Multigenerational Travel: 6 Keys to Success

1. Communicate early among family members

Good communication is key for a successful family trip. Different generations have different expectations and needs.

Before you leave, discuss the following points with your family:

• What are your must-do activities and which ones are best avoided?
• Do you prefer outdoor activities, the seaside and beach, amusement parks, or a lively city?
• How comfortable are you with walking and getting around?
• Are you interested in culinary discoveries or not?
• Are there any dietary restrictions or physical limitations to take into account?
• What would prevent you from going on a trip?
• Who’s in charge of organization? Divide up tasks to share responsibilities and foster team spirit.

Tip: Plan early to get the best rates and availability. Since there are several people to satisfy, the help of a travel agent can prove invaluable. First, talk with your family members to get ready for this meeting.

2. Select a family destination suitable for all ages

Some destinations are better suited to multigenerational travel.

• For amusement park fans, an extended family trip to Florida is an excellent choice. It has many parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort. California is worth considering for the same reasons. Both places also have quality golf courses.
• For sunny vacations, seaside resorts like Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Maya in Mexico are perfect. Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic is also a good option. These destinations offer beautiful beaches, great cuisine, historic sites, and cultural discoveries.
• If you love nature, Costa Rica combines beaches, volcanoes, and ecological tourism. Guadeloupe and Martinique in the French West Indies offer hiking and local flavours, all in French!
• Caribbean all-inclusive resorts often have family sections, kid-friendly clubs, and adult areas. This allows everyone to enjoy their stay at their own pace. While the children have fun, parents and grandparents can relax or entertain themselves as they wish … sounds appealing, right?
• For family cruises, companies like Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International (RCI) offer activities for everyone. Shows, tournaments, water parks, dance classes, and outdoor movies are available. Perfect for spending quality time with the family!

Some ships offer climbing walls, water slides, mini-golf, go-karting, zip lines, escape rooms, ice rinks, and wave pools for learning to surf. They also have kids’ clubs or game rooms and discos for teens.

• In Europe, destinations like Costa del Sol in Spain, Algarve in Portugal, or the French Riviera boast spacious apartments. Perfect for families, the location offers easy access to local culture and cuisine.

Tip: Select a family-oriented destination that caters to the preferences and requirements of all age groups. Embrace diversity!

3. Choose comfortable accommodations for everyone

The best accommodations for a family trip should allow everyone to feel comfortable. It should also offer privacy.

Options include:

• Family suite or connecting hotel rooms in a family hotel
• Vacation home or separate apartments
• Adapted staterooms on cruise ships

You don’t need to be together all the time to create memories. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to gather around a good meal during your family stay.

Tip: Ensure the comfort of seniors and young children first. Parents, accustomed to compromises, will be happy if their loved ones are happy and satisfied!

4. Plan meals and consider dietary restrictions

Many families choose all-inclusives or meal plans. This helps them avoid the stress of planning meals.

Exploring local food can be fun and rewarding. However, it can also be stressful. Do any group members have food allergies, intolerances, or restrictions?

Tip: Make a list of your allergies and dietary restrictions. Translate it into the language of the country you are visiting. This will help you at restaurants and grocery stores.

5. Plan activities suitable for the whole family

Children’s happiness is often the key to a successful family trip. That’s why Disney theme parks are so popular. They know how to create magical moments for the whole family.

You also need to think about the rest of grandparents and those who don’t like rides or thrills. Choose your destination wisely. Plan your schedule to manage the fatigue associated with travel. For example, travelling with a baby implies an afternoon nap.

Tip: Keep stress at bay on vacation. Alternate cultural guided tours, day trips, and relaxation moments to satisfy everyone and make the most of it.

6. Keep your vacation schedule flexible

Good planning is essential. Yet flexibility is also key to an enjoyable multigenerational trip. Adapt your program to the group’s needs and leave room for unexpected events. Sometimes, a spontaneous route change or an impromptu relaxation moment can be the best part of the trip!

Remember that communication and respect are the real winning conditions for a successful multigenerational trip. By considering everyone’s desires and needs, you put all the odds in your favour. So, what’s the destination for your next family vacation?