Grandparents Travelling With Grandchildren: How to Plan the Perfect Skip-Gen Holiday in Australia

Skip-gen holidays, where grandparents travel with their grandchildren without the parents, are quickly becoming one of Australia’s top holiday priorities. And it makes sense. These trips offer grandparents a fantastic opportunity to take an active role in their grandkids’ lives, create lasting memories, and strengthen family bonds in a way that everyday life rarely allows. Skip-gen holidays are increasingly popular, reflecting families desire for travel experiences that meet both emotional and practical needs across generations.

But travelling with children, without parents in the mix, comes with its own kind of planning. Different generations have different needs, energy levels, routines and emotions. When you prepare well, though, a skip-gen holiday becomes a deeply meaningful journey that strengthens your family for the future, with motivation being the driving force behind the popularity of these unique trips.

This guide walks you through exactly what to organise, how to manage family dynamics, and how to create a holiday that both grandparents and kids will remember and cherish for life, creating lasting memories for the family.

2. Why Skip-Gen Holidays Matter (And Why They’re Booming in Australia)

Skip-gen holidays are becoming increasingly common in Australia because multigenerational families want more meaningful time together without the logistical complexity of coordinating every family member. With parents stretched between work and household demands, many grandparents are taking a more active role and choosing to spend dedicated, high-quality time with their grandchildren.

According to Hilton's global research in the 2023 Global Trends Report, more than half of travellers across multiple countries identified multigenerational travel as a top holiday priority. In fact, the report surveyed over 7,000 respondents, highlighting the widespread popularity and adoption of skip-gen holidays among families worldwide. Families aren’t just chasing sightseeing; they’re looking for a stronger connection, predictable routines for kids and the chance to build memories that feel substantial rather than rushed.

Skip-gen travel uniquely supports those goals:

• Kids benefit from focused attention and slower, more predictable days.
• Grandparents appreciate the opportunity to strengthen family bonds without the usual distractions of modern life.
• Parents appreciate practical support and the emotional value of their children spending meaningful time with older family members.

This type of holiday gives families a way to stay connected across multiple generations, support each other, and build traditions that last well beyond the trip itself.

3. What to Organise Before You Go

Travelling with grandchildren is rewarding, but it works best when the preparation is solid. Planning and accommodations should cater to the unique needs of different generations, ensuring comfort and accessibility for both grandparents and grandchildren. Kids need routine and predictability, and grandparents need clarity and confidence. Good planning removes stress, supports healthy family dynamics, and sets everyone up for a smooth skip-gen holiday. Family suites are an ideal accommodation option for skip-gen holidays, as they provide comfortable, connected spaces that help families stay together and bond during their trip.

3.1 Communicating With Parents (Your Adult Children)

Before anything else, have a clear conversation with the parents. Skip-gen holidays only work when everyone knows what to expect.

Cover the essentials:

• Daily routines: bedtimes, nap schedules, comfort items, screen-time boundaries.
• Behaviour expectations: rules, discipline style and what’s off-limits.
• Health details: allergies, medications, medical history, GP information.
• Emergency contacts: who to call first, second and third.
• Permissions: especially for swimming, theme parks or activities that involve supervised risk.

Agreeing on these things protects family bonds and removes any uncertainty once you’re away. It also helps kids feel secure because the rules feel consistent across multiple generations.

3.2 Health & Safety Essentials

This is the backbone of a well-planned skip-gen holiday. Grandparents need the right information to keep kids safe and confident.

Make sure you have:

• A full list of medications, doses, and timing.
• Allergy details, asthma plans, or any health notes parents rely on.
• Medicare card copies, private health details, and travel insurance if applicable.
• A small first-aid kit suited to the child’s age.
• Written permission from parents if you need to seek medical care while away.

Kids manage change better when they feel safe, and grandparents manage the trip better when they have everything documented.

3.3 Packing for Multiple Generations Under One Roof

Packing for a skip-gen holiday isn’t like throwing a few T-shirts into a bag. You’re accommodating needs across multiple generations, and that means thinking ahead.

Here’s what works:

• Clothes for all weather conditions — kids get dirty faster than you think.
• Comfort items (teddies, favourite pyjamas, bedtime books) to help with separation from parents.
• Snacks and familiar foods so routines stay predictable.
• Sun protection and hats — minimalist but essential.
• Entertainment for downtime: colouring sets, simple games, travel journals.
• Practical extras like spare swimmers, sandals, toothbrushes, and a backup outfit in your day bag.

When choosing accommodation, look for options with multiple master suites to ensure privacy and comfort for both grandparents and grandchildren. Prioritising shared spaces for family interaction and private spaces for downtime helps everyone feel at home and makes the trip more enjoyable.

The more prepared you are, the more relaxed both you and the kids will feel.

3.4 Creating the Right Balance of Shared Space & Personal Space

One of the most important things to understand about skip-gen holidays is that both grandparents and kids need private space as much as shared space. Without it, the trip becomes tiring instead of enjoyable.

Plan for:

• Quiet time after lunch or swimming.
• A clear place where kids can decompress with toys or a book.
• Evenings where grandparents get a breather while kids unwind with something gentle.

Finding this balance reduces overstimulation for kids and prevents exhaustion for grandparents — a win for everyone. When choosing accommodations, look for key design features that provide both communal areas for togetherness and private rooms or nooks for downtime.

3.5 Planning Daily Rhythms That Work Across Ages

Holidays don’t need to be packed with activities. Kids thrive on predictable rhythms, and grandparents do too.

Think about:

• Meal timing: hungry kids lose patience fast.
• Simple morning routines that mirror home life.
• Energy flow: choose one “big” outing per day and keep the rest calm.
• Child-led exploration: letting kids choose small activities gives them confidence and helps them feel part of the journey.
• Flexible bedtime routines — familiar enough to feel safe, but relaxed enough to suit holiday life.

Be sure to schedule time for personal relaxation for both grandparents and grandchildren, so everyone has a chance to recharge and enjoy the trip.

The aim isn’t to fill every hour. It’s to create a steady rhythm that supports everyone’s energy levels across the whole trip.

4. Supporting Family Dynamics on a Skip-Gen Holiday

A skip-gen holiday brings together two generations who adore each other — but who also have different temperaments, routines and ways of communicating. Understanding family dynamics upfront makes the trip smoother, kinder and far more enjoyable for everyone. The goal of skip-gen holidays is to strengthen family connections, creating lasting memories and deeper bonds between grandparents and grandchildren.

This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being prepared.

4.1 Understanding Different Temperaments

Grandparents and grandchildren often run at very different speeds. Kids move quickly, shift moods fast and have bursts of energy. Grandparents sometimes prefer slower mornings, planned activities, or quiet pockets in the day.

Neither is wrong.
Both simply need room.

A successful skip-gen holiday respects those natural rhythms. When grandparents stay calm and predictable, kids feel safe. When kids are given space to be expressive without judgement, the relationship strengthens instead of fraying.

4.2 Helping Kids Feel Secure Away From Parents

For some children, being away from their parents can stir a mix of excitement and uncertainty. A few simple strategies make an enormous difference:

• Keep routines familiar: bedtime stories, favourite songs, morning rituals.
• Remind kids they’re safe and loved, and that parents know exactly where they are.
• Use small transition objects (a soft toy, a bracelet, a small photo).
• Validate their feelings — excitement, nerves, tears, all of it.

This fosters meaningful connections and helps the child become more confident each day.

4.3 Handling Tricky Moments Calmly

Even the closest families hit friction. Homes where multiple generations live together are familiar with this, and holidays work in the same way.

When tricky moments happen:

• Keep discipline aligned with the parents’ approach.
• Stay consistent rather than strict.
• Redirect instead of escalating.
• Offer choices instead of commands (“Would you like to put your shoes on first or grab your hat first?”).
• Prioritise safety and emotional regulation over getting it “right”.

Grandparents who stay steady help kids reset quickly.

4.4 Using Storytelling and Family Traditions to Build Bonding Moments

Children light up when they hear stories about “when Mum was little” or “what Grandpa did at their age”. These moments create:

• A sense of history
• Stronger family bonds
• Emotional resilience
• A deeper connection to multiple generations

It doesn’t need to be formal. A story shared over breakfast or a memory recalled while walking is enough.

These shared experiences become the emotional glue kids remember later in life. Grandparents and grandchildren alike can feel grateful for these special opportunities to connect and build lasting memories together.

4.5 Encouraging Independence (Within Safe Boundaries)

Kids thrive when they feel trusted and capable. A skip-gen holiday is the perfect opportunity to:

• Let them help with simple decisions
• Encourage age-appropriate independence
• Involve them in planning small parts of the day
• Let them try new things in safe environments

These moments help children feel proud, confident, and connected — not just to the trip, but to you.

5. Meaningful Ways to Create Lasting Memories

Kids rarely remember the expensive parts of a holiday. They remember the feelings — the connection, the stories, the little rituals that happen only with their grandparents. A skip-gen holiday is the perfect chance to create lasting memories and meaningful experiences that become part of your family story for decades. Sharing these moments with loved ones adds emotional significance and strengthens your family bonds. The happiness that comes from these shared experiences contributes to the emotional well-being of everyone involved.

Here’s how to make those moments intentional without overengineering them.

5.1 Keep It Slower Than You Think

Children absorb experiences best when they’re not rushed. And grandparents enjoy the holiday more when the pace feels manageable. Slow mornings, unhurried meals, and simple routines create space for connection.

A slower pace also helps:

• Kids regulate their emotions
• Grandparents stay energised
• Everyone has time to enjoy the journey, not just the activity

This is where the real bonding happens — in the unscheduled pockets of time.

5.2 Add a Small Tradition Just for the Two of You

Traditions don’t need to be big to be meaningful. In fact, the smallest ones often lodge themselves deepest into children’s memories.

For example:

• Hot chocolates after dinner
• A morning walk to “check the weather”
• A nightly gratitude moment
• Reading the same story every night
• A shared playlist for the car

These rituals give kids a sense of belonging and create a repeated pattern they associate specifically with you.

5.3 Capture the Moments (Together, Not Just for Them)

Take photos of each other, not just landscapes. Kids love seeing themselves with the people they care about.

Try:

• Letting the child take some photos
• Recording a quick video diary
• Bringing a travel journal or scrapbook
• Keeping small mementos they collect along the way

These become anchors for the memories you’re building — something they can look back on with pride and joy.

5.4 Encourage Curiosity and “New Things”

Skip-gen holidays work best when grandparents create a safe space for kids to explore. Encourage them to try something they’ve never done before — even if it’s small.

It might be:

• Learning a new card game
• Trying a different food
• Exploring a rockpool
• Spotting wildlife
• Learning a family story they’ve never heard

These activities are designed to inspire discovery, encouraging curiosity and meaningful connections between generations. Visiting cultural landmarks and historical and cultural landmarks can be especially valuable, offering opportunities for shared learning and memorable experiences. Culinary exploration is another engaging activity that allows families to discover diverse food cultures together.

These experiences build confidence and create natural moments of learning across multiple generations.

5.5 Be Present, Even in the Quiet Moments

Presence is what children remember most.

• Sitting beside each other colouring.
• Sharing a snack on a bench.
• Talking about the day while brushing teeth.
• Watching the sunset together.

These seemingly ordinary moments form the foundation of the family bonds you’re strengthening. When kids look back, these are the memories that feel deeply rooted in love, security and connection.

6. When You Return: Keeping the Magic Alive

A skip-gen holiday doesn’t end when you unpack the bags. The real impact often shows up afterwards when children retell stories, parents see new confidence in their kids, and grandparents feel more connected to younger generations. Families can also pool resources to create memory books or plan future holidays together, making it easier to preserve those special moments and look forward to new adventures. A little intentional follow-through helps those family bonds stay strong long after the trip is over.

6.1 Share the Stories With the Parents

Kids love showing their parents what they've done, learned and discovered. Make space for this.

Try:

• Looking through photos together.
• Helping them explain their favourite moment.
• Sharing a few small stories the child might forget to mention.
• Showing any crafts, collections or journal entries.

This reassures parents, strengthens trust, and helps everyone reconnect after a period of time apart.

6.2 Create a Simple Memory Book or Digital Album

It doesn’t need to be elaborate. A short highlight reel can give the whole family something to look back on.

Options include:

• A printed photo book
• A shared digital album
• A scrapbook the child helps build
• A short video montage from your phone

These memory anchors help the experience feel tangible and long-lasting—especially for younger kids who process memories visually.

6.3 Talk About What You Each Enjoyed Most

This helps deepen the emotional meaning of the trip. Ask the grandchild simple questions such as:

• “What was something new you tried?”
• “What made you feel proud?”
• “What was your favourite moment together?”

These reflective conversations support the child’s sense of confidence, gratitude and connection across multiple generations.

6.4 Keep Small Traditions Going

If you started a small ritual during the trip, such as sharing bedtime stories or taking morning walks to check the weather, bring it into your everyday life when possible. Consistency strengthens the emotional thread between you and your grandchild.

A simple weekly call or message to “continue the tradition” keeps that bond alive.

6.5 Let the Trip Inspire the Next One

Not every holiday needs to be big. It could be:

• A day trip
• A weekend away
• A sleepover
• A shared activity like gardening or baking

These smaller moments build on the trust and connection formed during the skip-gen holiday, opening the door to future shared adventures.

7. Wrap-Up

Skip-gen holidays aren’t just a break from routine — they’re a powerful way for grandparents and grandchildren to build trust, connection and memories that genuinely last. With the right preparation, realistic expectations and a rhythm that supports both generations, these trips become something far more meaningful than a standard family holiday.

They strengthen relationships across multiple generations, give kids a sense of security and belonging, and allow grandparents to play an active role in shaping the stories their grandchildren will carry into the future. Whether it’s a big adventure or a simple weekend away, the time you spend together matters more than the destination.

Skip-gen holidays also reflect broader trends in modern living, where the concept of the multigenerational house and multigenerational home is becoming increasingly popular. Many families are turning to multigenerational house plans as practical solutions to accommodate multiple generations under one roof. These homes offer flexibility, privacy, and support for multigenerational living, making it easier for families to stay connected and support each other across generations.

Now, let’s answer the most common questions grandparents and parents have before planning a skip-gen holiday.

FAQs About Skip-Gen Holidays

1. What is a skip-gen holiday?

A skip-gen holiday is when grandparents travel with their grandchildren without the children’s parents. It creates dedicated time across multiple generations and allows grandparents to take a more active role in creating meaningful memories.

2. Why are skip-gen holidays becoming so popular in Australia?

Families are busier than ever, and many parents rely on grandparents for support. Research, including Hilton’s 2023 Global Trends Report, shows that more than half of travellers prioritise multigenerational trips. Skip-gen holidays give families a practical way to slow down, reconnect and strengthen family bonds.

3. What should grandparents organise before travelling with their grandchildren?

Key areas to prepare include:

• Daily routines and behaviour expectations
• Medical details, medications and emergency contacts
• Packing essentials for both generations
• Health and safety plans
• Clear permissions from parents
• Good preparation makes the holiday smoother, safer and more enjoyable.

4. How do I keep children safe on a skip-gen holiday?

Safety starts with information: allergies, medications, medical history and emergency contacts. Build predictable routines, supervise water play closely, stick to age-appropriate activities and keep communication open with the parents throughout the trip.

5. How long should a skip-gen holiday be?

Most families find 3–7 days ideal. It’s long enough to build a connection and a routine, but not so long that children become overwhelmed or grandparents become exhausted. For first-time skip-gen travellers, a shorter trip often works best.

6. How do I balance shared time and personal space?

Plan a rhythm that includes both togetherness and downtime. Kids need space to decompress, and grandparents benefit from rest too. Quiet time after meals, early nights, and simple activities help maintain steady energy levels across generations.

7. What should parents prepare before the children leave?

Parents should provide:

• A written list of routines.
• Medical information and any medications.
• Behaviour guidelines.
• A copy of the Medicare card and insurance details.
• Permission for any activities.
• Comfort items kids rely on at home.
• Clear expectations reduce stress for everyone involved.

8. What makes skip-gen holidays so meaningful for kids?

Children gain a sense of belonging, confidence and emotional security from spending uninterrupted time with grandparents. The slower pace, shared stories and one-on-one attention create lasting memories they’ll carry into adulthood.

9. Are skip-gen holidays suitable for young children?

Yes — with realistic planning. Younger children need predictable routines, comfort items and downtime. As long as grandparents feel confident managing these needs, skip-gen trips can work beautifully for kids as young as preschool age.

10. Do skip-gen holidays help strengthen family bonds?

Absolutely. These trips create space for grandparents and grandchildren to connect without distractions. They reinforce stories, traditions and values across multiple generations, strengthening the family’s emotional foundation.