PR blogger discovers a new holiday type: extreme gramping
According to the press, the popularity of "gramping" continues to rise. If you are unfamiliar with this inappropriate term (a derivative of "glamping", but without any discernible relation to tents), it refers to the practice of inviting grandparents on holiday in return for free childcare. They mind the kids while you go out for dinner, enjoy lie-ins, and, with a bit of luck, rekindle your neglected love life. An additional benefit is that the ‘oh so grateful’ grandparents often make a disproportionate contribution to the cost. And they always buy the ice creams. It’s the law.
So what do I think about gramping? Well, I could get all righteous and say it’s a selfish act, taking advantage of kindly, well-off grandparents. But, despite the slightly dodgy motives, in fact everyone’s a winner. Indulged (read ‘happy’) kids? Tick. Misty eyed grandma? Tick. Mum and dad having a proper conversation for the first time in five years? Tick. Bring me a large pina colada to celebrate. I’ll drink it in bed.
My own father-in-law adds another dimension to gramping. He provides little help with the kids. In fact I watched him not-interact with them for six hours in a row over the Easter weekend. But I love going on holiday with him because I enjoy his company. And because he fills the role of ‘the third man’.
Third Man (or woman) can be any relative or friend, but a single grandparent makes a good choice. Third Man can be sent ahead to recce restaurants. Third Man can keep Adult #1 company while Adult#2 has a siesta. Third Man can lay the table. Third Man can watch the bags while "important family memory" is made paddling in the sea. Third Man can take the photo.
Like many leisure pursuits, gramping also has an "extreme" version. One of my friends is taking her kids to Orlando this summer. If this weren’t enough of a mission, she has invited not only her parents, but also her parents in law. Imagine the argument potential in that scenario! Which park shall we visit today? Which ride next? Where shall we eat? What shall we eat? What time shall we eat? She can look forward to competitive present buying, heavily nuanced observations on her parenting, and polite disapproval from all four of them on her profligacy. Not to mention the consequences of septuagenarians volunteering to ride the Tower of Terror to gain the approval of a 10-year-old.
Extreme gramping should only be attempted by those highly skilled in diplomacy. As far as I’m concerned, when it comes to grandparents on holidays, one’s company, four’s a row.
Helena Beard is managing director of KBC PR & Marketing, a PR, representation and marketing agency specialising in travel and tourism.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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