Research reveals the benefits of the “Gran-ual leave” travel trend for the whole family

New research reveals how multi-generational holidays are strengthening family bonds and why savvy parents are more than happy to invite the grandparents along.

Multi Generation Family On Vacation Walking Along Beach Together

Published: May 20, 2026 at 5:05 PM

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Families are increasingly turning to grandparents to make holidays more relaxing, more memorable and more fun, according to new research from Hilton.

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The study, based on responses from 1,000 UK grandparents, found that multi-generational holidays are growing in popularity, with nearly seven in ten (69%) grandparents saying they’ve travelled with both their children and grandchildren in the past year.

Broadcaster and grandfather of seven, Gyles Brandreth has partnered with Hilton to explore the rise of “Gran-ual Leave” and the positive impact grandparents have on family holidays. With research revealing that travelling with grandparents can give children an extra 14 hours of playtime and parents up to 24 hours of additional downtime on a week-long trip. The study also found that 77% of grandparents admit to breaking rules they once strictly enforced with their own children and, nearly three quarters (73%) say multi-generational holidays with grandchildren have strengthened their relationships with their adult kids.

©Hilton

The trend has even earned its own name, “Gran-ual Leave”, with grandparents helping parents enjoy more downtime while creating extra playtime and stronger family bonds for children.

Grandparents are giving parents more time to relax

For many parents, travelling with grandparents could be the ultimate holiday hack.

According to the research, grandparents spend around four hours a day entertaining grandchildren while away, which adds up to 24 hours of child-free time across a week-long holiday.

At the same time, children benefit from almost 14 extra hours of playtime and bonding with their grandparents during the trip.

Many grandparents are also stepping into practical holiday roles, with 66% helping with babysitting and 55% organising games and activities.

Other popular ways grandparents spoil little ones on holiday include:

Multi-generational trips are helping families feel closer

The findings suggest these shared holidays are doing more than simply helping parents recharge.

More than eight in ten grandparents (83%) said travelling together strengthens their relationship with their grandchildren, while 73% said it improves bonds with their adult children too.

Nearly six in ten (59%) also said these holidays deepen family connections overall.

Grandparents themselves are seeing personal benefits from travelling together, with around a third saying these trips help them feel “young and alive” (34%), while others reported improvements in emotional wellbeing (33%) and physical wellbeing (34%).

For me, holidays together with my children and grandkids are all about maximising time and creating magical memories together, from the laughter over the breakfast buffet, to impromptu games around the hotel.

Gyles Brandreth, broadcaster and author

Why grandparents admit they’re more relaxed second time around

grandad with his grandson on his shoulders walking along a beach

The research also found many grandparents are taking a more laid-back approach with grandchildren than they did with their own children.

Seven in ten (70%) admitted they are more relaxed and fun with grandchildren on holiday, while 77% confessed to bending rules they would never have allowed years ago.

That includes later bedtimes, extra treats and more freedom during family trips.

However, this softer approach can sometimes cause tension. Around three in ten grandparents (30%) said differing rules can create disagreements with their adult children, while a quarter (25%) said they are told they spoil the grandchildren too much.

Broadcaster and author Gyles Brandreth, who partnered with Hilton for the campaign, said: “For me, holidays together with my children and grandkids are all about maximising time and creating magical memories together, from the laughter over the breakfast buffet, to impromptu games around the hotel.

"And much to my own children’s envy, I find myself relaxing the strict rules with the grandchildren which I once held dear with them, saying ‘yes’ more to embrace the fun, freedom, and joy that us grandparents can bring.”

Multi-generational travel is becoming more popular

The study suggests family travel habits are continuing to evolve, with one in four grandparents (25%) saying they now take multi-generational holidays more often than they did five years ago.

Hilton’s separate 2026 Trends Report also found that almost half of Brits (48%) went on holiday with their grandparents as children themselves, showing the long-standing appeal of family trips across generations.

John Rogers, Senior Vice President, Brand Management, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific at Hilton, said: “Family holidays create lasting memories, and our research shows that grandparents can help everyone get more from the trip, giving parents extra time to unwind and children more time to play and connect.”

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** The research was conducted by 3Gem on behalf of Hilton between 31 March and 9 April 2026 and surveyed 1,000 UK grandparents of children aged four to 12 who had previously holidayed together.*

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