May 20 - Two in five (42%) U.S. grandparents have had a grandchild born since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to new research from Motel 6. The economy lodging brand released a new survey revealing that as it becomes safe to travel again, 56% of grandparents said the first trip they’re planning to take is to see their grandchildren — with almost half (48%) already in planning their visit.

 

 

The survey, which polled 2,000 U.S. grandparents, found that it has been over seven and a half months since the average grandparent has last seen their grandchildren in person. Additionally, three in five (59%) grandparents spent less time with their grandchildren because of the pandemic — and, of those, 82% said that was the hardest part of the past year.

 

Ready to reunite

This separation over the past year has been especially difficult for grandparents, and of those who have not yet met their new grandchild, nearly 70% say it's what they're looking forward to most after the pandemic.

 

Future Trips

One-fifth (21%) of grandparents said at least one grandchild lives out of driving distance, although three in five (59%) said they plan to spend more time with their grandchildren in the coming year than ever before. The top three places that grandparents are most looking forward to traveling with their grandkids are mountains, beaches and campgrounds.

Motel 6 remains committed to following CDC guidelines doing its part in maintaining safe and clean hotels for its valued guests. Learn more about the brand’s Clean@6 program here.

 

 

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