Multigenerational vacations: time well spent together

It’s vacation season! Sunscreen? Check. Wide-brimmed hat? Check. The whole family — grandparents, parents, kids and grandkids — ready to hit the road together? That’s a box more families are checking these days.

Multigenerational travel — or vacations that include family members from multiple generations — is on the rise, with 71% of grandparents reporting they’ve taken a trip with multiple generations and 57% planning one for the future.

Family trips with members of multiple generations are by no means new, but recent years, shaped by the pandemic and families living farther apart, have renewed interest in bringing everyone together for a shared excursion.

Grandparents, parents and kids each bring their own needs, energy levels and ideas of what a “good vacation” looks like. But finding ways to balance those differences is exactly what makes multigenerational trips so unique — and uniquely rewarding.

The benefits of a multigenerational vacation

Instead of gathering in one familiar place, a shared new destination gives everyone a chance to experience something new and exciting together. That can make it easier for each generation to connect, try new things on the same playing field and enjoy time as a group.

Plus, no one generation has to carry the extra pressure of being “host” 24/7. With more adults involved, responsibilities can be shared — helping everyone feel more relaxed and able to enjoy the time together.

And you just might see each other in a different light. You’ll learn what each age group is drawn to, how they experience new places and what matters most to them. It’s a simple way to better understand one another and see the world through different generations’ eyes. And, hey, if they’re lucky, they might learn a thing or two from you, too.

Tips for a trip that works for everyone

Here are a few rules of thumb that can help keep the trip memorable for all the right reasons.

• Plan with mobility and comfort in mind

  Consider walking distances, accessibility and how much downtime is built into each day. What works for one age group may not work for another — and that’s OK!

• Choose destinations with built-in variety

  Look for locations that offer a mix of activities, from relaxing (think shuffleboard and saunas) to more active options (scuba diving and swimming with sharks, anyone?). This gives everyone the chance to enjoy the trip in their own way.

• Give everyone space — literally

  If possible, opt for several smaller rooms vs. one large space. Time together is the main goal, but separate quarters to rest and recharge can be just as important to keep everyone comfortable and in good spirits.

• Share the planning (and the load)

  When one person handles everything, it can feel overwhelming. Dividing responsibilities — whether it’s booking the travel itinerary or planning activities and meals — can help keep things balanced and morale high.

Any opportunity to travel broadens the mind, but multigenerational vacations do more than that. You get to enjoy one another’s company outside of the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You get to be with each of your loved ones during this phase of their life. And, perhaps most importantly, you get to take home precious memories that last long after the return flight lands.