• 51% Indians reveal that they cherish the opportunity to bond and create shared memories during their vacations.
• 35% of Indian travellers believe intergenerational holidays also make travel affordable by sharing costs.
• One out of five of Indian families are inclined towards beach getaways, 21% seek rural/countryside experiences.
• 21% of Indian families are drawn towards spiritual trips and 22% looking to embark on sightseeing trips.

INDIA, October 22, 2024: Booking.com, one of the world’s leading digital travel companies unveiled its Gen.Voyage! research on intergenerational travel showcasing insights garnered from over 8,000 travellers across 11 markets and territories including India. With over half (57%) Indians planning to take intergenerational trips in the next 12 months, this research, the first of its kind in APAC, examines the prevalence of travel where grandparents, parents, children and other extended family members travel together for leisure.

A new chapter in family travel

In India, the cultural emphasis on extended family living together significantly influences how families approach travel as well. Shared family values and close-knit relationships shape their vacation choices with families opting for trips that bring together grandparents, parents, children and extended family. Moving beyond simple sightseeing, these journeys bridge generational divides and create lasting memories, offering enriching experiences that cater to everyone.

Interestingly, in APAC, multigenerational households are 43% more common than the global average.  Booking.com conducted this research to better understand how family dynamics across generations could influence travel behaviour and decision making, offering fresh insights into a travel approach that is particularly relevant in this region.

Memorable trips that unite generations

Intergenerational travel brings families closer together, with 51% of Indians travellers highlighting the joy of bonding and creating lasting memories with loved ones during their vacations, while 43% value reconnecting with family that they don’t meet often. 44% feel that it is an opportunity to learn from different generational perspectives and 35% feel it creates a lasting impact on personal growth and worldviews. Interestingly, 35% of Indian travellers believe that these holidays also make travel affordable by sharing costs.

Travel planning is a family affair

In APAC, millennials often take the lead in planning family trips, driving 48% of travel arrangements with their tech-savvy approach. Yet, it’s not a one-person show—Gen Zs are eager to chip in, with 47% co-planning and personalising itineraries. Baby Boomers, on the other hand, tend to take a backseat, with only 23% actively involved in planning.

Planning a trip that delights every generation

While intergenerational travel offers a chance for families to bond, it also comes with its own set of challenges. Understanding these barriers is important for families to plan trips that satisfy everyone.

Planning a trip that pleases everyone is like solving a puzzle, with 31% grappling with clashing interests, priorities and activity preferences, 32% balancing relaxation and adventureand 23% catering to diverse dietary needs. Balancing energy levels and stamina (27%), keeping children engaged while also engaging older adults (28%) and managing conflicts that arise from generational gaps (27%) can further complicate the travel experience. It’s all about compromising and ensuring that everyone has something to look forward to. Additionally, one out of four Indian travellers say there are potential higher travel costs with larger groups.

The secret to a successful trip? Creating experiences without overwhelming schedules that resonate across generations.  In fact, 32% of Indian families enjoy travelling for reunions or special occasions, seeing these moments as a chance to unite and celebrate milestones together. One out of five Indian families are inclined towards beach getaways, 21% seek rural/countryside experiences. Food experiences (25%), sightseeing (22%) and spiritual trips (21%) are also popular vacation activities, providing opportunities to explore new cultures and share experiences together as a family.

“Indian families have a deep-rooted tradition of valuing extended family bonds. Intergenerational travel offers a unique opportunity to strengthen these connections and create lasting memories. Our research highlights the unique way families are planning such trips, from balancing diverse interests to ensuring safety and creating shared experiences. Booking.com is committed to supporting Indian families in making the most of their intergenerational adventures.” said Santosh Kumar, Country Manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia at Booking.com