Research has revealed that multi-generational holidays are more commonly being booked and paid for by grandparents, and that villas are more popular than hotels. Jenny Southan reports

Research commissioned by deals site Travelzoo has revealed that grandparents are more often than not the ones booking and paying for multi-generational holidays, highlighting the fact that for many parents of younger children, they are increasingly dependent on their own parents for lifestyle.

Of the 1,700 people surveyed, over 40 per cent of those booking the trips were grandparents. 34 per cent of grandparents also paid for the whole family, compared to just 13 per cent of parents.

Recent reports show that the over-50s account for 58 per cent of the total travel and tourism spend in the UK, while spending from younger generations has reduced.

The data also reveals that grandparents are keen to be adventurous when travelling with family – over a quarter (28 per cent) want to explore new places when they go abroad. 26 per cent said they particularly enjoyed eating together.

Interestingly, 48 per cent of grandparents said that in hindsight they would have liked to have gone on a multi-generational holiday with their own parents and children, and 37 per cent of respondents said that they are booking another multi-generational holiday next year.

James Clarke, general manager UK of Travelzoo, said: “It’s interesting to see that it is the grandparents who are pushing for the multi-generational holidays, both in a financial and emotional sense.

“As our lives become busier and it becomes more difficult for families to spend quality together, big family holidays across the generations become more and more important. It really does show that travel doesn’t have age limits, and a love of travel can be discovered at any time.”

Overall, multi-generational holidays are on the rise – according to a Virgin Holidays survey of 1,000 parents and 1,000 grandparents, seven in ten families have travelled with both older and younger relatives in this way.

The main benefits are getting to spend time together (83 per cent of Travelzoo respondents said this was the main reason for going on multi-generational holidays) and splitting costs. A third of parents replying to the Virgin Holidays survey also said they appreciated having grandparents around to help with the children.

A spokesperson for Virgin Holidays said: “We first saw the trend emerge a few years ago and this year we are seeing more families than ever looking to travel in large groups. Far from being a more stressful or stuffy option, modern families are seizing the opportunity to travel together to maximise their quality time and make the most of their holidays.

They added: “Booking a trip together can have the benefits of spreading the cost, and pooled funds can mean access to a further-flung destination, more luxurious holiday accommodation and more exciting or off-the-beaten-path activities.”

47 per cent of those surveyed would be most likely to take a multi-generational holiday somewhere hot and sunny. Two thirds thought a beach holiday was the best way to go to keep everyone happy. Half would prefer to stay in a villa as it offers more space, while just over one third would settle for a hotel.

63 per cent of parents surveyed said they wished they had more time together as a family, and 58 per cent of grandparents said they wanted more time with their children and grandchildren.

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