Gramping: The Magic of Intergenerational Travel

Not long ago, grandparents were mostly called in for babysitting duties, or a quick Saturday visit. Today, they're stepping into a new role: that of travel companions—and often the very ones who initiate and even fund family adventures. Whether exploring Israel or flying abroad, more and more grandparents are packing their bags alongside their grandchildren. In a world where every generation tends to live in its own bubble, these intergenerational journeys are more than just vacations. They're a chance to pause the clock, deepen bonds, and create memories that linger long after the smartphone photos fade away.

The trend even has a name: Gramping. Families everywhere are discovering the magic of trips that skip a generation - bringing grandparents and grandchildren together for a shared adventure. Like many lifestyle movements, it first took off in the United States, but it's now gathering momentum in Israel as well. More than a passing fad, Gramping is shaping up to be a new kind of family tradition - a reminder that the best journeys aren't just about the destination, but about the bonds between generations, priceless and irreplaceable.

15 Trips (and Counting) with the Granddaughters
The word Gramping may be born of "grandparent" and "camping," but it covers far more than tents and campfires. It's any trip where grandparents carve out meaningful time with their grandchildren - sometimes with the parents in tow, and sometimes without. It could be a nature hike, a city break, a countryside getaway, or even a cruise. What ties them together isn't the destination, but the connection.

For some families, Gramping has become a way of life. Take Shulamit Amir, 74, from Tel Aviv. A mother of three and grandmother of four granddaughters aged 13 to 25, she's already whisked them away on no fewer than 15 trips abroad. Sometimes the parents join, sometimes it's just the girls and her.

Where do they go? "Wherever there's a good deal to a place they want to visit," she laughs. London- twice. Multiple cruises. Pretty much every classic European spot. Most trips last four or five days; the cruises stretch to ten. And on those voyages, she admits, she doesn't hold back. "I don't say no to them, especially not when it comes to experiences or even a piece of clothing they want."

But for Shulamit, the splurges aren't the story. The memories are. "The goal is to spend quality time with the granddaughters," she says. "I want to give them something that will stay with them for many years."

From the Galilee to London
While most travel agencies in Israel have yet to officially recognize "Gramping" as a distinct travel category, the trend is already thriving. "Families are doing it; it's the agencies that haven't figured out how to market it yet," says Bat-Chen Yeshua, CEO of the Metaylim hotel chain. She explains that more grandparents are contacting her directly, seeking vacations that cater to all generations without overwhelming anyone. To meet this demand, Metaylim has adapted its accommodations - creating quiet resting corners for grandparents, play areas for grandchildren, and preserving privacy for everyone. "Our spacious rooms were designed with this kind of group composition in mind," Yeshua notes. "If the basic comforts aren't in place, no itinerary will succeed."

The shift is also evident in everyday experiences. Jeep guides in the Galilee have noticed a growing number of grandparents and grandchildren exploring gentle water trails together. In community centers across Haifa and Akko, full-day multi-generational workshops invite children and their grandparents to engage and wander as a group. Environmental organizations offer guided sunset tours designed for all fitness levels, encouraging participation from every family member. These grassroots initiatives thrive on community spirit - local Facebook groups frequently organize "Grandparents-Grandchildren Saturday Trips" that fill up within hours.

And what about the destinations? "You don't have to travel far to create magic," Yeshua says. "Sometimes just a one-and-a-half-hour drive is enough for a family to feel like they've stepped into another world." Families can explore Jerusalem's rich tapestry of attractions - ranging from historic sites to interactive museums. In Haifa, a culinary tour through the vibrant Wadi Nisnas neighborhood pairs perfectly with visits to the stunning Baháʼí Gardens or the engaging Madatech Science Museum. For a different kind of adventure, families can also enjoy a variety of escape rooms designed for all ages.

The Galilee region in northern Israel offers a scenic blend of nature and flowing streams, with many kibbutzim providing family-friendly apartment accommodations. For those seeking something more extravagant, some families opt for trips abroad - such as a safari adventure in Tanzania or a caravan tour in New Zealand, often as a special Bar or Bat Mitzvah gift. While these luxury excursions are exceptions rather than the norm, the majority of Israeli gramping trips happen locally or in popular destinations like London, Barcelona, Crete, and Larnaca.

Leveraging the Potential
What about the global landscape? What began as a charming whim among a few American grandparents has blossomed into a widespread family practice, now firmly marked in travel calendars. And the numbers back it up. According to the Family Travel Association, over 40% of grandparents in the US have traveled with their grandchildren, with nearly one-third of these trips taken without parents. Why do grandparents embark on these journeys? A Booking.com survey reveals that 75% of respondents felt the experience made them feel younger, while 72% ranked it among the best vacations they've ever had.

Studies show that gramping offers meaningful benefits for the entire family. Grandparents often gain a renewed sense of purpose and experience less loneliness, while grandchildren receive focused attention that helps them develop stronger emotional and communication skills. Meanwhile, parents enjoy a much-needed break, making the experience a win-win across generations.

The Secret to Memorable Gramping
The biggest pitfall in planning a gramping trip is treating it like a typical vacation. In reality, it requires a completely different approach, so the trip doesn't turn into endless museum halls or long debates over where to eat. Modularity is key - not all grandchildren share the same interests, and not every grandmother can tackle steep stairs to reach local attractions. "You have to design the trip so everyone can participate," Yeshua explains, "but also have the freedom to step away when needed." She stresses the importance of thorough advance planning - not just the itinerary, but also lodging, mealtimes, and striking the right balance between togetherness and independence. "The better the coordination upfront," she adds, "the fewer arguments you'll have."

The golden rule is to structure each day with a clear rhythm: one central activity, a designated rest period, and a moment to set expectations. If needed, an evening chat with the grandchildren can become a gentle ritual, looking back at the day and planning the next day together.

Beyond the Attractions
Closeness is not built on sightseeing alone. In fact, more often than not, it's the little, everyday moments that leave the biggest impressions. A simple card game, a playful trivia quiz, or even a surprise family challenge can be the starting point for endless laughter. Consider a lively family "Taki" tournament (an Israeli card game similar in spirit to UNO), an improvised cooking workshop where Grandpa discovers how to roll sushi with the help of YouTube, or a virtual escape room that gives grandchildren the thrill of solving puzzles while adults shine the flashlight. Each activity becomes a stage where every generation brings something unique to the experience.

It doesn't have to be elaborate. Tried‑and‑true classics like "Taboo" or "Codenames" never fail to entertain, and adding a personalized touch - like preparing a trivia game based on the family tree - can turn playtime into a journey of family pride. You can even reinvent old favorites: picture an updated version of "The Package Has Arrived" (a classic Israeli party game where a gift is passed around and unwrapped in layers, each hiding a surprise or task) with riddles or challenges tailored to different ages.

And for a twist that delights across generations, let the children take charge by setting missions for their grandparents. This role reversal is more than just amusing - it shifts the balance in a way that allows children to step into responsibility, while the adults gladly switch hats and play along. The result is genuine connection, born not from attractions or planning, but from laughter, teamwork, and the joy of discovering each other in new ways.

For those in midlife, sharing adventures with younger family members is a recipe for refilling energy and nurturing both emotional and social well-being. The exchange flows both ways: on these trips, grandparents gain a deeper glimpse into the passions and worlds of their grandchildren, while the younger ones learn to cherish the wisdom and life experience of the adults. "Gramping" began as a trend but is blossoming into a priceless tradition. In the end, it is the stories that live on, carried lovingly from one generation to the next, long after the journey has ended.

In collaboration with Oranim Group