Family Travel Takes a Nostalgic Turn is back. Forget solo trips and couples retreats. A new wave of family travel is emerging, one that harks back to simpler times and prioritizes intergenerational bonding. According to a recent survey conducted by Beaches Resorts, the leading family-friendly all-inclusive resort brand in the Caribbean, almost half of North American parents are now choosing multi-generational vacations over those with just their children.
This shift reflects a growing desire to maximize family time and create lasting memories across generations. The survey, which polled over 1,000 parents aged 25-45, revealed that 74% of those who have experienced a multi-generational vacation are eager to do it again.
“It’s about creating those special moments that last a lifetime,” says James McAnally, Managing Director at Beaches Turks and Caicos. “Whether it’s diving into the turquoise waters, enjoying a Sesame Street yoga session, or simply relaxing together in a spacious villa, these shared experiences are what make family vacations so meaningful.”
Family Travel Takes a Nostalgic Turn
The Beaches Resorts survey highlights a strong sense of nostalgia among parents, with 60% reporting that their core childhood vacation memories include their grandparents. This sentiment is translating into a desire to recreate those experiences for their own children. A significant 70% of parents actively encourage interaction between their children and grandparents, and 67% wish they had spent more time with their own grandparents.
Interestingly, the survey also found that today’s grandparents are more active and adventurous than previous generations. This is prompting parents to involve them in vacation planning, with 63% believing that grandparents enrich the travel experience.
Grandparents: The Ultimate Vacation Hack?
Beyond the emotional benefits, grandparents also offer practical advantages on family trips. Seventy-two percent of parents find grandparents extremely helpful on vacation, with 59% reporting reduced stress levels thanks to their presence. In fact, almost half of the parents surveyed are willing to cover all expenses for grandparents to join their family vacations.
“Grandparents are no longer just babysitters on vacation,” says McAnally. “They are active participants who enhance the experience for everyone involved.”
Embracing Family Time with Travel
Perhaps surprisingly, children are also enthusiastic about multi-generational vacations. Seventy-two percent of parents reported that their children have expressed interest in traveling with their parents and grandparents. Furthermore, 66% of children prefer family activities over kids’ clubs, indicating a strong desire to spend quality time with loved ones.
Family Travel: “Generation-Cation”
With its focus on family-friendly amenities and activities, Beaches Resorts is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. The resort offers spacious accommodations, diverse dining options, and a wide range of activities for all ages, making it an ideal destination for multi-generational getaways.
This new era of family travel emphasizes togetherness, shared experiences, and the creation of lasting memories. As nostalgia and evolving family dynamics continue to shape vacation sentiment, multi-generational trips are poised to become even more popular in the years to come.
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