Grandparents are the new travel buddies: Skip-gen holidays take off as India leads Asia’s family travel boom

Skip-Gen Travel Soars in India: Grandparents & Grandkids Hit the Road Together

Grandparents and grandchildren are hitting the road — and leaving parents behind. Across Asia Pacific, “skip-generation” or skip-gen holidays are emerging as the next big travel trend, and India is leading the charge.

According to Hilton’s 2026 Trends Report, nearly eight in ten Indian families (79%) have either taken or are planning to take a skip-gen holiday — a rate far higher than the Asia Pacific average of 60%. What began as a charming travel experiment has now turned into a mainstream movement, reshaping how families bond, travel, and create memories.

“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 — helping guests create meaningful moments together.”

Why Skip-Gen Travel Is Booming in India

For most Indian families, these trips are about togetherness, not trendiness. Nearly 67% of respondents say their main motivation is to create special memories between grandparents and grandchildren — the highest in Asia Pacific. Another 65% say they travel this way to strengthen family bonds, while almost half (47%) see it as a way to pass on traditions and culture.

In a country where family remains at the heart of everything, skip-gen holidays are a natural evolution — offering both generations a chance to reconnect in a slower, more meaningful way.

Travel That Heals: 96% Say It Boosts Grandparents’ Health

Turns out, these vacations are good for more than the heart — they’re good for health too.
An incredible 96% of Indian respondents believe that family travel improves the wellbeing of grandparents. For elders, quality time with grandchildren (51%) is the most cherished part of a trip, reinforcing how travel can nurture both emotional and physical health.

Hotels and resorts are now responding to this trend by introducing senior-friendly features — from mobility aids and accessible dining to wellness activities that allow all generations to participate.

Quality Time Over Downtime: Family First, Relaxation Second

While Hilton’s global survey found that most travellers (56%) still prioritize rest and recharge, in India the story is different — family time trumps alone time.
About 72% of Indian travellers say spending quality time with family matters more than personal relaxation, compared to 61% across Asia Pacific.

And when it comes to what they do together, cultural exploration tops the list.
Visiting historical landmarks (67%) and discovering new cuisines (66%) are the go-to activities, reflecting a strong desire to learn, connect, and discover together.

Rooms for Every Generation: The New Face of Family Travel

Beyond skip-gen holidays, multi-generational travel is also on the rise. Nearly 65% of Indian families say they take trips involving three or more generations at least once a year.

More than half (57%) prioritize senior-friendly stays, while others look for relaxation and wellness amenities that cater to all ages. Hotels like Hilton are responding with Confirmed Connecting Rooms, kid-friendly dining, and flexible spaces that bring everyone together under one roof.

“In India, travel is deeply rooted in family and togetherness,” said Tal Shefer, Senior Vice President, Brand Management, Asia Pacific, Hilton. “Every detail at Hilton is designed For The Stay — so grandparents, parents, and children alike can create lasting memories together.”

Travel Trends to Watch: Hilton’s 2026 Forecast

Hilton’s 2026 Trends Report, titled “The Whycation: Travel’s New Starting Point,” offers a glimpse into what’s next for global travellers.

Here are three big trends shaping the future of travel:

• Hushpitality: A growing number of travellers will seek silence and calm, choosing destinations that help them unplug from chaos.
• Home Comforts Are the New Carry-On: People want a sense of home on the road — bringing familiar routines and comfort items to make travel feel effortless.
• Inheritourism: Family travel preferences are being passed down like heirlooms — from hotel choices to loyalty memberships — showing that travel truly runs in the family.