Skip-Gen Travel: Seeing the World Through the Eyes of Your Grandchild

by Barbara Winard

In my day – back in the 1950s – spending time with my grandmother meant a LONG drive from New Jersey to Miami Beach and constant hugs from unidentifiable relatives. These days it seems that grandparents often live even farther from their families because of travel, work, and the vicissitudes of life. In fact, according to an AARP study, over 50 percent of grandparents have at least one grandchild who lives more than 200 miles away.

How to Form a Life-Long Bond with Your Grandchild

Perhaps distance is the main reason more and more grandparents look for ways to bond with their grandchildren with “Skip-Gen” travel, meaning without parents. Adventurous grandparents take fortunate grandchildren on journeys everywhere from National Parks to UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) sites to science and arts programs in the U.S. and abroad. On trips like these, grandparents can share everything from visiting Harry Potter filming sites in England to paddling canoes in the foothills of the Ozarks, to visiting dinosaur fossils on digs in South Dakota. Or perhaps they will travel to observe monkeys and macaws in Costa Rica or go on a safari in Africa.

Skip-Gen Travel – Grandparents traveling with grandkids without the parents along (i.e. skipping the “middle” generation).

Number of “Skip-Gen” Travels Rise

According to the AARP Grandparents Study, about 40 percent of grandparents now travel with their grandchildren. And because Covid kept a lot of people home over the past several years, “Skip-Gen” travel came back even stronger. Grandparents realize there is a window of opportunity; the age range on Skip-Gen trips ranges from 8 to 18, depending on destination and activities. These grandparents know that grandkids grow up achingly fast.

Many grandparents find that an established tour is a great way to travel with grandkids.  These inclusive programs include transportation, lodging, and most meals, which make travel very easy.  They also provide experienced guides and teachers—not to mention a group of potential friends for grandchildren.

If you are looking for ideas for a “Skip-Gen” travel adventure, Road Scholar is a popular not-for-profit travel organization that offers a wide variety of experiences. Below, participants described some of their trips with this organization.

On Safari and On Their Best Behavior

Gynnie Moody of Wilmington, Delaware waited until her grandchildren were 10 and 12 before she and her husband Terry took them on a life-changing trip to South Africa, Botswana, and Zambia.

“We saw incredible animals in the bush, and our grandkids did everything from building fires to tracing footprints of animals. I cannot say enough good things about their guide; he grew up on a farm in Rhodesia and was artistic and related to kids and adults. In fact, we are still Facebook friends.”

Gynnie feels that her grandkids are much closer to her and her husband now because of their shared journey.  She also valued seeing their resilience during the safari. She said,

“We did not have to remind them that we had to get up at 5:30 in the morning and be on the truck by 6. They were on their very best behavior. I don’t know what their parents said to them.”

Can I Have More Grandchildren So I Can Travel More, Please?

Constance Mettler of Fort Wayne, Indiana, went on three grandparent/grandchild trips. She said,

“I would almost like to have more grandchildren so I could do more! The other grandparents were very cool, and I totally enjoyed them. We did the Poconos, the Channel Islands (imagine grandparents in wetsuits), and a very comprehensive trip to Yellowstone National Park.”

My Expertise Was Pretty Slim: Of Legos, Robots, and Drones

Rita Meek of New Castle, Delaware took her grandson on a learning journey, inspired by her brother-in-law and sister-in-law who took 11 of their 13 grandchildren on Road Scholar trips. They went to Hawaii and Iceland, and then all over the world. The kids said it was the best thing that ever happened to them.

So, she decided to take her eight-and-a-half-year-old grandson on a trip to a science center in St. Louis. The children used Lego kits to learn how to build and program robots at this science center. Rita said she chose the trip because:

“Our grandson is the original Lego person, and the likelihood that I would find out about drones or make my own robot was pretty slim.”

As she watched her grandson interact with another boy to problem solve, she said she could see him “come into his own.” Another benefit for Rita was that they were able to get to know each other more as people without being overshadowed by other family members.

For their next trip, Rita plans to take her oldest granddaughter to New York City to one of the Broadway programs. She said their parents often took their children on visits to national parks and outdoor activities.

“I want to take them to places different from those that their mother and father would have chosen.”

Who Chooses the Trip? “Well, I’m Paying”

Holly Robinson of Sedona, Arizona, reported that for their first trip, she chose a Road Scholar program within driving distance of their home. The grandkids chose the second one by navigating the choices on the website by themselves. Robinson reported, “I had some control (ha-ha, as I was paying for it, it had to appeal to me too).” They went to the Grand Canyon, snorkeled in Florida, and went horseback riding in northern California.

“We all LOVED these times together, and we had so much fun,” she reported. “They quickly made friends, so I didn’t have to “play” with them all day long. Highly recommend!”

Gifts of Love: Enabling Grandkids to See the Wider World

The travelers I interviewed reported that these Road Scholar journeys helped cement a bond that they believe will last a lifetime. And they described how satisfying it was for them to enable a grandchild to see the wider world.

For those parents who feel left out as their children take off on some incredible journeys, remember that there are trips for all three generations—from Tuscany to Tanzania and beyond. Seize the Day!

Skip-Gen Travel FAQs

From the publisher – Below are some frequently asked questions about skip-gen travel we hear from our readers.

What is skip-gen travel?

Skip-gen travel, sometimes called “grandparent-grandchild trips”, refers to the practice of grandparents traveling with their grandchildren, leaving their parents behind. It’s a growing trend in family travel, providing an opportunity for special bonding and creating lasting memories between grandparents and grandchildren.

Why choose skip-gen travel?

Skip-gen travel allows grandparents and grandchildren to spend quality time together, creating stronger relationships and sharing experiences that might not be possible in day-to-day life. It also gives parents a break and an opportunity to focus on their own interests or responsibilities.

What are the benefits of skip-gen travel for both grandparents and grandchildren?

For grandparents, skip-gen travel allows them to connect with their grandchildren, share their wisdom, and be involved in their lives in a meaningful way. For grandchildren, it’s a chance to learn from their grandparents, experience new things, and build cherished memories.

Are there any specific destinations or activities suitable for skip-gen travel?

The best destinations and activities for skip-gen travel depend on the interests and preferences of both the grandparents and grandchildren. It could range from beach vacations, theme parks, cultural tours, outdoor adventures, or even educational trips to museums and historical sites.

How should we plan a skip-gen trip?

When planning a skip-gen trip, it’s essential to consider everyone’s interests and abilities. Involve both grandparents and grandchildren in the decision-making process to ensure a balanced itinerary. Take into account factors like travel time, accommodation preferences, and safety precautions.

Should parents be involved in the planning process?

While the primary purpose of skip-gen travel is to allow grandparents and grandchildren to bond, it’s still essential to keep the parents informed and involved in the planning process. Communication and transparency will help ensure that everyone is on the same page and supportive of the trip.

Are there any safety concerns with skip-gen travel?

As with any form of travel, safety is crucial. Grandparents should be aware of any health or mobility limitations they might have and consider destinations and activities that cater to those needs. Additionally, it’s essential to have appropriate travel insurance and emergency contacts readily available.

What if the grandchildren have different interests or age groups?

If there’s a significant age gap between grandchildren, it might be challenging to find activities that suit everyone. In such cases, it could be beneficial to plan a mix of activities that cater to different age groups and interests, ensuring that each child gets to enjoy something special during the trip.

How can we make the most of skip-gen travel?

To make the most of skip-gen travel, focus on creating meaningful moments together. Engage in activities that promote bonding, encourage storytelling, and share family traditions. Take photos and document the journey to cherish the memories for years to come.

Is skip-gen travel suitable for all families?

Skip-gen travel might not be practical for every family due to various factors such as distance, scheduling conflicts, and financial considerations. Families should assess their individual circumstances and discuss the idea openly to determine if skip-gen travel is a viable option for them.

Remember, the key to a successful skip-gen trip is open communication, flexibility, and a willingness to create lasting memories with loved ones.

About the Author: Barbara Winard

Barbara Winard earned a B.A. in English literature and an M.S. in Journalism, both from Boston University and, later in life, an M.A. in Gerontology from the University of Southern California. All of these were useful in her 25-year career as Senior Editor for two online encyclopedias for Scholastic Publishing, where she wrote and edited articles about fine and performing arts, literature, film, archeology, anthropology, and other subjects.

Barbara began her solo travels in college. During her 20s and 30s she solo traveled to Europe, Asia, and North and South America. After returning from a 6-month trip to Asia, she wandered off the street and was hired by the Asia Society in New York City to produce films and print materials for adults and children about Asian culture. She also worked as a film programmer and traveled to film festivals around the world. Barbara got her start in film with New York City’s public television station, WNET/13. There, she was a freelance documentary writer and producer for ten years. A Jersey girl, Barbara, and her husband moved from Jersey City to New Castle, Delaware, last year. She has been writing for Road Scholar, TravelAwaits.com, and several other online magazines; her blog is the babyboomer.blog.