You’ve heard of “glamping,” but what about “gramping“? It’s the newest trend in intergenerational travel, in which grandparents take their grandkids on a special trip. No parents are allowed on a gramping, or “skip-gen” trip — it’s strictly time for grandmas and grandpas to bond with their grandkids.
This can be an important way of strengthening family relationships, especially since the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) reports that 49% of grandparents say that living too far away from their grandchildren is their biggest challenge. In a 2018 survey, the AARP found that 40% of grandparents vacation or travel with their grandkids. Plus, 32 % of grandparents have taken a skip-gen trip and 61% think “gramping” is a great idea. The survey also found that 60% of kids felt closer to their grandparents after vacationing with them.
Each year, Sarah Gilliland’s twin 7-year-old daughters leave their home in Birmingham, Ala. to take a weeklong trip with their grandparents. They most recently visited FDR State Park in Georgia.
“We’re allowed some much-needed relaxation time, whether that’s a staycation or an actual vacation,” Gilliland told Boomer Magazine of her family’s tradition. “It gives us a chance to remember who we were before kids and allows us uninterrupted quality time with one another. My parents benefit by growing their relationship with their grandkids.”
The cool thing about gramping is that it can be whatever you want it to be. Whether your kids’ grandparents live across town or across the country, little ones will be delighted to get spoiled by them and have a change of scenery. They can stay local and take part in fun activities near their home, or they can make it an international trip of a lifetime. It’s all about what works for everyone involved.
Colorado residents George and Beverly Garmany have taken their 13- and 11-year-old grandsons separately on their annual trip to Plymouth, Mass., and they love the opportunity it gives them to get their know their grandkids on a deeper level.
“Like most grandparents, we feel like we don’t really get enough time with the grandchildren,” Garmany told the Boston Globe. “We certainly have time with them, but to go on a special trip like this, these will be trips that all of us will remember for the rest of our lives.”
It’s also a great way for kids to learn more about their family’s history as well as bond over shared activities.
Would your family consider a gramping trip?
This story originally appeared on Simplemost. Checkout Simplemost for other great tips and ideas to make the most out of life.
