Skip-gen: The holiday where the parents stay at home

Skip-gen travel is becoming more and more popular.

Over the last few years, a new travel trend has been sweeping across the UK. Ever heard of skip-gen?

Skip-gen travel is when grandparents take their grandkids on holiday without their parents, skipping one generation, hence the name.

Luxury travel company Craft Travel reported a 450% increase in grandparent-grandchild trips in the last five years.

These trips aren’t the seaside caravan holidays of years gone by either, with many favouring bucket-list destinations and experiences. We have pulled together some inspiration for grandparents who want to create lifelong memories with their grandkids – and parents who want a week or two to themselves.

If parents don’t want to stay behind, we’ve also got some destination ideas that are fun for all the family, embracing multi-gen travel too.

Skip-gen

Get on your bike in the Loire Valley

The Loire in Luxury self-guided bike tour by Cycling For Softies allows skip-gen groups to explore the rolling hills of the Loire Valley. The route is peaceful and follows largely flat country lanes, so it’s accessible for little and older legs. Visit rich medieval settlements en route, like Château d’Ussé, which is rumoured to be the inspiration for Charles Perrault’s famous fairytale, Sleeping Beauty, and enjoy downtime in luxury and boutique accommodations.

Tours start from £1,325 per person, with itineraries of 4 and 7 nights. Find out more at cycling-for-softies.co.uk

Cruising down the Amazon

Share the experience of a lifetime with your animal-loving little ones as you encounter remarkable wildlife species and landscapes on Craft Travel’s Nature of Brazil itinerary. The 11-night adventure begins with an Amazon River Cruise into the depths of the Amazon Rainforest, exploring hidden uninhabited rivers where the magnificent plants and animals of the rainforest reign supreme. The flexible itinerary means days can be spent exploring with a guide, canoeing or relaxing on the yacht. Keep an eye out for jaguars.

Find out more at crafttravel.com

A restorative retreat in Qatar

Valuing memorable moments and shared experiences that enhance family bonds to bridge the generation gap, Zulal Wellness Resort launched an Intergenerational Retreat that invites grandparents and grandchildren to spend quality time together while enjoying age-appropriate fun away from the distractions of everyday life. Recognised as the world’s safest place for travelers and one of just a handful of destinations on earth where desert meets sea, Qatar sets the stage for a special family holiday. Activities and treatments include everything from nature walks and yoga to massages and games.

Find out more at zulal.com

F1 fun in the sun

Swap their toy cars for the real thing with a December trip to Abu Dhabi to catch the season finale of the 2024 F1 season. Grandparents won’t need to worry about a thing while planning this trip, as it’s all covered in the Grand Prix Package. Abu Dhabi itself is extremely walkable and has plenty of public transport options, plus you can enjoy pleasant highs of 26C in the sun-soaked city even in December. When you’re not at the track there is plenty to do, like visit the National Aquarium or an amusement park.

Prices start from £1,899pp. Find out more at grandprixgrandtours.com

Make Disney dreams come true

Evoking nostalgia in grandparents and igniting the imagination of children, Disney World is the perfect place for a skip-gen holiday. From its rollercoasters to its slower-paced rides, its diverse dining options, and variety of activities beyond its theme park – including its character meet-and-greets and water parks – there really is something fun for everyone. The House of Travel offers exclusive package holidays including flights, accommodation and park tickets to reduce the stress of planning.

Find out more at thehouseoftravel.co.uk

Relax at a Thai wellness retreat

Amatara is the ideal family spa retreat in Thailand with a range of luxurious treatments for all ages. Kids can enjoy bubble baths while grandparents can indulge in an array of opulent spa therapies. When not relaxing, everyone can come together for exciting activities including soap-making workshops and cooking classes. Adventurous groups can take to the beach for paddle boarding and kayaking.

Family stays start from £2,200 per person. Find out more at healthandfitnesstravel.com

Multi-gen

Sun Siyam Iru Fushi

Situated a 40-minute seaplane flight from the capital Male, Sun Siyam Iru Fushi is found in the Noonu Atoll set within its own pristine lagoon. The water villas have been designed for families with older kids whilst the beach villas are perfect for the younger families. Children have their own tailored Sweet Pea spa treatments as well as a complimentary programme of activities at Koamas Kidz Club from crab racing to mini-Olympics. Meanwhile, the adults in the group can discover the SSI dive centre offering a range of scuba diving and free-diving courses, or simply relax in the infinity pool with spectacular views of the Indian Ocean.

Find out more or book directly at www.sunsiyam.com. Or call Travelbag on 0203 393 9620 or visit www.travelbag.co.uk

All aboard for an adventure with Le Boat

Le Boat is the top provider of boating holidays on Europe’s beautiful inland waterways. With the world’s largest fleet of over 900 self-drive boats, they offer the widest choice of fabulous boating destinations. During a Caledonian cruise in northern Scotland, holidaymakers can start at Le Boat’s base at Laggan, opting to cruise to Fort William, Loch Oich, Fort Augustus and beyond. Or, if you fancy going further afield, boating on the Rideau Canal is the perfect way to see Southeastern Ontario and discover the beauty of the natural landscape. Starting at Le Boat’s Smith Falls base, families can head to Seeley’s Bay, Smiths Falls and the historic town of Kingston which has certainly asserted itself as Canada’s culinary capital, with more restaurants per square capita than any other city in the country.

Find out more at leboat.co.uk

Sun, sky and sea in Marbella

Marbella Club, surrounded by miles of luscious gardens with trials up to the stunning mountain ranges, is the perfect option for a family activity holiday. When you’ve done enough roaming inland, take a quick fifteen-minute stroll down to the beach to savour the gorgeous view of the Mediterranean Sea. Back at the resort, get a sweat on with some family fitness and yoga sessions or get stuck into Mediterranean cooking classes. After all the fun, unwind with a few revitalising massages whilst the children continue the party at the kids’ club.

Find out more at healthandfitnesstravel.com

Sparkling waters of Andaman Sea

The Malaysian archipelago offers an enticing and budget-friendly alternative to pricier European destinations, with packages in August 2024 starting from £5,212 for a family of four for seven nights, including 4-star+ resort accommodation and flights with Emirates. Malaysia’s heritage, hospitality, stunning landscapes, and range of activities make it ideal for family trips. Langkawi, nestled in the sparkling Andaman Sea, presents an unparalleled chance for families to discover the wonders of Malaysia without breaking the bank.

Find out more at bestattravel.co.uk and pelangiresort.com

Activities galore at Golfe du Lion

Nestled in the quaint, sea-kissed town of Saint Cyprien in France, all apartments and villas at Golfe du Lion are a stone’s throw (900 meters, to be precise) from the sandy embrace of the beach and the bustling local port. For the adventurers and culture vultures, Saint Cyprien is a treasure trove. We’re talking 23 hiking trails and 20 cycling paths, not to mention an equestrian circuit that’ll take your breath away. Watersports? Check. Kitesurfing, sailing, and even scuba diving – they’ve got it all. For little ones there are splash pads, climbing frames and zip wires, while the whole family can tee off at the mini-golf or try their hand at archery. An all-in-one resort where fun, relaxation, and family time blend seamlessly.

Price for a three-bedroom villa start at £1,065 for a week. Find out more at pierreetvacances.co.uk

Wet and wild at Paradis Plage

For an epic water-sports holiday, look no further than Paradis Plage. From gentle, explorative canoeing for the older folks to serious surfing for those more inclined, or simply unwinding on the sun-kissed beaches, there’s something for everyone here on the scenic coastline of north-west Africa. When the adults feel like some yoga or maybe a trip to the spa, there’s babysitting and a kids’ club. Finally, come back together during meals times to savour the exquisite, nourishing Mediterranean cuisine and create lasting family memories.

Family stays start from £825 per person. Find out more at healthandftinesstravel.com

Coastal charm at Casa de Campo

Spread across 7,000 acres of the Dominican Republic’s picturesque coastline, Casa de Campo offers an unparalleled experience in sophisticated beachside living. Immerse yourself in the charm of the Caribbean with exquisite villas elegantly adorned in authentic island style. Each villa boasts its own private pool, alongside spacious living and dining areas that foster moments of togetherness and relaxation. From leisurely mornings spent lounging by the pool to leisurely strolls through the resort’s private marina or serene moments on the secluded Minitas Beach, Casa de Campo caters to every aspect of multi-generational family holidays with the added ease of being all-inclusive.

Stays at Casa de Campo start at £1,840 per person based on two sharing a double room, including flights and transfers. Find out more at tropicalsky.co.uk

Family time in Fuerteventura

Origo Mare, Pierre & Vacances’s Holiday Village on the stunning island of Fuerteventura, is the perfect destination for an unforgettable multi-generational family getaway. Offering a range of house and apartment rentals nestled around inviting swimming pools, this oasis provides the ideal setting for creating cherished memories with loved ones. Guests will have access to a wealth of leisure facilities, shops, restaurants, kids clubs and bars right on site, along with a thrilling 5000 m² waterpark for endless fun in the sun. Don’t forget to hop on the complementary shuttle bus to visit the awe-inspiring Corralejo natural park, home to expansive sand dunes and pristine beaches.