Almost half (44%) of parents ‘always pick up the bill’, with £740 being the average amount forked out for each ‘kidult’, according to a new study by Royal Caribbean International.
The Holipay Generation
The findings found over two fifths (42%) of UK adults, aged 25 and over, still go away on holiday with their parents. Parents fork out the most for sons (£870), whilst daughters come in £260 cheaper at £610 a pop. The most expensive adult children that still holiday with their parents are aged 25-34, with 23% costing parents an eye-watering £890 each on average.
In addition, adult children admit to adding to their parents’ expense by also bringing their younger kids (30%) and other halves (36%) on their parents’ holiday. Fifty-seven per cent of those aged 55 and over admit to having previously brought their children and partner along on their elderly parents’ holiday, knowing they didn’t have to spend a penny.
Top reasons why adult children continue to go on three generation family holidays:
1. Enjoyment of spending quality time with family – 52%
2. The only opportunity they get to spend a prolonged period of time together – 30%
3. Limited funds due to saving to get on the properly ladder for the first time – 25%
4. Because older family members go on the best holidays – 17%
5. Know and expect a family member will pay for it – 10%
6. FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) – 8%
Family Tradition
Two fifths (40%) of those aged 25-years and over envisage a family member continuing to pick up the bill for future holidays, with this felt most amongst those aged 25-34 (19%). When asked whether they foresee paying for their adult children to come away on future holidays, 44% of parents agree they can see themselves doing so.
Ben Bouldin, Associate Vice President and Managing Director, EMEA, Royal Caribbean, said: “It’s great to see that the baby boomer generation are able to splash the cash and spread the wealth to create lasting family memories for their adult kids and their family.
“This trend not only strengthens family bonds, it tells us that family holidays of multiple generations are alive and kicking. And what better way to keep the whole family entertained than a Royal Caribbean holiday where there’s something for everyone, from the tallest slide at sea, to surfing on the FlowRider, ice skating and everyone’s favourite – karaoke.”
Lisa Francesca Nand, travel expert and host of The Big Travel Podcast said: “Parents of young children often enjoy having the grandparents on hand too. They can enjoy the occasional night of babysitting knowing their children are in familiar hands or indeed just enjoy having family members around to help entertain small children.”
