Multigenerational travel is having a moment, and at the heart of it is the rise of the “grandymoon.” Grandparents have long been the quiet backbone of many families — they watch kids, offer wisdom and hold things steady. Now, more families find ways to say thank you with something more lasting than words.
Picture a golden hour dinner in a sunlit rental, the scent of something comforting in the air and laughter bouncing across generations. It doesn’t feel like a side note to the vacation — it feels like the reason for it. That’s the essence of a grandymoon. It’s a way of saying, “We see you, and we want you right here with us, for every sunset, every meal, every memory.”
Why multigenerational travel is trending
In a Travel Weekly report, multigenerational travel has been growing steadily, and it picked up even more speed in 2023, according to the Family Travel Association Annual Family Travel Survey, conducted in partnership with NYU’s Tisch Center of Hospitality. The survey, which included 3,300 parents and grandparents, found that more than half of parents are planning to travel with both their children and their own parents, citing it as a key reason this type of travel is on the rise.
A big part of that growth is being driven by grandparents themselves: 54% say they organize these trips, and nearly half have taken a multigenerational trip in the past three years. Another 40% say they plan to do so in the next three years.
In connection with this, Leisure Group Travel points out that travel has become the most meaningful way to reconnect in a fast-moving world where extended families live farther apart than ever. These trips often serve as reunions, and researchers say the trend toward “togethering” — the idea of spending more intentional time with loved ones — is a major driver.
What makes a grandymoon work
A successful grandymoon doesn’t try to do everything — it finds a rhythm that works for everyone. That often means keeping the pace easy and the plans flexible. Grandparents might appreciate scenic drives or light walks rather than high-energy excursions, while younger travelers might be drawn to hands-on museums or splashy afternoons by the pool. The sweet spot is in the mix — something active, restful and room to pivot when energy shifts.
Accommodations play a big role. Vacation homes with multiple bedrooms, common areas and kitchens give families the space to connect without feeling crowded. Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo offer filters that help families find stays that fit everyone’s needs, from step-free access to backyard grills and game rooms.
When each generation has a corner to call their own, everyone can relax more fully. Kids can play or nap without disruption, grandparents can rest or read in peace, and parents get a moment to breathe. It’s those unforced, everyday rituals that turn a vacation into a memory everyone wants to revisit.
Where to go on a grandymoon
Choosing the right destination can make or break a grandymoon. Families tend to thrive in places that offer both activity and ease — think coastal towns with boardwalks, mountain retreats with firepits or culturally rich cities with walkable neighborhoods. According to an article by Travel Pulse Canada, more travelers are seeking cooler destinations to visit in 2025, with 61% stating they want to spend less time in the sun. That shift has led to growing interest in Northern European countries like Norway, Sweden, and Finland, all destinations that offer mild temperatures, natural beauty and a slower pace perfect for multigenerational groups.
In the Americas, U.S. national parks and countries like Brazil, Chile and Peru are gaining traction, especially for families interested in outdoor adventure and cultural immersion. In Asia, countries like Japan and Thailand attract travelers with a strong interest in culinary experiences and post-pandemic wanderlust.
Wellness and garden destinations are also on the rise. Italy has seen a 152% spike in interest, with countries like Spain, Ireland and Scotland close behind. Seventy-two percent of Americans say visiting gardens is a highlight of their vacation, another reason why multigenerational trips that mix calm, nature and culture flourish.
Things to do together
Some of the best moments on a grandymoon aren’t planned — they just happen when the vibe is right. A walk turns into a story session, a shared meal stretches into a dance-off or a casual game night becomes a full-family tradition. The key is finding those simple experiences that everyone, from toddlers to grandparents, can enjoy together.
Easy shared activities
Planning a grandymoon means finding activities that speak to different interests without stretching anyone too thin. Some activities work like magic across generations. Things like scenic boat rides, hands-on cooking classes and interactive museum visits are all great choices. These shared moments keep the group engaged while leaving room for everyone to participate at their own pace.
Chill moments that stick
Board games after dinner, beach walks at sunrise or family baking nights become the glue. It’s not always about big outings — sometimes, it’s the slow mornings, shared breakfasts and spontaneous conversations that stick. These moments don’t require much planning, but they create the kind of memories everyone brings up for years.
Planning with purpose
The key to a great grandymoon is to know what each generation needs and what pace they prefer. That might mean building in plenty of downtime, finding accessible attractions or including breaks between meals and outings. For example, a long walking tour might work better if paired with a shorter, seated activity the next day.
Food, rest and personal space play a bigger role than most realize. Families who travel well together often prioritize slow mornings and choose group-friendly meals with options for picky eaters or dietary needs. Even thoughtful seating arrangements can elevate the experience — having shaded benches or comfortable dining setups encourages longer, more relaxed conversations.
And it’s the small stuff that leaves the biggest imprint. A photo book made after the trip. A daily coffee ritual shared before the house wakes up. That one dinner when no one picks up a phone. These are the things that get remembered, not the packed itinerary, but the moments in between.
Where the heart really is
Multigenerational travel doesn’t look the same for every family. Some travel for the scenery, others for the stories passed around a dinner table — and more often than not, it’s a mix of both. Grandymoons give grandparents a front-row seat to family moments they might otherwise miss — not just as babysitters or background support, but as fully present memory makers. These trips celebrate their presence, stories and quiet leadership in ways that feel lived, not just acknowledged.
Jennifer Allen, retired chef turned traveler, cookbook author and writer, shares her adventures and travel tips at All The Best Spots. Living at home with her family — and the cats that rule them all — her work has been featured in The Washington Post, Seattle Times, MSN and more.