Many families will be packing more than suitcases into their cars for this year's summer holidays. They will also be making room for grandma and grandad.

    That's the finding of a major holiday parks group, Best of British, which reports a growing trend for couples with kids to join up with grandparents for holidays.

    Although the move helps spread holiday costs, says BoB, many families are also motivated by wanting to spend quality time together outside their busy working lives.

    The growth of three-generation holidays has been pinpointed by the group among the 50-plus independent holiday parks in its membership, most of which provide caravan holiday homes and lodges.

    According to BoB chairman Claire Jeavons, ‘Multi-generation holidays were once more common in Britain, but became less practical - and with fewer savings benefits - as overseas holidays gained popularity.

    ‘Now, though, British stay-cations are gaining ground and families are using the opportunity to come together and enjoy each other's company in neutral territory away from home.

    ‘As well as sharing the expenses,’ she added, ‘it also means mum and dad have a built-in child care service so that they can make an occasional escape and be just a couple again.’