The way families holiday together is changing. According to NYU’s 2025 Family Travel Survey, nearly 47% of travellers now choose multi-generational trips — a 17% increase from the previous year. Grandparents, parents, and children are no longer content with a quick weekend visit or a cramped hotel suite. They want space, privacy, and shared experiences under one roof. And that shift is creating a powerful case for co-ownership properties as the ultimate multi-generational holiday home.
But here’s the dilemma: a luxury villa large enough to host three generations comfortably can cost €1 million or more in Europe’s most desirable destinations — and most second homes sit empty for over 300 days a year. Co-ownership solves both problems at once. By purchasing a fractional ownership share, families gain access to a fully managed, designer-furnished property at a fraction of the price, with approximately 45 days of use per year — more than enough for those milestone gatherings that families treasure most.
The Trend
Why Multi-Generational Travel Is Booming in 2026
Multi-generational travel isn’t a niche trend — it’s becoming the default. Hilton’s 2026 Trends Report coined the term “inheritourism” to describe the phenomenon of travel traditions being passed down through families, with grandparents actively shaping their grandchildren’s travel experiences. The data backs this up: 85% of families now plan multi-generational trips, with Millennials leading the charge at 73%.
The motivations are deeply personal. 89% of Millennial and Gen Z parents cite quality time as their primary reason for bringing extended family along, while 75% of grandparents say these trips are the best way to bond with grandchildren. There’s a financial dimension too — 59% of parents agree that having grandparents along eases the financial burden of the holiday.
What’s driving this isn’t just sentiment — it’s practicality. Remote work has untethered families from rigid holiday calendars. Longer stays in comfortable, well-equipped homes have replaced the frantic one-week hotel dash. And families are discovering that the best fractional ownership properties offer exactly the kind of space and flexibility that multi-generational groups need.
Picture this: a Tuesday morning in the French Alps. Grandparents are sipping coffee on the balcony with a view of Mont Blanc. The teenagers have already headed to the slopes with their parents. The youngest grandchild is building a snowman in the garden with a cousin. By lunchtime, everyone converges in the open-plan kitchen for raclette. No restaurant reservations, no splitting bills, no herding the family through hotel lobbies.
Or consider a summer week on the Balearic Islands. Three generations share a villa with a pool, a shaded terrace, and direct beach access. Mornings are free — some swim, some read, some explore the local market. Evenings bring everyone together around a long outdoor table for dinner cooked with ingredients picked up that afternoon. These are the moments that become family legends. Explore Balearic Islands properties for homes designed for exactly this.
The key insight is that co-ownership properties are fully managed. When a family arrives, the home is immaculate — beds made, pantry stocked if requested, pool heated. Personal belongings stored between visits are unpacked and placed. There’s no frantic cleaning session on arrival day, no hunting for spare sheets. The hosting experience starts the moment the family walks through the door.
| Destination | Best For | Season | Accessibility | Bedrooms Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| French Alps | Skiing, hiking, family adventure | Year-round | Geneva, Lyon airports | 3–5 bedrooms |
| Costa del Sol | Beach, golf, mild winters | Year-round | Málaga direct flights | 3–6 bedrooms |
| Balearic Islands | Beach, culture, sailing | April–October | Palma international airport | 3–5 bedrooms |
| Colorado (Vail/Aspen) | Skiing, mountain biking, nature | Year-round | Denver/Eagle airports | 3–6 bedrooms |
| Italian Lakes | Culture, food, scenic relaxation | March–November | Milan, Bergamo airports | 3–5 bedrooms |
| South of France | Beach, wine, markets, art | Year-round | Nice airport | 3–5 bedrooms |
Location Guide
Best Co-Ownership Destinations for Multi-Generational Holidays
Not every destination suits a multi-generational group equally. The best choices combine easy accessibility, varied activities for all ages, and a mix of relaxation and adventure. Here’s where co-ownership properties deliver exceptional family experiences.
The French Alps properties are ideal for families who want both winter skiing and summer hiking. Alpine chalets offer generous living spaces, log fires for cosy evenings, and direct access to world-class ski resorts. In summer, the same properties become bases for mountain biking, lake swimming, and wildflower walks — activities that suit every generation.
For sun-seekers, Spain fractional ownership properties offer an unbeatable combination of climate, culture, and value. The Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, and Balearic Islands all deliver long seasons of warm weather, family-friendly beaches, and vibrant local food scenes. Spain’s excellent healthcare system and international airports also make it practical for older family members.
Across the Atlantic, Colorado fractional ownership properties provide year-round mountain lifestyle appeal. Ski season draws families from November to April, while summer brings fly-fishing, mountain biking, and national park adventures. And for families split between continents, USA fractional ownership properties in Florida and California offer easy access from both European and domestic connections.
Research consistently shows that shared experiences — not material gifts — create the strongest family bonds. A holiday in a beautiful co-ownership home isn’t just a week away; it’s an investment in relationships that compound over years. The grandchildren who learned to ski in a chalet they visited every winter. The birthday dinners on a terrace overlooking the Mediterranean. The quiet conversations over coffee that only happen when there’s no check-out deadline and nowhere else to be.
76% of families agree that travel is the ultimate way to make memories with extended family, according to Hilton’s research. And when that travel happens in a home — not a hotel, not a rental with someone else’s family photos on the walls, but a property that the family has a genuine ownership stake in — the emotional connection deepens. It becomes “our place” in a way that no Airbnb ever can.
This is perhaps the most underappreciated benefit of co-ownership vs full ownership. Full ownership of a rarely-used second home often becomes a source of guilt and financial stress. Co-ownership strips away those negatives while preserving everything that matters: the space, the luxury, the sense of belonging, and the freedom to create traditions. View our co-ownership case studies to hear from families who’ve made this exact transition.
Getting Started
How to Choose a Co-Ownership Property for Your Family
Choosing the right co-ownership property for multi-generational holidays comes down to a few key considerations. First, think about accessibility. If grandparents are travelling from the UK and adult children from the US, a property near a major European hub with direct transatlantic flights — like the South of France properties near Nice airport or Spain fractional ownership properties near Málaga — makes logistics far simpler.
Second, prioritise bedroom count and layout. A property with at least four bedrooms, ideally with en-suite bathrooms and a mix of ground-floor and upper-floor sleeping, accommodates the needs of multiple generations without compromise. Look for properties with separate living zones — a main lounge and a secondary den or games room — so the family can split and regroup naturally.
Third, consider the season spread. The best value comes from properties in destinations with year-round appeal. Alpine properties that offer both skiing and summer activities, or Mediterranean villas with mild winters as well as hot summers, maximise your 45 days of annual use. Start by browsing all co-ownership homes or fill in the client form to speak with a specialist about which property fits your family best.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I host extended family in a co-ownership property?
Yes. Co-ownership properties are designed for hosting. As a share owner, you have full use of the entire property during your booked dates. Invite grandparents, children, cousins — the home is yours for the duration of your stay.
How many days per year can I use the property?
A standard 1/8th share provides approximately 45 days of use per year. Booking is flexible through an app, with reservations possible from 2 days to 2 years in advance. There are no fixed weeks or rotation schedules.
Is co-ownership the same as a timeshare?
No. Co-ownership is deeded real estate ownership. You hold a share in a registered LLC that owns the property. Unlike timeshares, your share appreciates with the property’s market value, can be sold at market price on the open market, and involves no points systems.
What happens when I arrive at the property?
The property is fully managed. When you arrive, the home is immaculate — cleaned, beds made, and your personal belongings taken out of storage and placed. Some owners request pantry stocking or specific preparations in advance.
Can I pass my co-ownership share to my children?
Yes. Co-ownership shares are genuine property assets that can be inherited, gifted, or sold. The LLC structure is specifically designed and optimised by tax and law firms for holding holiday properties, including inheritance planning.
How are costs shared between co-owners?
All running costs — maintenance, taxes, insurance, management fees — are split proportionate to ownership. A 1/8th owner pays 1/8th of everything. This makes luxury property ownership dramatically more affordable than full ownership.
Do I need to coordinate with other co-owners?
Never. The management company handles all coordination between owners, including booking schedules, maintenance, cleaning, and administration. You simply book your dates and arrive.
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