Rise of the Parent-Free Travel Trend: Grandparents and Grandchildren Redefine Family Holidays

Family vacations are traditionally associated with creating memories, but a growing tourism trend is changing the composition of travelers. Instead of parents organizing adventures, grandparents are increasingly traveling with their grandchildren while parents remain at home.

The Essence of Skip-Gen Travel

This phenomenon, known as skip-gen travel, is becoming more sought after because it benefits all participants. The older generation gets the opportunity to spend quality time with grandchildren, children discover new experiences, and parents get a chance to rest, recharge, or enjoy a quiet home.

Whether it's watching elephants on safari, exploring the Drakensberg, or relaxing by the sea, skip-gen travel demonstrates that the best holidays happen when one generation takes a break.

What is Skip-Gen Travel?

Skip-gen travel involves a vacation where grandparents travel with their grandchildren, excluding the participation of the children's parents. This concept is simple, but its impact can be quite significant. The absence of parents as an intermediary allows grandparents and grandchildren to spend continuous time together, forming their own routines, exchanging stories, and creating lifelong memories.

The popularity of this trend is growing against the backdrop of more seniors remaining active after retirement and preferring to invest in experiences rather than material gifts.

Reasons Families Adopt the Trend

Skip-gen travel goes beyond simply taking children away for a few days. A study conducted by Arizona State University shows that trips without parents contribute to strengthening bonds between grandparents and grandchildren because the usual family dynamic is removed, allowing them to interact on their own terms. Parents also benefit: trust in family members caring for children gives them a rare opportunity to recharge, spend time together, or relax independently without worrying about childcare.

Furthermore, many families live far apart, which makes regular visits difficult. A joint vacation creates dedicated time for reunion, giving the older generation the opportunity to pass down family stories, traditions, and values in a relaxed setting. Another advantage is flexibility. Coordinating the holidays of working parents, school schedules, and retirees can be a complex task; removing parents from the equation often simplifies planning.

South African Destinations for Vacation

South Africa offers numerous locations that combine comfort for seniors and excitement for children. Madikwe Game Reserve is an excellent option for multi-generational travel, as safaris remain one of the most memorable types of holidays in the country. Being one of the leading reserves for viewing the Big Five and not being a malaria zone, it provides a safe and accessible environment. Many lodges offer programs for children where they can learn about animal tracks, bush survival, and wildlife conservation through engaging activities. For grandparents, the experience can be equally valuable: many lodges are located near busy watering holes where elephants, antelopes, and other wildlife regularly appear, allowing them to watch spectacular scenes right from the terrace.

The Central and Northern Drakensberg remain favorite spots for families seeking a peaceful mountain getaway. Resorts such as Drakensberg Sun Resort and aha Alpine Heath Resort facilitate the trip by combining accommodation, meals, and entertainment in one place. Children can enjoy pony rides, heated pools, mini-golf, playgrounds, and supervised activities, while grandparents can spend their days walking through picturesque lakes, birdwatching, visiting spas, or simply relaxing with a view of the mountains. Self-catering chalets and resort amenities also reduce the stress associated with organizing a family vacation.

San City may be ideal for families with older children or teenagers. Since all attractions are within one resort, moving between attractions happens without long journeys. Young travelers can spend hours in the Wave Valley, playing arcade games, participating in adventure activities, or visiting zoos. Older generations can move at a slower pace, playing golf, strolling through gardens, visiting casinos, or enjoying a quiet dinner at one of the many restaurants. Internal shuttles make movement convenient for all generations.

If families prefer the coast, Gqeberha offers a relaxing retreat filled with nature, history, and marine activities. Its promenade is mostly flat, suitable for leisurely walks with children and grandparents. Young guests can see rescued African penguins at SANCCOB, spend time on the beach, or enjoy family entertainment along the waterfront. Grandparents can explore the Route 67 public art trail, visit museums, or simply enjoy the mild climate and ocean views.

Tips for Planning the Vacation

A little preparation is very important when grandparents travel alone with grandchildren. For international trips, parents must provide signed consents allowing children to travel with grandparents, as immigration authorities may request these documents before departure or upon arrival. It is also crucial to have written medical authorization that allows the older generation to make healthcare decisions in case of an emergency during the trip.

Comprehensive travel insurance should cover both elderly travelers and children. Policies including medical coverage, emergency evacuation, and trip cancellation provide extra peace of mind. Before leaving, families should discuss allergies, medications, emergency contact details, and any routines that help younger children feel comfortable away from home.

www.khaleejtimes.comJuly 30, 05:00

How to get a visa fee exemption for children traveling to the UAE in the summer and what remains to be paid

Families planning to visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with children this summer can save several hundred dirhams thanks to the annual exemption from the tourist visa fee.

Conditions for receiving the benefit

This exemption is valid annually from July 15 to September 15 and applies to children under 18 years old who travel to the UAE with one or both parents. The benefit covers both 30-day and 60-day tourist visas.

However, travel agents clarified that a child's visa may not be entirely free. Although the application fee itself is waived, families will still have to pay for medical insurance for the trip and service fees charged by the document processing agency.

Who is eligible for the exemption

Firuzekhan from Arabian Business Centre stated that to qualify for the exemption, the child must travel to the UAE with at least one parent. According to her, 'both the parent and the child must arrive in the UAE as visitors. The child's visa application must also be submitted along with the accompanying parent's tourist visa application.'

This means the benefit is intended not for an UAE resident applying for a visitor visa for their child, but for foreign tourists traveling to the country as a family. Firuzekhan added that 'traveling with one parent is sufficient to meet the requirements. However, a letter of guarantee may be required if the child is traveling only with the mother or father.'

The necessary documents should be provided to the agency handling the applications. Families are advised to inform the agency that they are applying under the summer visa fee exemption before making any payments.

Additional costs for families

Subair Tekepuratvallapil, Senior Manager at Wisefox Tourism, reported that the standard cost for processing a one-month tourist visa for a child can range from approximately 250 to 350 dirhams. He specified that 'this application fee is waived during the summer period for the eligible child. Service fees and insurance depend on the agencies, and they may charge a processing fee.'

These additional costs can reach about 120 dirhams per child, depending on the chosen agency and the insurance coverage provided. Therefore, parents should not assume they will pay nothing for the child's visa processing. Subair advised: 'Parents should request a full breakdown from the travel agency showing the visa fee, insurance cost, and the agency's service fee.'

A family traveling with two children can save between 500 and 700 dirhams on visa fees. However, they may still need to pay up to 240 dirhams for insurance and service fees for both children.

Visa coverage and renewal

According to representatives from Amer Centre and travel agencies, the exemption applies to both 30-day and 60-day tourist visas. Applications must be submitted during the benefit period, which runs from July 15 to September 15. For the child to meet the conditions, the parents' and children's applications must be submitted simultaneously.

The official rule covers children under the age of 18. Families traveling with someone who is already 18 years old should clarify the applicable visa cost with the travel agency before submitting documents.

Subair also noted that 30-day and 60-day tourist visas can currently be renewed twice. Furthermore, the parent's visa can also be renewed upon payment of the relevant fees. The renewal cost currently starts from approximately 1000 dirhams, depending on the visa type, agency, and applicant. He warned that 'visitors must check the exact amount before applying, as the summer exemption applies only to the initial child visa application and should not be assumed to cover subsequent renewals.'

Travel agents recommended that visitors apply for parents and children together, avoiding submitting the child's application separately.

olhardigital.com.brJuly 30, 02:40

Lotofácil Contest Result 3748: Disclosure of Drawn Numbers and Prize Estimate

The drawing for Lotofácil contest 3748 took place on Wednesday night, the 29th, at 9 PM. The prize associated with this draw was estimated at R$ 2 million.

Drawn Numbers

The numbers drawn in Lotofácil contest 3748 were: 01, 04, 05, 06, 08, 09, 11, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 25.

Additional Information About the Draw

Although immediate disclosure regarding whether the prize accumulated or if there were winners was not provided at the time of publication, the text indicates that this information would be updated as soon as it is released.

Previous and Upcoming Events

The result of the previous contest, 3747, held on Tuesday, the 28th, consisted of the numbers: 01, 02, 04, 05, 06, 08, 09, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 21, 24, 25. The next scheduled draw is number 3749, expected on Thursday, July 30, 2026.

Recent Lotofácil History

The ten most recent results from Lotofácil draws were listed, including 3747 (07/28/2026) with the numbers 01, 02, 04, 05, 06, 08, 09, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 21, 24, 25. Other results include 3746 (07/27/2026) with 01, 03, 04, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 14, 15, 17, 18, 21, 22, 24, and 3738 (07/17/2026) with 02, 03, 04, 05, 07, 08, 10, 11, 13, 14, 17, 18, 20, 23, 24.

Prize Redemption Procedure

The process for redeeming a Lotofácil prize varies depending on the amount. For gross prizes up to R$ 2,428.79, redemption can be done at any accredited lottery house or at Caixa branches, while online bets also allow transfer via Mercado Pago. If the gross prize is equal to or greater than R$ 2,428.80, payment must be made exclusively at Caixa branches, requiring the presentation of the original identity proof with CPF and the winning bet receipt.

Prizes of R$ 10,000.00 or more have a payment period of up to two business days, counted from the delivery of documentation at a Caixa branch.

Betting Rules

On the ticket, whether physical or digital, there are 25 available numbers. The minimum bet consists of selecting 15 numbers, costing R$ 3.50. The possibility of increasing the chance of winning lies in choosing more numbers; the largest allowed bet is 20 numbers, valued at R$ 54,264.00. Additionally, it is possible to participate in pools, whose shares start at R$ 6.