From piggy banks to passports: How grandparents are funding family holidays

Grandparents are playing an increasingly vital role in helping families get away – financially, emotionally, and practically.

In an age where the cost of living continues to rise, many families are finding a new kind of travel hero: the grandparents. Over half of UK grandparents (54%) have fully funded a family holiday abroad. And while that might sound like an unexpected gift, nearly two in five parents (40%) admit they’d turn to grandparents for help if they couldn’t afford a break themselves.

But this growing trend isn’t just about money – it’s about memory-making and meaningful time spent together.

Grandparents picking up the tab – and the travel spirit

More than half of UK parents (56%) have received financial help from grandparents towards a family holiday, with 54% saying the grandparents paid the entire bill.

It’s a heartwarming sign of support – and also a reflection of today’s economic pressures. Grandparents are stepping in to offer more than just travel money – they’re also providing childcare and, most importantly, companionship.

Letitia Smith, Head of Communications at AllClear, explains:

“As parents increasingly feel the financial squeeze, more grandparents are stepping in to fund family getaways. But this isn’t just about necessity – parents are expressing a desire for all generations of their family to spend more time together.”

What do parents really expect?

When asked how much of the holiday cost they’d expect grandparents to cover, the average UK parent suggested around 35%. Yet, 30% would expect grandparents to cover more than half, and 5% would expect them to pay the full amount if they came along.

Interestingly, support often goes both ways. 61% of parents say they’ve actually paid for grandparents to join them on holiday – proving that multi-generational trips are more about togetherness than transactions.

Why take grandparents on holiday?

The top reasons for inviting grandparents on holiday aren’t just about splitting costs or getting help with the kids. The overwhelming motivation (60%) is simply to enjoy quality time together as a family.

Here’s what UK parents say motivates them to bring grandparents along:

And while only 15% cite childcare as their main reason, it’s worth noting that 55% have previously paid for grandparents to join them on holiday to help out.

It’s a win-win – emotionally and practically

Travelling with grandparents doesn’t just benefit the kids. In fact, 67% of parents say they feel more relaxed on holiday when the grandparents come along. And 63% would welcome a break if the grandparents took the kids away on their own – a treat 55% of grandparents have already offered.

It’s clear that holidays are becoming a multi-generational affair for many families, blending support, love, and shared experiences.

Planning a multi-generational getaway?

If you’re booking a trip with the whole family – including grandparents – don’t forget one of the most important steps: making sure everyone is properly covered. We offer specialist Travel Insurance for over 70s, designed to give you peace of mind so the entire family can focus on making unforgettable memories.

Because travel isn’t just about the destination – it’s about the people you share it with.

All statistics sourced from a survey conducted by AllClear in partnership with 3Gem, who surveyed over 750 parents in the UK who regularly travel abroad between 28th and 31st July 2025.