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‘Gramping’ Around America: A Summer Travel Trend

Hilton Properties stand ready to welcome grandparents/grandkid‑only vacations

As the first post-pandemic summer approaches, an increasing number of travelers are seeking fun ways to indulge in quality time with the grandchildren they’ve missed so much over the past year—which has kicked off a new vacation trend called “gramping.” 

This trend—also known as “skip-gen travel”—allows grandparents and grandkids to embark on a vacation together while the children’s parents can enjoy some quiet time at home. Ideal gramping vacation destinations range from National Parks and rural areas for outdoor fun and fresh air, to small towns that are easy to explore. And with two generations traveling together, multi-room or larger accommodations are also desirable. 

Here are just five Hilton properties (out of thousands in the U.S.) ready and waiting to welcome you with outdoor fun, fresh air and plenty of space.

Enjoy Whale Watching and Hiking at Dana Point, Calif.

Dana Point, the Dolphin & Whale Watching Capital of the World, offers a bevy of outdoor fun for grandparents and grandkids of all tastes. The area is packed with scenic public parks and hiking trails, offers 6.5 miles of beaches, and is an ideal spot for year-round whale watching. Back at Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club, grandparents and grandkids can swim at two pools, enjoy oceanfront golf and dine at a variety of restaurants including Sombra, a poolside cantina and kitchen that is a kid-favorite. This hotel also features pet-friendly rooms, perfect for skip-gen families traveling with their “pet best friend.”

Explore the Archaeological Sites and Parks of Durango, Colo.

Visitors to Durango, Colo., can explore thousands of archaeological sites and cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park, tour through San Juan National Forest’s 1.8 million acres, take in the view from the top of Chimney Rock and so much more. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Durango is one of just two hotels located on the Animas River, features river-view rooms, and is within walking distance to Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad & Museum.

Enjoy Fishing, Fresh Air and the Small-Town Feel of Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Myrtle Beach is filled with fun and relaxing vacation options for grandparent-grandkid pairs, including fishing, golf (don’t forget miniature golf!), beaches and more. DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront offers beachfront and balcony views with access to the nearby and recently rebuilt Springmaid Pier, which is ideal for fishing. The hotel also offers indoor and outdoor pools, lazy rivers and golf packages at nearby courses.

Flyfishing & Horseback Riding in Spacious Park City, Utah

Summer in the city—Park City, that is—means fly fishing, hot-air ballooning, horseback riding and other outdoor fun. The luxurious Waldorf Astoria Park City offers an in-room “Little Miners Camp” experience that takes kiddos back to Park City silver mining days and includes a custom tent setup, stuffed animal, lantern and book for little miners to enjoy. Plus the little ones will enjoy a Moose Scavenger Hunt to search for items that will take them on an exciting Park City-focused adventure.  More spacious accommodations are also on the menu, with one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom suites and bi-level suites that sleep up to 12 guests.

Hiking and Camping in California’s Joshua Tree National Park

Enjoy the great outdoors in comfort with La Quinta Resort & Club A Waldorf Astoria Resort. Plunge into one of the hotel’s 41 pools, play a round of golf on one of the resort’s five championship courses or explore nearby Joshua Tree National Park through the resort’s special Camp’d Out Joshua Tree Experience. This three-day stay includes first- and last-night accommodations at the sprawling La Quinta Resort & Club. On the second night, families will spend a night under the stars in a luxurious camp setup, complete with bedding, a prepped meal, s’mores and overnight butler service. The experience can be enhanced with the addition of a private chef, who will prepare your dinner under the stars.

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