax and enjoy the experience without feeling pressured to entertain.
Embracing technology can also enhance the travel experience, allowing for easy communication with parents and sharing those precious moments in real time. Remember to set boundaries to ensure you’re soaking up quality face-to-face time together.
Is Skip-gen travel a good idea?
Absolutely, yes! Skip-generation travel is not just a trend. This twist on multi-generational travel offers countless opportunities for bonding, learning, and, most importantly, having fun together! Each trip can serve as a meaningful milestone in a grandchild’s life, whether it’s commemorating a special birthday, celebrating a graduation, or simply embracing the excitement of adventure.
These journeys allow grandparents to share cherished family stories, values, and traditions in a way that is engaging and memorable. Imagine the new stories that could be passed down through generations—like how Grandma haggled for that family heirloom or how Grandpa showed off his old dance moves during a participatory tribal dance performance in Vietnam.
These experiences can serve as inspiration for future generations to embrace skip-gen travel, encouraging grandchildren to continue the tradition.
