17 Oct 2012
Take the grandparents
It could be that we’re all getting closer as families – or that we’re looking to save a bit of childminding cash – but more parents than ever are holidaying with their parents.
One in four grandparents travels with their grandchildren, according to a survey by Halfords, with camping and seaside trips as the most popular. And Eurocamp’s bookings for extended families rose by a whopping 323% over the two years up to 2011, according to TaketheFamily’s Head of Content Rhonda Carrier, while more grandparents are taking the kids away without their mum and dad as well.
‘It’s no surprise that this increase has coincided with the recession – there are considerable savings to be made by sharing accommodation with family and by having free babysitters on hand,’ she says.
‘Of course, this isn’t a bad thing – many grandparents find such breaks a great way of reliving their own childhood holidays and passing on their memories with the next generation.’
Minnie’s first holiday abroad will be with her grandparents, and while I’m looking forward to a couple of extra pairs of hands (and both of us getting the chance to spend time with my mum and dad), hopefully they’ll have as much fun. Failing that, I’m holding out for one lie-in at least…
Image: anyjazz65/Flickr
I adore the pic in this post! Brilliant.
I can also very much recommend holidaying with grandparents. We do it with four year old Kraken Junior and it’s brilliant. We tend to hire two cottages next to each other wherever we go (just so we can have individual space) and KJ spends some nights with us and some with her Nan and Gramps. She adores it, they spend time with her, we get lie-ins and night’s out and we all have great family memories. We’re doing it again this Crimbo on a working farm and I cannot wait. You are going to have a fabulous time if our experiences are anything to go by.
The Kraken
October 17th, 2012 at 11:23 ampermalink
I’ve noticed that trend myself but can’t get my parents to take the kids away. Maybe we have to do it the other way round and take Granny with us?
Interestingly, I’ve just been to Germany researching accessible travel for a season I’m writing on my blog. First post went up today. It’s been a real eye opener about how older people and those with limited mobility can be included…
Kirstie
October 17th, 2012 at 12:27 pmpermalink
Why thank you! I do love a bit of retro photography. And I love the way you do the holidays, sounds a great solution – will have to suggest it to my parents! (Mum, I know you’re reading…)
mummytravels
October 17th, 2012 at 3:41 pmpermalink
I think taking Granny with you is the solution, maybe tempt her with somewhere she can’t refuse? Although my parents are currently off on more exciting holidays than me…
mummytravels
October 17th, 2012 at 3:42 pmpermalink