Hilton’s 2026 Trends Report reveals skip generation holiday surge
Hilton’s 2026 Trends Report has revealed that Australian families are planning ‘skip-generation’ trips that bring grandparents and grandchildren together.
The report shows these trips without parents are about more than just taking a break, focussing on shared experiences, bonding and wellbeing.
In Australia, 44 per cent say they are likely to take skip-generation holidays in 2026, with 38 per cent planning at least two trips. Families are also becoming more intentional about when and how they travel. 36 per cent typically book their trips one to three months in advance, and over half (54 per cent) have already begun researching destinations or making reservations for the year ahead.
“As we enter the new year, we’re seeing grandparents and grandchildren shaping family travel in exciting new ways,” Hilton senior vice president and commercial director Ben George said.
“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.”
What’s driving skip-generation travel
Three-quarters of respondents in Australia say their skip-generation holidays are primarily for leisure.
Timing is key for skip-generation trips in 2026. In Australia, many are expected to travel around school breaks and major cultural holidays, such as Easter and Christmas. Beyond these traditional periods, skip-generation holidays are increasingly being tied to family milestones and meaningful occasions. In Australia, more than a third of respondents say they would travel together for family functions such as weddings and reunions (38 per cent), or to visit ancestral hometowns (31 per cent).
Overall, 76 per cent of respondents in Australia say their skip-generation holidays are primarily for leisure. Educational and cultural trips (24 per cent) and festival-based travel (19 per cent) are also gaining popularity, as families seek experiences that deepen understanding and strengthen bonds across generations.
Why they 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.
In Australia, 64 per cent of respondents say creating quality family moments is their top travel goal. Over half (56 per cent) 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 91 per cent saying skip-generation holidays help them stay active, socially engaged, and mentally stimulated. Reflecting this focus on experiences over material items, 44 per cent of Australian 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 Australia, with nearly nine in 10 grandparents saying these trips keep them active and socially engaged,” Hilton senior vice president brand management Asia Pacific Tal Shefer said.
“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.”
Family holiday destinations
Conrad Kuala Lumpur.
Skip-generation holidays are taking families across Asia Pacific, 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.
