A new trend is taking over the Israeli tourism scene: Intergenerational family vacations that bring together grandparents, parents, and children in a shared experience. What began as a solution for bridging generational gaps has become a popular movement based on research showing that shared experiences strengthen family connections more than any phone call or Shabbat visit.
“If I had a grain of rice for every time I told myself, ‘I need to spend more time with Mom and Dad,’ I’d probably have enough to start exporting to China,” says Galit Rosen, content manager at the Metaylim hotel chain, who developed a guide for intergenerational travel.
From a Trip to an Emotional Investment
The extended family experience creates a dynamic that differs from everyday life. “When we all step out of routine and enter a ‘travel bubble’ together, suddenly there’s time to really listen, to get emotional, and to laugh together,” Rosen explains. “And the parents? They once again become guides, key figures — not just grandparents who show up with cake.”
Shared experiences create lasting memories etched into the family narrative — grandparents telling childhood stories around a campfire, or standing emotionally moved in front of a view they haven’t seen in years. These are moments that cannot be recreated and form a unique family legacy.
Five Recommended Destinations
Tel Dan Nature Reserve and Hula Lake offer easy walking trails between streams and shaded trees. At Hula Lake, families can ride an open train together, watch cranes, and hear grandparents describe what trips “used to be like.”
The Ami Promenade along the Jordan River is especially suitable for families with strollers and wheelchairs. Along the path are seating areas facing the river, perfect for picnics and shared card games.
Timna Park and the southern Arava offer breathtaking desert landscapes with trails of varying difficulty. Families can split into groups according to pace and reunite for a joint mud-brick building activity at Kibbutz Lotan.
Rosh Hanikra is a great fit for everyone, with stunning scenery, a cable car, and magical sea grottos. Each generation shares their experiences of the place, creating a documented family story.
Achziv Beach and Achziv National Park offer a relaxing beach day with shallow waters for kids, shaded areas, short trails, and historical ruins that intrigue all ages.
The Secret to Success
Experts recommend not staying together all the time. “It’s important to plan for natural moments of separation — times when grandparents are alone with the grandchildren, quiet moments, romantic couple time,” Rosen explains. “The perfect vacation is one that includes all of these and gives everyone the space to be themselves.”
Intergenerational trips are more than just a vacation — they create tradition and preserve family heritage. Sometimes they also allow for healing, closing emotional circles, and quiet conversations that aren’t possible in everyday life.
The trend signals a shift in the Israeli perception of family quality time, as families come to realize that investing in shared experiences with the older generation will create memories that stay with children for life and instill in them a sense of belonging — to the family and to the country.