16/01/2026

LYFE FRIDAY | JAN 16, 2026

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Skipping to new travel beats A bird’s eye view of Hilton Burau Bay Resort Langkawi.

same timeframe. “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. We intentionally design every aspect of the stay to make planning seamless, support well-being and create meaningful connections that last across generations,” said Hilton Asia Pacific senior vice president and commercial director Ben George. Drivers of skip-generation travel 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 said they would travel together for family functions such as weddings and reunions (34%), or to visit ancestral hometowns (33%). Overall, 68% of respondents said their skip-generation holidays are primarily for leisure, with the numbers highest in Australia (76%)

A S 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 well-being, offering families a chance to create memories that last for generations. When families plan grandcations In Apac, six in 10 travellers (60%) said 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 o Inter-generational family trips become trendy in Asia Pacific

More grandparents and grandchildren are travelling together to cement bonds and create memories. – 123RFPIC

active, 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. “Skip-generation holidays are transforming family travel in Apac, with nearly nine in 10 grandparents saying these trips keep them active and socially engaged,” Hilton Asia Pacific senior vice president of brand management Tal Shefer said. socially engaged

unique opportunity to nurture connection and well-being. Across the region, 63% of respondents said 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’ well being, with 89% saying skip generation holidays help them stay

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. Families travelling differently According to Hilton‘s 2026 Trends Report, “The ‘Whycation’: Travel’s New Starting Point”, travel is evolving into a more intentional experience. This year, families are no longer just asking where to go, they are asking why. Skip-generation trips offer a