A trend known as “gramping,” where grandparents take their grandchildren on holiday, is reportedly on the rise, largely influenced by the increasing cost of living. This arrangement falls under “skip generation travel,” where the children vacation with their grandparents while their parents remain at home.
Trevor Parry, a 68-year-old grandfather from Stockport, spends his summer holidays with his eight-year-old grandson, Elliott, at a caravan in Porthmadog, Gwynedd. Parry highlighted how this experience has revitalized his energy. According to Dr. Linda Osti, a senior lecturer in tourism management at Bangor University, a U.S. study indicates that many grandparents are seeking to travel with their grandchildren to create lasting memories, noting that the popularity of this type of travel has seen considerable growth in recent years.
Elliott’s mother, Natalie Bass, 39, manages both work and childcare for her younger daughter, Charlotte, while her father looks after Elliott. During school holidays, the family visits the caravan on weekends. Natalie mentioned that the high cost of childcare influenced her decision to seek assistance from her father, who provides essential support.
Additionally, Avril Hackett, a 76-year-old grandmother from Warrington, shared her positive experiences taking her granddaughter, Emily, to their caravan at Treetops Caravan Park. She expressed that her time spent there is more enjoyable than being at home and that it encourages activities she wouldn’t typically pursue alone.
The British Holiday & Home Parks Association has noted an increase in “gramping” this year, suggesting holiday parks offer a secure environment for families. Andy Walker, co-managing director of Treetops, remarked on the growing trend, emphasizing the desire of grandparents to support families during challenging times.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c39dr13xwjro?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss