Grandparents and Grandkids Redefine Family Holidays in India: 79 Per Cent Choose Skip-Gen Travel

Grandparents and grandchildren are hitting the road together – and often without parents. Across Asia Pacific, skip-generation (skip-gen) holidays are on the rise, and India is leading the way. Hilton’s 2026 Trends Report reveals that families are redefining how they travel, with a stronger focus on stays that foster togetherness, create lasting memories, and strengthen bonds across generations.

Skip-Gen Travel on the Rise: Almost 8 in 10 Families in India Are Booking Holidays Without Parents

In India, nearly eight in 10 (79 per cent) respondents report having taken – or planning to take – a skip-gen holiday, compared to 60 per cent across Asia Pacific. In fact, almost half (43 per cent) of respondents in India say they have done so in the past year alone, underscoring how cross-generational travel has shifted from novelty to mainstream.

“The rise of skip-generation travel highlights a fascinating shift in how families are connecting,” said Ben George, senior vice-president and commercial director, Asia Pacific, Hilton. “Hilton is committed to creating experiences that cater to every generation under one roof – from family-friendly amenities and Confirmed Connecting Rooms to wellness offerings that appeal to travellers of all ages. By designing experiences that anticipate the needs of multi-generational families, we aim to make every stay as seamless and memorable as possible, helping guests create meaningful moments together.”

More Than a Holiday: Creating Memories Is the Top Priority for Skip-Gen Travellers

For families in India, skip-gen holidays are all about cherishing time together. More than two-thirds (67 per cent) say their main motivation is to create special memories between grandparents and grandchildren – the highest across Asia Pacific, compared with 64 per cent in Australia and 63 per cent in New Zealand.

Beyond memory-making, families cite other compelling reasons for grandparents and grandchildren to travel together without parents, including to strengthen bonds (65 per cent), enjoy the trip as a unique experience (53 per cent), and passing on culture and traditions (47 per cent).

Wellbeing Boost: 96 Per Cent Say Skip-Gen Trips Support Grandparents’ Health

Family holidays aren’t just about connection – they also support health and wellbeing. Almost all (96 per cent) respondents in India believe that travelling with family improves the wellbeing of grandparents. For grandparents, quality time with grandchildren (51 per cent) is the most valued part of travel, suggesting how multi-generational travel can benefit both emotional and physical health.

Thoughtfully designed stays that include wellness amenities, accessible dining, and senior-friendly services are becoming essential in ensuring that older generations can travel comfortably while reaping the health benefits of family togetherness.

Quality Time Over Downtime: Families Prioritise Shared Experiences Over Relaxation

According to Hilton’s global research, respondents’ number-one motivation to travel for leisure in 2026 is to rest and recharge (56 per cent), but for many travellers in Asia Pacific these motivations differ as spending time with family now outweighs personal relaxation as the top holiday priority. For many travellers in India, spending time with family now outweighs personal relaxation as the top holiday priority. Seven in 10 (72 per cent) say quality time matters more than downtime, outpacing the Asia Pacific average of 61 per cent.

When it comes to activities, visits to historical and cultural landmarks (67 per cent) and culinary exploration (66 per cent) lead the way in India, reflecting families’ desire for stays that inspire discovery, learning, and meaningful connection.

Rooms for All Ages: Making Multi-Generational Travel Seamless

Beyond skip-gen, multi-generational travel continues to grow. Nearly two-thirds (65 per cent) of families in India take holidays with three or more generations at least once a year – a trend particularly strong in China (78 per cent) as well. The top motivations include strengthening family bonds (68 per cent) and creating lasting memories across generations (57 per cent).

Accommodation plays a crucial role in enabling inclusive stays. More than half (57 per cent) of families in India prioritise senior-friendly facilities and services such as mobility aids, medical assistance, and accessible dining spaces, while 42 per cent consider relaxation and wellness amenities (47 per cent) important, underscoring the need for stays that cater to every generation.

Tal Shefer, senior vice-president, Brand Management, Asia Pacific, Hilton, said, “In India, travel is deeply rooted in family and togetherness, and we’re seeing that reflected in the continued growth of multi-generational holidays. At Hilton, every detail is designed For The Stay – so that grandparents, parents, and children alike can feel connected, cared for, and create lasting memories together. Whether it’s a once-in-a-lifetime celebration at Waldorf Astoria, a city break at Motto by Hilton, or a family getaway at DoubleTree by Hilton, every one of our brands is built to bring people closer through meaningful experiences.”