SINGAPORE — As 2026 begins, families across Asia Pacific (APAC) are planning trips that bring grandparents and grandchildren together, often without parents. Hilton’s 2026 Trends Report shows these skip-generation trips are about more than just taking a break. They focus on shared experiences, bonding, and wellbeing, offering families a chance to create memories that last for generations.
When Are Families Planning Their Grandcations
In APAC, six in 10 travellers (60%) say they are likely to take skip-generation holidays in 2026, with 42% planning at least two trips. Families are also becoming more intentional about when and how they travel. 42% typically book their trips one to three months in advance, and over half (56%) have already begun researching destinations or making reservations for the year ahead. In China, this trend is even more definite, with 53% of travellers planning their skip-generation holidays within the same timeframe.
Ben George, senior vice president and commercial director, Asia Pacific, Hilton, said, “As we enter the new year, we’re seeing grandparents and grandchildren shaping family travel in exciting new ways. With over half of APAC families planning skip-generation holidays – and many already researching or booking multiple trips – there’s a real opportunity to meet this demand. At Hilton, we intentionally design every aspect of the stay to make planning seamless, support wellbeing, and create meaningful connections that last across generations.”
Where Families Are Travelling To
Skip-generation holidays are taking families across APAC, with destinations that offer both adventure and opportunities to connect. Popular city destinations set to open in 2026 include Conrad Kuala Lumpur, Slohh by Roach Bengaluru, Curio Collection by Hilton, and DoubleTree by Hilton Auckland Albert Street, while resorts like Hilton Burau Bay Langkawi Resort, Hilton Hyderabad Genome Valley Resort & Spa, Canopy by Hilton Okinawa Miyako Island Resort, The Green Leaf Niseko Village, Tapestry Collection by Hilton and Hilton Palm Cove Cairns Resort & Spa promise immersive nature escapes and culturally rich experiences.
Hilton is also expanding the ways families can elevate their skip-gen holidays, with Hilton Honors unlocking more opportunities than ever to stay, earn, and redeem Points. With the introduction of the new Diamond Reserve tier and reduced qualification requirements for Gold and Diamond status, members now have faster access to more rewarding stays across Hilton’s growing portfolio.
What’s Driving Skip-Generation Travel in 2026
Timing is key for skip-generation trips in 2026. Across the region, many are expected to travel around school breaks and major cultural holidays such as Golden Week, Lunar New Year, and Diwali. Beyond these traditional periods, skip-generation holidays are increasingly being tied to family milestones and meaningful occasions. More than a third of respondents say they would travel together for family functions such as weddings and reunions (34%), or to visit ancestral hometowns (33%).
Overall, 68% of respondents say their skip-generation holidays are primarily for leisure, with the numbers highest in Australia (76%) and Singapore (74%). Educational and cultural trips (31%) and festival-based travel (28%) are also gaining popularity, as families seek experiences that deepen understanding and strengthen bonds across generations.
Why Families Are Travelling Differently
According to Hilton’s 2026 Trends Report, “The ‘Whycation: Travel’s New Starting Point,” travel is evolving into a more intentional experience. In 2026, families are no longer just asking where to go, they’re asking why. Skip-generation trips offer a unique opportunity to nurture connection and wellbeing.
Across the region, 63% of respondents say creating quality family moments is their top travel goal, especially in Singapore (70%) and Australia (64%). Over half (55%) also see these trips as valuable opportunities for grandparents and grandchildren to bond in meaningful ways.
The benefits go beyond family connection. Travel is also supporting grandparents’ wellbeing, with 89% saying skip-generation holidays help them stay active, socially engaged, and mentally stimulated, a figure that climbs to 96% in China and 95% in India. Reflecting this focus on experiences over material items, 61% of APAC travellers now choose to gift travel itself, prioritising shared memories that last long after the trip ends.
Tal Shefer, senior vice president, brand management, Asia Pacific, Hilton, said, “Skip-generation holidays are transforming family travel in APAC, with nearly nine in 10 grandparents saying these trips keep them active and socially engaged. At Hilton, our brands are designed to foster those moments – whether it’s exploring a new culture, celebrating a milestone, or simply enjoying time together. Every stay becomes a chance to create memories that last across generations.”
To explore Hilton’s 2026 Trends Report, “The Whycation: Travel’s New Starting Point” and discover more insights shaping travel in the year ahead, visit Stories.Hilton.com.
