## Intergenerational Travel Booming in India: Families Embrace Shared Adventures
India is witnessing a surge in intergenerational travel, with families from grandparents to grandchildren embracing the joy of shared vacations. This trend, highlighted in Booking.com’s latest research study, ‘Gen.Voyage!’, reveals a unique cultural emphasis on extended family bonds and the creation of lasting memories through travel.
The study, conducted across 11 markets including India, surveyed over 8,000 travelers, offering valuable insights into the evolving landscape of family vacations. A staggering 57% of Indian travelers are planning intergenerational trips in the next year, showcasing the growing desire to connect with loved ones across generations.
Why Intergenerational Travel is Taking Off in India:
Intergenerational travel is particularly prevalent in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, where multigenerational households are 43% more common than the global average. This cultural context fuels the strong desire for shared experiences among Indian families.
The study reveals compelling reasons behind the rise of intergenerational travel in India:
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Strengthening Family Bonds:
A whopping 51% of Indian travelers value the opportunity to strengthen bonds and create lasting memories with their extended family.*
Reconnecting with Loved Ones:
43% see intergenerational trips as a chance to reconnect with family members they rarely get to see.*
Learning from Different Perspectives:
Another 44% believe traveling together allows for valuable learning experiences, gaining insights from different generational perspectives, fostering personal growth.Who’s Leading the Way?: Millennials and Gen Z at the Helm of Family Travel Planning
While Baby Boomers often take a step back from the planning process, Millennials and Gen Z are driving the trend of intergenerational travel, leveraging their tech-savvy skills to create memorable experiences for their families.
Millennials are leading the way in 48% of family travel arrangements, while Gen Z contributes to 47% of co-planning and itinerary customization, bringing their innovative ideas to the table.
Challenges and Preferences of Indian Families:
Despite the joys of traveling together, families face challenges in balancing different interests and preferences. 31% struggle to find activities that cater to everyone’s desires.
However, Indian families have clear preferences when it comes to their intergenerational vacations:
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Beach Getaways:
20% of families are drawn to relaxing beach vacations.*
Rural Experiences:
21% opt for immersive experiences in rural areas, connecting with local culture.*
Food-Centered Trips:
25% prioritize culinary adventures, savoring regional cuisines.*
Spiritual Journeys:
21% seek spiritual enrichment through pilgrimages or visits to sacred sites.Reunions and Special Occasions:
32% of Indian families choose to travel for reunions or special occasions, viewing these as opportunities to strengthen family ties and celebrate life’s milestones.Booking.com’s Commitment to Family Adventures:
Santosh Kumar, Country Manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Indonesia at Booking.com, emphasizes the company’s commitment to supporting Indian travelers in creating memorable family adventures. “Intergenerational travel offers a unique opportunity for Indian families to create lasting memories and celebrate their deep-rooted family bonds,” he says. “Booking.com is dedicated to providing tailored solutions that address the diverse needs of each generation, making family travel easier and more enjoyable.”
This study highlights the growing importance of intergenerational travel and how family dynamics are shaping the way vacations are planned and experienced in India. As more and more families embrace shared travel experiences, the future of travel in India promises to be filled with meaningful connections, shared adventures, and the creation of unforgettable memories across generations.
