Four in 10 adults will be taking a multigenerational holiday this year, according to research.

And the poll, of 2,000 holidaymakers, found 51% have travelled with at least three generations in previous years.

By holidaying in this way, 58% are looking forward to creating great memories to treasure in the future. While 18% view it as a great opportunity for childcare to be shared and giving parents of younger children some time to themselves.

But 19% are travelling with multiple generations to cut costs, with a third going away together so everyone can bond. Other reasons for cross-family travel include making grandparents happy (24%) and to make the most of time together (48%).

Matt Richardson, from John Lewis Money, which commissioned the research, said: “A holiday with multiple family generations is the ideal opportunity for bonding – strengthening relationships and creating memories with your wider family – as well as potentially sharing the childcare load while away. 

“It’s important to plan the details in advance to help keep everyone happy, thinking about activities that everyone will enjoy, as well as ensuring you have local currency to hand to avoid any awkward bill or payment moments that may arise.”

The survey also found 18% love the idea of a multi-generational holiday because more personalities make for a memorable trip and 17% think it means they can stay in bigger accommodation.

When paying for such a trip, 29% take it in turns to foot the bills, and 28% will have a kitty that everyone contributes cash to but for 17%, the grandparents will pay for most things, according to the OnePoll research.

Sarah Carter, 44, and her husband, Jon, 48, have been going on intergenerational holidays with Jon’s dad, Ron Carter, 76, for the last seven years.

Their first holiday to Calpe, Spain, in 2017, proved a hit with Ron and his late wife, Josee – who were delighted to be able to spend “unlimited” time with their grandchildren.

It also meant Sarah and Jon, who works in transport, were able to enjoy “a couple of much-needed date nights” alone – while the grandparents babysat.

With their four children – Jordan, 22, Aaron, 18, Neve, 17, Jaxson, nine – in tow, the three generations have explored Gran Canaria in Spain, Ireland and New York in the US.

The family sadly lost Josee in August 2018 and Ron was diagnosed with blood cancer in February 2023 – which only highlighted the importance of making family memories and essential grandparent and grandchild bonding time.

They have already travelled to Cape Verde in July, and have trips booked for Lanzarote and New York later this year. 

Sarah, who works in the NHS, from Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, said: “It all started because Ron and Josee needed us to help them – they wouldn’t have been able to go abroad without us.

“But it was great and the kids loved being around their grandad and nan all the time. Jon and I even got to sneak off for a long lunch or a beach walk after dinner alone.

“We sadly lost Josee in 2018, but we’ve been on holiday as a multigenerational family over a dozen times since. It’s important for the children to spend as much time as they can with Ron.

“His diagnosis hasn’t slowed him down, if anything he wants to travel even more. As soon as we get paid, we book a new holiday – we can’t take our money with us and we’d rather have family memories than a nice sofa.”