2025 Travel Trend: The Rise of Multi-Generational Travel

Families are travelling together again, not in small groups, but in large, multi-generational circles that bring grandparents, parents, teens, toddlers, and sometimes even pets on the same holiday. With families living further apart than ever, this growing trend is reshaping global tourism and prompting significant changes in the hospitality sector.

More than a getaway, these trips are a chance to reconnect. They offer rare, uninterrupted time together, shared experiences, and memories that last long after the return flight home.

Why multi-generational travel is surging

At its heart, the trend is about rebuilding connection. Virtuoso reports that 33 to 40 percent of the 270-billion-dollar leisure travel market now falls under multi-generational travel. Families want meaningful experiences, shared milestones, and time together without daily distractions.

Financial support from boomer parents plays a major role. Euromonitor predicted years ago that older generations would help fund travel for their children and grandchildren. It is generosity with purpose, driven by the desire to build a legacy.

Safari specialists such as African Travel have seen 20 percent growth in bookings, with 40 percent paid for by grandparents. The reasons are simple: shared bucket lists, shared discoveries, and shared stories. Around 25 percent of all leisure travellers are grandparents and 37 percent travel with grandchildren. They also travel more frequently, taking at least four trips each year.

A worldwide family shift

In the past year, 27 percent of U.S. adults travelled with three or more generations. In the UK, 56 percent of grandparents have taken a multi-generational break in the last five years. This is no trend. It is a long-term shift in how families choose to spend time and money.

Children also benefit. Travelling with older family members expands their worldview, deepens cultural understanding, and creates valuable learning moments.

What makes a great multi-generational holiday

The best itineraries offer variety and flexibility.

• Gen Z wants adventure.
• Boomers prefer comfort, beauty, and bucket-list moments.
• Millennials and Gen X look for cultural depth and local experiences.

This is why 77 percent of these trips celebrate major milestones. Birthdays, anniversaries, and reunions deserve more than a dinner reservation.

Italy, Mexico, Costa Rica, Turkey, and South Africa continue to top the global list. Spain leads in Europe, and the UK’s South West remains a firm domestic favourite.

In South Africa, Premier Hotels Sani Pass offers open space, mountain air, two waterfalls, and family-friendly comfort. Premier Resort Cutty Sark saw a 30 percent rise in revenue driven by family suites, beach activities, and its strong position near Aliwal Shoal’s diving routes. Child minders give parents valuable downtime while little ones enjoy supervised play.

How hotels are responding

The hospitality sector is rethinking design, amenities, and service. Families want shared spaces, flexible room options, and activities that appeal to people of all ages.

Premier Hotels & Resorts has embraced this shift. Guests can choose between connecting rooms, spacious suites, and group-friendly layouts. Kids enjoy supervised play areas while parents relax at the spa, explore local attractions, or dine on-site.

“Families are travelling together again seeking experiences that connect generations,” says Wayne Neath, Group Commercial Director. “Our coastal resorts and Premier Hotel The Winkler have seen double-digit growth this year, proving that leisure and family travel are driving recovery.”

Hotels that support the trend are offering safaris, city tours, beach stays, and cruises designed to bring generations together.

Connection is the destination

Multi-generational travel proves that luxury is not always about the thread count. It’s about shared sunsets, shared discoveries, and shared joy. The memories made during these trips become family heirlooms.

As the movement grows, hotels that design for connection – not only comfort – will lead the next era of travel. For Premier Hotels & Resorts, the goal is clear. They want to create spaces where families stay close, not simply stay over.