Across Asia Pacific, skip-generation (skip-gen) holidays are on the rise and the trend is gaining momentum in Australia.
Hilton’s 2026 Trends Report reveals that families are redefining how they travel, with a stronger focus on stays that foster togetherness, create lasting memories and strengthen bonds across generations.
In Australia, 51% of respondents report having taken, or are planning to take, a skip-gen holiday. Across the region, the trend is strongest in China (86%) and India (79%), where cross-generational travel has moved from novelty to mainstream, hinting at a future where skip-gen trips may rival traditional family vacations.
“The rise of skip-generation travel highlights a fascinating shift in how families are connecting,” said Ben George, senior vice president and commercial director, Asia Pacific, Hilton.
“By designing experiences that anticipate the needs of multi-generational families, we aim to make every stay as seamless and memorable as possible, helping guests create meaningful moments together.”
The opportunity to create lasting memories is the number one driving force behind grandparent and grandchild holidays, with 58% of families across the Asia Pacific region choosing skip-gen travel for this reason.
This sentiment is particularly strong in Australia, where 64% of families cite memory-making as their top motivation.
Beyond creating valuable memories, skip-gen holidays also give grandparents and grandchildren in Australia the chance to strengthen bonds (63%) and enjoy travel as a unique, shared experience (46%).
While a valuable takeaway, family holidays aren’t just about connection – they also support health and wellbeing.
Nine in 10 (91%) Australian respondents believe that traveling with family improves the wellbeing of grandparents.
Additionally, quality time spent with grandchildren is the most valued part of travel for grandparents (60%), suggesting how skip-generation travel can benefit both the emotional and physical wellbeing of Australian grandparents.
According to Hilton’s global research, respondents’ number one motivation to travel for leisure in 2026 is to rest and recharge (56%), but for many travellers in Australia, spending time with family now outweighs personal relaxation as the top holiday priority. For 59% of Australians, spending quality time with family takes precedence over downtime.
“In Australia, travel is deeply embedded in family and togetherness, and we’re seeing that reflected in the continued growth of multi-generational holidays,” said Tal Shefer, senior vice president, Brand Management, Asia Pacific, Hilton.
