The “Skip-Gen” Travel Trend: Why Grandparents Are Taking the Grandkids to Europe in 2026

There’s something almost magical about watching a grandmother and her teenage granddaughter wander through the cobblestone streets of Paris together, no parents in sight. This isn’t some quirky exception anymore. It’s become one of the fastest-growing travel movements reshaping how families experience the world.

We’re talking about “skip-gen” travel, where grandparents pack their bags with grandchildren and leave the middle generation back home. Think of it like a family sandwich with the middle layer removed. This trend has exploded since the 2020 pandemic, and the numbers tell a compelling story about what modern families truly value.

Europe Has Become the Hotspot for Grandparent-Grandchild Adventures

Popular skip-gen destinations increasingly include France, Italy, and Iceland, with Europe leading the charge as grandparents seek culturally rich experiences to share with younger generations. The continent offers everything these intergenerational duos need: walkable cities, rich history that brings textbooks to life, and enough gelato shops to keep everyone happy.

Let’s be real, Europe just works for this kind of travel. Grandparents and grandchildren have enjoyed learning experiences like cooking gnocchi from scratch in Tuscany, which creates memories that outlast any toy gathering dust in a closet. The appeal isn’t just about seeing the Eiffel Tower or the Colosseum. It’s about grandparents passing down a love of discovery while they still can.

Nearly three-fifths of families across the Asia Pacific region choose skip-gen travel to create lasting memories, with the sentiment strongest in Australia at 64%. However, European destinations remain the go-to choice for North American and European grandparents looking to share heritage, history, and culture in ways that feel personal and profound.

The Numbers Behind This Growing Movement Are Staggering

Six in 10 travelers in Asia Pacific have taken or are planning a skip-generation holiday, while research from Hilton’s Trends Report revealed that 51% of Australians have either taken or are planning to take a skip-gen holiday. These aren’t small percentages. We’re witnessing a fundamental shift in how families allocate their travel budgets and vacation time.

Even more telling, nearly half of travelers were opting for multigenerational or family trips in 2025, surpassing all other types of group trips and up 17% over 2024. The momentum hasn’t slowed down since families emerged from lockdowns with a renewed appreciation for time together.

In a 2023 survey, 20% of grandparents said they had taken their grandchildren on a trip sans parents, and 25% said they planned to do a skip-gen trip in the next three years. Translation? This isn’t a flash in the pan. It’s here to stay, and travel companies are scrambling to adapt their offerings accordingly.

Why Grandparents Are Footing the Bill and Loving Every Minute

Here’s the thing nobody likes to admit out loud: grandparents often have more disposable income and definitely more disposable time than their adult children. Grandparents tend to have more disposable income than their children and certainly have more disposable time, making them the perfect candidates to orchestrate these adventures.

In most cases the grandparent pays for the vacation, so their child doesn’t need to worry about expenses. It’s not charity, though. It’s investment. The grandparent-funded multi-gen trend reflects an aging population that has resources and wants to spend those resources on their loved ones. One travel advisor noted hearing grandparents joke about not being able to take their money with them, so why not spend it creating memories now?

Nearly nine in 10 respondents believe that travelling with family improves the wellbeing of grandparents, and for grandparents, quality time with grandchildren is the most valued part of travel at 50%. The emotional payoff is enormous. These trips give grandparents purpose, joy, and stories to share for whatever time they have left.

Parents Are Getting a Break They Desperately Need

More families than ever before have two working parents, and having a grandparent take a child on vacation during the summer or a school holiday can be tremendous help with childcare logistics and day care costs. Honestly, what parent wouldn’t jump at the chance for a week of peace while knowing their kids are safe with Grandma in Rome?

The arrangement is a win across the board. If the grandparents take their grandchild on the trip during their school vacation or the summer, the parent doesn’t need to take time off from their job, making it a win-win for everybody. Parents get to recharge, maybe even take their own adults-only vacation, while grandparents get concentrated bonding time they might not otherwise have.

An AARP study found 89% of grandparents derive mental, social and physical well-being from spending time with their grandchildren. Meanwhile, parents get relief from the relentless demands of daily childcare. It’s hard to find a travel trend where literally everyone benefits this much.

What Makes These Trips Different From Regular Family Vacations

Without parents in the middle, the dynamic shifts completely. Grandparents report that connection feels closer because you get rid of the parents, which might sound harsh but reflects a truth anyone who’s traveled with three generations knows: sometimes fewer people means deeper conversations.

Many families tie these skip-gen getaways to milestone birthdays such as a grandchild turning 10, 12, or 16, with these age-based adventures celebrating important life transitions. Imagine turning twelve not with another birthday party, but with a week exploring castles in Scotland with your grandfather. That’s the kind of gift that shapes who you become.

Grandparents said that after taking this type of trip, they think their grandchild is more adventurous and that the trip helped their grandchild be more flexible and adaptable. Travel changes kids, especially when they’re experiencing new cultures with grandparents who have patience, wisdom, and stories that suddenly become real against European backdrops. These aren’t just vacations. They’re intergenerational education wrapped in adventure.

So what do you think? Would you send your kids off to Europe with their grandparents, or does the idea still feel a bit too bold for your comfort level?