Multi-GenerationalFamily Adventures
Let the Family Fun Begin!
After years of travel restrictions and separations, we’ve never been more ready for a family reunion. And what better way to get the gang together again than with a multi-generational vacation? It’s the best way to bring everyone together and make some unforgettable family memories. But if you’ve never traveled with your extended family before, there are a few practical tips you’ll need to know before you get started. From picking the right multi-generational vacation destinations to setting expectations, here’s how to take the stress out of multi-generational travel – and keep everyone in your family happy.
Stress-Free Travel
Plan the trip well in advance
The planning phase is usually one of the hardest parts of a multi-generational vacation. You’ve got multiple people and families needing to decide on dates, destinations, and budgets, so be sure to start planning well in advance. But how early do you actually need to kick things off?
Start planning at least a year in advance for a big reunion with multiple families. Many accommodations and tours book up fast and need lots of notice for large groups, especially in peak travel seasons. You’ll need to get in early to make sure you can secure your ideal accommodation, transport options, tours, and activities.
If it’s a smaller multi-generational vacation, with just your family and the grandparents, you can often plan it a few months in advance, however, the earlier you start planning, the less stressful the experience!
Set expectations
It’s crucial to get everyone’s input when planning a multi-generational vacation – even the kids! Start by asking each group member what their goals and expectations are for the trip. What sort of trip would they like to go on and what kind of experiences do they want to have? For example, while one family might want to go on lots of adventurous excursions, another family might want to relax by the beach.
There are other important questions like: When do they want to go and how long do they want to travel? How do they want to travel and how far will they go? Some people might be okay with taking long international flights, while others may want to stick closer to home and have short travel days.
Make a budget
Another essential topic is budget. You should start talking about this ASAP to avoid any uncomfortable situations later. You’ll need to discuss how much you’re willing to spend, including how much will be spent per day on things like accommodation, food, transport, and activities. While some family members may be willing to splurge, others may have a tighter budget, so it’s important to consider this.
You should also make it clear about who is paying for what, as some people may want to treat their loved ones to the vacation, while others may want to pay their own way.
Watch your limitations
You’ll need to consider your group’s limitations early on in the planning process. Ask each group member if they have any concerns about the trip, like budgets, time constraints, or physical issues.
Older family members may have mobility limitations and won’t be able to navigate destinations with lots of stairs or bumpy, cobbled streets. Meanwhile, younger kids in the group may need naps or early bedtimes and won’t suit destinations with a pumping nightlife. Some people may be early risers, while some can’t bear the thought of getting up with the sunrise. Getting it all out in the open early will mean a much smoother and stress-free vacation.