But according to luxury tour operator Steppes Travel, this mantra doesn’t reflect reality and can be damaging to mental health, creating additional and unnecessary parental stress. Instead, family holidays are lasting well beyond childhood, with more families choosing to travel together in adulthood and across three generations.
Data in recent years highlights a clear shift in how families are travelling:
- Over half of parents now plan trips that include both grandparents and adult children according to the Family Travel Association.
- In the UK, 40% of adults are taking multi-generational holidays, driven by the importance of sharing time and experiences together, as well as cost savings.
- Travel commentators have already labelled “multi-gen megatrips” one of 2025’s biggest travel trends, as families increasingly prioritise meaningful time together over individual breaks.
Far from family travel ending when children turn 18, experts say it is evolving into longer, bigger, and more considered experiences.
Giles Cross, Marketing Director at Steppes Travel, said:
“The ‘18 summers’ concept is bunkum. In reality, families are travelling together well into adulthood. Whether it’s a safari, a private villa stay or island hopping aboard a private yacht, these trips allow families to reconnect at different stages of life and create memories that last across generations.”
Giles’ Travel Tips for Multi-Generational Trips
1. Balance Independence with Togetherness
“Families want to spend time together but also need the flexibility to enjoy their own space.”
This means mixing shared activities with downtime, for example, a family safari followed by an afternoon where everyone can relax or explore at their own pace.
2. Choose Flexible Accommodation
“Private villas, small yachts, or exclusive camps are perfect because they combine privacy with communal areas.”
These options let families gather for meals and social time while still enjoying separate bedrooms, bathrooms, and quiet corners.
3. Consider Pace and Accessibility
“It’s important to plan itineraries that work for both grandparents and adult children.”
This should Include rest days, or optional excursions ensures that everyone from energetic twenty-somethings to older travellers gets the most out of the trip.
4. Plan Around Milestones
“We’re seeing more families booking big trips to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries or graduations.”
Tying a holiday to a life event makes it more memorable and creates a natural reason to bring multiple generations together.
5. Invest in Experiences, Not Just Destinations
“It’s often the activities, not the backdrop, that families talk about years later.”
Holidays with purpose, where families grow and learn together, allow relatives to work side by side, develop new skills and make a positive impact, creating lasting bonds across generations.
Giles added:
“Families are telling us that travel has become the most valuable way to connect. By planning thoughtfully, you can ensure grandparents, parents and adult children all have an enriching experience without compromise.”
The rise of multi-generational travel is also being shaped by practical factors. With the cost of living rising, many families are pooling resources to fund larger trips, while the post-pandemic emphasis on shared experiences continues to drive demand.
