Travel Survey Reveals Accommodation Is Top Priority For Intergenerational Travellers; Japan Is The Most Preferred Destination

Ever travelled with family and found that everybody’s interests diverged wildly? Maybe someone wanted to relax on a beach, someone else wanted to explore the destination’s religious heritage, while another person wanted to go on a nature hike. This type of multigenerational travel brings its own flavour to the travel experience. However, a unifying thread binds them all: the belief that intergenerational travel fosters meaningful connections and lasting memories.

Now, a Booking.com survey has found the pillars that make for a successful intergenerational trip and the top destinations where people like to go with their loved ones. In collaboration with GWI, the research looked at internet users aged between 16-64 years old from January 1 to March 31, 2024, across 11 Asia Pacific markets: Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. Here's what they found.

What Makes For A Successful Intergenerational Trip

For Indian families, clean and safe accommodations are paramount (34 per cent), ensuring everyone can relax and unwind. In this regard, accommodation choices are as varied as the families themselves. Hotels remain the go-to for 57 per cent of Indian families, with resorts following as the preferred option for 43 per cent. A growing trend is emerging towards unique stays—around 20 per cent of Indian families are drawn to culturally immersive stays such as ryokans, hanoks, homesteads, treehouses and longhouses, adding a touch of local flavour and adventure to their trips. Families are also seeking to stay at rented cottage homes (23 per cent), beach homes (21 per cent), and with family and friends (34 per cent).

The top considerations for Indians while choosing accommodations during intergenerational holidays those offering budget/affordable pricing (41 per cent), having flexible cancellation policies (31 per cent), having on-site restaurants that cater to all ages (31 per cent), the size of the room and on-site medical/healthcare services (30 per cent each), and accessible rooms for differently abled family members (28 per cent).

The second ingredient for a successful intergenerational trip is that the holiday must be suitable for everyone (28 per cent), ensuring that grandparents and children enjoy themselves. This is followed by being financially savvy with travel expenses and prioritising value-for-money vacations (28 per cent). Lastly, from adventure activities to relaxing spas, a variety of activities are crucial for different ages (24 per cent), along with food and restaurant options nearby (24 per cent) that cater to every palette.

What Goes Into Selecting The Right Destination

To ensure a worry-free trip, Indians prioritise safety and security (44 per cent) while selecting a destination along with the ability to provide value for money (34 per cent) that doesn’t strain their budgets. Besides this, family-friendly attractions and activities (31 per cent), availability for family-friendly accommodations (30 per cent), and accessibility for all age groups (30 per cent) are the next important considerations.

Top Destinations For Intergenerational Travellers

In the Asia Pacific region, some destinations are emerging as clear favourites among families for their blend of cultural allure, diverse activities and family-friendly amenities.

The top 10 destinations for intergenerational travel, identified as the most popular locations in 2024 based on search volumes, are Tokyo (Japan), Gold Coast (Australia), Singapore, Seminyak (Indonesia), Ōsaka (Japan), London (United Kingdom), Kuta (Indonesia), Dubai (United Arab Emirates), Paris (France) and Nusa Dua (Indonesia).

The top 10 trending destinations for intergenerational travel as determined by analysing year-on-year search volume changes between 2023 and 2024 are Urayasu (Japan), Ayodhya (India), Uluwatu (Indonesia), Murcia (Spain), Leatherhead (United Kingdom), Baku (Azerbaijan), Charlotte (USA), Nago-Torbole (Italy), Ulverston (United Kingdom) and Haywards Heath (United Kingdom).

Santosh Kumar, the country manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia at Booking.com, said, “Intergenerational travel offers a unique opportunity for families to forge deeper bonds, create lasting memories and experience the world together. Booking.com is committed to helping families plan trips that cater to everyone, from grandparents seeking relaxation to Gen Z adventurers. From budget-friendly options to unique cultural experiences, Booking.com offers the tools and resources to make intergenerational travel easier and more enjoyable for everyone.”

(With inputs from a press release)