‘Gramping’ is the sweet new travel trend for grandparents & grandkids

Many travel trends have emerged in the last few years due to the pandemic. First, travelers shunned culture capitals for the more remote and rural destinations, then there was revenge travel which had us spending money we didn’t have to go places we couldn’t afford.  

People are spending their time and money far more wisely, choosing destinations that are less expensive or taking more road trips when the cost of air travel makes it prohibitive. But there’s one born of the pandemic travel trend that I’m sure is here to stay and that is ‘Gramping.’  

What is Gramping?

Gramping is when grandparents and their grandchildren vacation together and leave the parents’ home. This is different from multigenerational trips since it doesn’t include the middle generation, and why these types of trips can also be termed ‘Skip Gen.’

As a mom to 10-year-old twins who survived remote schooling while also trying to save my 23-year-old career in travel, I have zero problems with this trend, and apparently the older generation feels the same way. An AARP study found 89% of grandparents derive mental, social and physical well-being from spending time with their grandchildren. 

So, take the hint parents, this is one of the most encouraging things to come out of the pandemic! If you’re like me, in the rare times I have the house all to myself, I’ll just sit with a cup of tea and take in the silence. Now, imagine feeling this way for 4 or 5 days straight. 

Related: Raising children near their grandparents has scientific benefits (besides the free babysitting!)

Is Gramping right for you?

If you’re wondering if gramping is for you, let’s be honest—not everyone has the parents that live up to those AARP ads. If there’s any reason to think that your kids aren’t in a safe and loving space, then gramping is clearly not an option.  

One way to find out is to take some sort of multigenerational trip, whether a day trip, weekend or even a longer trip that allows you to see your parents as grandparents in action and in modern times. I say modern times because I have very loving and responsible parents, but they raised me in the 70’s before mandatory bicycle helmets were a thing, and the station wagon was an acceptable place for kids to wait while mom went grocery shopping. As a mom, I’m going to need some proof that they can take care of my kids in 2023. 

Related: 12 trips in 12 months: Vacation destinations on our bucket list this year

Where to go Gramping

There have been a lot of articles about the best destinations for gramping trips, but in my experience, my mom or in-law’s home IS the destination. If your parents don’t have the resources or stamina to take the grandkids to a city of theme parks or a tour of Europe, don’t worry—this type of travel is still for you.  

In fact, my only expectation for gramping is a second location that is at least 300 miles from my home. That’s a distance I made up in my head that I hope makes it too difficult for either generation to have a change of heart. 

All kidding aside, there’s a lot to be said for the gramping trip to take place at your parents’ home. They know the area and feel confident getting around and they can visit the places they love and can pass those memories down to their own grandchildren. Plus, as an added bonus: grandparents get to show the kids off to all of their friends and acquaintances. 

If the grandparents are ready to travel with their grandkids, my suggestion is for your parents to take the kids to the destinations they used to take you on family trips. Think: campgrounds at national parks, motor lodges along lakes or a big city. Those memories of the past coming together with the future are travel gold as your parents are creating a legacy of memories that are being passed down to the next generation.   

Related: To all the grandparents—we couldn’t do this without you. Thank you

Handing the kids over: What to remember

When you’re ready to hand your kids over to your parents, one thing to remember is that they are responsible adults who have raised children, not babysitters getting a list of all the appropriate foods, a strict schedule and screen time restrictions.  

Your kids will survive one week of eating pancakes with processed maple syrup—if that’s what their grandparents decide to give them. If they give the kids too much sugar or let them stay up too late, it’s their choice. Call it gramping, but you are getting the highest quality childcare for free, so we can relinquish some control and let our parents take the wheel and enjoy the time with their grandchildren. 

One of the most valuable things I learned traveling with three generations on many multi-gen trips is that the 4-year-old has a lot in common with a 70-year-old. Both get grumpy around 2:30 and need cookies followed by a nap. Make sure your parents know that when they run out of steam it’s okay. Take a break!  Another tip is to forget screen time restrictions. I always tell my parents and in-laws that when you need time to make dinner, have a cocktail, or just have a moment, let the kids have as much TV as you need. They’ll safely camp out on the couch and won’t budge. Whether they’re traveling near or far, everyone can enjoy gramping and make memories to last a lifetime.

A version of this post was published March 31, 2023. It has been updated.