Family fun crosses the generations with ‘3G’ holidays

More than 12.5 million people (18%) have enjoyed a ‘3G’ holiday in the past year, meaning at least three generations of the family were on the trip, according to research from Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Insurance.

Spending quality time together is the main motivation for these trips according to 66% of 3G travellers. Almost a quarter (24%), were celebrating a family event such as a birthday or wedding and 12% said it was to share the cost of childcare. A further 11% booked their 3G trip to split the cost of accommodation and other holiday expenses, and the same number (11%) say they went along because another family member offered to pay for them.

Scott Gorman, Head of Sainsbury’s Travel Insurance: “With the evident popularity of 3G holidays we’d urge families to make sure that every member of their party is covered by comprehensive travel insurance. Peace of mind that the whole family is covered will help everyone enjoy their quality time together.”

Sainsbury’s Bank warns that not all travel insurance policies are the same and that families should shop around for quality and good value. For example, it provides cover for grandchildren, and children including adopted children, foster children and step-children. Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Insurance also offers up to 25% discount online for Nectar card holders and has no upper age limit on single trip policies.

When asked who paid for the holiday, less than a third (31%) said that all parties paid their own way. The eldest generation were the most likely to cover the cost (25% of 3G trips), followed by the middle generation (21%). In 19% of cases, the costs were split between some, but not all, family members and on 5% of 3G trips, the youngest generation paid for the holiday.

When asked about their holiday experience, 80% of travellers felt having multiple generations on holiday had a positive impact on their trip.