Skip-gen travel – when grandparents whisk the little ones away – is a growing trend. India-Jayne Trainor sources some top trips
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Self-catering short break
What’s the brief?
A couple want to take their three young grandchildren on holiday in Europe for a short break. They’re seeking a self‑catering property with space for the kids to play, but would like to be within reach of shops and restaurants in a local town.
Erin Glennie, senior sales manager, CV Villas
A short trip to Greece is perfect for this family. Villa Abelia in Corfu has three bedrooms and plenty of room for everyone, along with multiple dining areas, a swimming pool and lots of outdoor space. The harbour town of Kassiopi is within walking distance and has lots of restaurants, while nearby Avlaki offers a range of watersports and there are two shingle beaches just a short walk from the villa.
A villa like this is ideal for a skip-gen holiday, as it offers the comforts of home while abroad, including the security of being in a contained home and being able to watch over the children – although CV Villas can organise childcare too, if the grandparents want an evening to themselves.
Within the villa we can also provide useful extras like stairgates and high chairs, which can offer peace of mind to both grandparents and parents back at home. Plus, our permanent team in Greece can organise in-villa chefs.
Agents should sell it as a home away from home, as villas in Greece and across Europe work well for almost all ages and allow guests to enjoy the weather and local attractions.
Book it: A seven-night stay at Villa Abelia with CV Villas costs £8,373 for two adults and three children (under 18), including flights from Gatwick and transfers, based on an August 12 departure.
cvvillas.com
A cruise with teenagers
What’s the brief?
An older couple who enjoy cruises would like to introduce their teenage grandchildren to this style of travel. They’d like to go somewhere tropical, such as the Caribbean, on a ship that offers entertaining activities for the whole family and lots of areas to relax in.
Ben Bouldin, vice-president for Europe, Middle East and Africa, Royal Caribbean Cruises
When it comes to crafting the perfect holiday for grandparents and their grandchildren, I recommend opting for a mid-length sailing. This allows ample time to fully immerse in all the ship has to offer while maximising the experiences at each destination along the way.
Royal Caribbean International’s seven-night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day itinerary begins in Miami and visits Mexico, Honduras and the Bahamas, so guests will get to experience Mayan ruins, beaches, coral reefs and more on excursions, while Icon of the Seas is also packed with activities.
We have new experiences that young cruisers can do with grandparents, such as surfing, skating or skydiving, along with multiple dining options, an arcade and even Social020, a hangout space for 13 to 17-year-olds.
Agents should highlight our kids’ and teens’ Adventure Ocean programme. And for grandparents with mobility concerns, our ships have staterooms designed for guests with disabilities and accessibility in mind.
Book it: Royal Caribbean’s seven-night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day itinerary costs £1,473 per person, based on four sharing a balcony stateroom, for departures in October.
royalcaribbean.com
Travelling with under-fives
What’s the brief?
A retired couple want to take their young grandchildren away for the first time. They’d like to go somewhere in Europe and to stay all‑inclusive, so that everything is taken care of, with a wide choice of familiar foods and entertainment for the children.
Harry Kyrillou, commercial and aviation director, Planet Holidays
Grecotel has a number of great hotels that offer the LuxMe (Luxury Made Easy) package, including the White Palace in Crete. It’s a premium choice but includes a huge variety of restaurants, including snack bars and a gelateria. Kids eat free at the à la carte restaurants, which serve lots of child-friendly options.
The resort is right on the beach and also has 22 pools. Non-motorised watersports such as kayaking and paddleboarding are included.
Kids under 12 stay free at all Grecotel hotels (in select room categories), and there are also kids’ clubs. At White Palace there’s the Grecoland children’s play area, a mini zoo, family discos and a junior farmer programme where kids can pick vegetables from the garden and prepare their own Cretan lunch. While the kids are occupied, grandparents can enjoy treatments in the spa.
Agents should highlight the great amenities and food options at all-inclusives – lots of clients and children especially don’t just want one or two dining choices. All-inclusive stays can often be tailored, whether clients want the most affordable package or to make use of offers and upgrades.
Book it: Planet Holidays offers seven nights at Grecotel LuxMe White Palace from £7,385 for two adults and two children under 12, including return flights from London on May 25, 2025.
planet-holidays.co.uk
Pictures: Michel Verdure; Charles Sturge
