Multigenerational travel tips: how to plan a smooth trip

Ever considered a vacation with three or more generations of your family? Traveling with your children, parents and/or grandparents may seem an overwhelming prospect, but with the right preparation and mindset, it can be an enriching and deeply rewarding experience for everyone. If you’d love to try it but don’t know where to start, read on for tips on planning a multigenerational travel experience full of memories the whole family will cherish.

What is multigenerational travel?

Multigenerational travel is as simple as it sounds; it’s a vacation you take with more than two generations at once. This could be traveling with your children and your parents; your parents and your grandparents; or even your adult children and grandchildren. If you have them, you could bring your great-grandparents, or great-grandchildren along! Of course, aunties, uncles, siblings and cousins are also included in this – basically whoever you want to travel with, whatever their age.

Many shy away from such a trip, thinking the logistics of traveling can be challenging enough without considering such varied, age-related obstacles. However, with a little research, consideration for everyone’s needs, and help from a travel expert with in-depth local knowledge, you’ll wind up on a brilliant, memorable vacation that everyone from youngest to oldest will enjoy.

Planning a trip for the whole family: top tips and advice

When you’re still in the planning phase of planning a multigenerational trip, what are the first things to consider? Here are some tips for getting it right from the start…

Be inclusive when planning multigenerational travel

If you know you want every family member to come along on this trip, it’s key to get each person’s perspective before anything is booked. Be inclusive – considering everyone’s opinions and needs up front. Whether it’s a toddler’s love of swimming pools, a teenager’s wish to go kayaking, or a grandparent’s need to be near shade, if everyone’s needs feel heard and understood, you’ll create a trip that all of you can look forward to.

Choose a destination everyone will love

Similarly, you’ll need to pick a destination that everyone gets something out of. If some family members are interested in hiking, for instance, but others aren’t, there will need to be a different activity readily available (beach relaxation, museum outings or cooking classes, for instance) for those who want to opt out. If the destination is very hectic, crowded or not accessible for small children or those with mobility issues, it’s probably best to choose somewhere with better infrastructure and facilities. Do as much research as possible (and ask a local travel expert), so you can come to a shortlist of potential destinations before discussing it as a family.

Comfort and convenience are key

One of your most essential tasks will be making sure everyone in the family can get around comfortably and easily. When booking your hotels and other accommodation, check for features like elevators, ramps or the option of ground floor rooms – this is best for family members with less mobility, as well as children and heavy prams or strollers.

It can also help to choose locations that are closer to major attractions and amenities, so there’s less chance of your family getting tired out early on. Also, check what transport options are available to you – could you book a van or private taxi for all of you rather than rely on potentially cramped public transport? These things can work out more economically for a large group with different speeds and energy levels.

Make time for slowing down and being flexible

Vacations are special times, but many make the mistake of cramming activities into every moment, fearing to do otherwise is wasting time. The opposite is true – the slow downtimes are when you’ll really relax and be able to recuperate as a family before your next sojourn. Periods of time to relax, take a nap or just really enjoy the location at your own pace should be honored. This gives you some leeway to change course if necessary, check in with everyone, or prepare for what’s coming next.

Balance alone time with family time

No matter how much you love your family, it can get intense – and we all need time to take a breather! When planning a multigenerational itinerary, give people the freedom to explore on their own at times, perhaps relaxing on the beach or going for a solitary stroll. If your teenager or grandpa would like time to rest at the hotel for a couple of hours, while others want to do a sightseeing tour, go snorkeling or get a bite to eat – you could break off and do separate things for a while, if it works for you. With a healthy amount of space from each other, and the chance to replenish your energy, you’ll avoid dramas and have a refreshed sense of fun when you’re reunited once again.

Practical tips for a seamless multigenerational trip

Don’t forget all the practicalities of traveling with mom, pops and grandma plus the kids – you don’t want to be caught short when you’re out in the big wide world together.

Make the most of family discounts and group savings

With a number of you, you can actually make savings when it comes to budgeting without scrimping on your experiences. Think about whether sharing a large family room would be feasible instead of all being in separate rooms; whether you can hire a van or large taxi instead of all paying for bus or train tickets; and book tours as a group for potential discounts. Also, you could discuss cost-sharing among the adults. Ask a local travel expert for how to get the best value as a family within your destination.

Prepare ahead for emergencies

In case accidents happen, it’s a good idea to know what treatment and medical facilities are available in your chosen destination. Research what the routine would be if you did need emergency medical treatment; bring all necessary medications for all family members and a stocked first aid kit; and most importantly, be sure everyone is covered with travel insurance. Some companies have family policies that consider all kinds of scenarios for family members young and old. Also, carry important phone numbers and emergency contacts on your person, both digital and paper copies. Of course, research in advance if any vaccinations are needed, and get each family member up to date.

Pack for young and old alike

Don’t rely on getting things from stores in the destination – all generations will have different packing needs, so it pays to be as prepared as possible. For children, bring familiar snacks and comfort toys, ear plugs or headphones, and maybe a tablet for entertainment on long journeys.

Check older family members have packed necessary medications, suitable shoes, mobility aids and layers for when it gets cool, even if it’s a warm destination. Be sure to have a well-packed first aid kit for any cuts and scrapes, insect bite treatment and travel sickness tablets. It’s a good idea to chat with older family members about what they’ve packed, so you know they’re well prepared for what’s in store.

Make it happen

Hopefully this inspires you to take the plunge and plan a trip for the whole family! If you’re ready to start building an itinerary, get in touch with one of our local travel experts – they’re based on the ground within the destination, with all the in-depth knowledge to help you plan a multigenerational trip you and your family will never forget.