How to Plan a Multi-Generational Family Vacation

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Multigenerational trips are a rising travel trend. More than ever, three generations of family — grandparents, parents, and kids — want to spend quality time together. 

From booking staterooms on a river cruise to booking a sprawling vacation villa to reserving rooms at an all-inclusive resort, extended families that want to travel together must have a well-coordinated plan to pull it off.

Plan Your Vacation Well in Advance

The planning phase is usually one of the hardest parts of a multigenerational vacation. With multiple people and families needing to decide on dates, destinations, and budgets, be sure to start planning well in advance. 

One of the hardest parts of planning a multigenerational family vacation is simply settling on travel dates. With more people in your party, there will be more schedule conflicts. When you want to pull off a multigenerational family vacation, start by polling to gauge availability. Everyone should consider busy seasons at work, school vacations, holidays, and other family obligations such as weddings.

Many families plan multigenerational vacations during school breaks when children of school age are traveling. Of course, these dates are when destinations book up earlier. Planning well in advance is vital if your vacation occurs during peak travel periods.

Openly Discuss the Vacation Budget

Another essential topic is the budget. Discuss the budget early and throughout the vacation planning process to avoid uncomfortable situations that can spoil a vacation.

Different households will likely have different budgets. Not everyone will place the same value on the same elements of the trip. Some may prefer to splurge on accommodations, while another might prefer modest accommodations so that they may splurge on tours.

Also, make it clear about who is paying for what. Sometimes on multigenerational vacations, one person or household wants to gift their family members to part or all of the vacation, while others may want to pay their own way.

 

Consider Any Limitations

Once you know your dates, think about the demographics of your group.

For example, are there any family members with mobility limitations who need accommodations with canes, walkers, scooters, or wheelchairs? Even active grandparents might have concerns about navigating too many stairs, cobblestone streets, or long hikes.

Meanwhile, younger children in the group may need naps or early bedtimes and will not be well suited to destinations with loud nightlife. Will you need baby accessories like highchairs or cribs? 

Will any adults need an office space to work during the vacation?

Does anyone in your family have food allergies or dietary restrictions to take into account?

Considering all these will mean a much smoother and stress-free vacation. 

 

Choose the Right Destination & Accommodations

When planning a vacation with multiple generations, it can be challenging to choose a destination that appeals to all age groups. Consider places with a variety of activities and attractions that cater to both younger children and older adults. Look for destinations that offer a mix of relaxation and adventure, ensuring everyone has something to look forward to on vacation.

Finding a suitable place for everyone to rest their heads is crucial. We recommend accommodations with enough space for you and your family. Consider a yacht charter, a villa rental, all-inclusive resorts with family suites, or connecting staterooms on river cruise ships. It's even better if the accommodations have common areas where the family can gather and spend quality time together.

 

Many places around the globe are ideal for multigenerational family vacations, and I would love to help you plan yours.

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