Multigenerational Travel
10 Essential Tips to Survive Your Next Vacation with Extended Family
When we took our son to Walt Disney World for the first time, we also invited my mom to join us. To this day, we laugh about when my then 6-year old son “tricked” us with a whoopie cushion. And we all love remembering his reaction when riding Space Mountain. My mom even volunteered to have some fun pool time at the resort with my son while my husband and I went off to dinner and the parks by ourselves. Of course, we did have some hiccups: mom got tired pretty quickly, putting a strain on the plans I had made to power through the parks. But overall, we had such a great time that we did it again the following year.
As I help families plan their multigenerational vacations (whether to the Theme Parks or beyond), I work with them closely, sharing valuable tips. This article shares some tips and ideas to help plan a vacation that will be a memory for years to come.
As I help families plan their multigenerational vacations (whether to the Theme Parks or beyond), I work with them closely, sharing valuable tips. This article shares some tips and ideas to help plan a vacation that will be a memory for years to come.
What is a multigenerational vacation?
It’s a vacation where you travel with two or more generations (from one or more families) of family members. Typically, it includes Grandma, Grandpa, parents, and the grandkids on a trip together. But you can also involve your siblings, nieces, or nephews.
Planning a multigenerational vacation is tricky. Little details can make a big difference in how much fun everyone has while traveling together.
Planning a multigenerational vacation is tricky. Little details can make a big difference in how much fun everyone has while traveling together.
What will everyone enjoy doing together?
This can be challenging since you have different generations, different cultures, and different interests. The plan for your multigenerational vacation will likely be different from other vacations. It would be best if you considered that these people might have preferences that are different from yours.
The most popular destinations are Theme Parks. Rounding out the top things to do for a trip with extended family: Cruises, Europe, National Parks, tropical beaches, & guided group tours.
When you plan a multigenerational vacation, you will help forge memories that will last a lifetime!
This can be challenging since you have different generations, different cultures, and different interests. The plan for your multigenerational vacation will likely be different from other vacations. It would be best if you considered that these people might have preferences that are different from yours.
The most popular destinations are Theme Parks. Rounding out the top things to do for a trip with extended family: Cruises, Europe, National Parks, tropical beaches, & guided group tours.
When you plan a multigenerational vacation, you will help forge memories that will last a lifetime!
Here are my 10 tips to ensure YOUR extended family adventure (no matter the destination) is every bit as successful.
Set the Tone.
Long before you hit the road, make sure everyone knows what to expect. For example, if one person in your group takes a nap every afternoon, let everyone know. Likewise, make sure they understand that their grandparents or other family members may need to take a break before hitting the beach for the afternoon or before dinner—plan for people who will have trouble keeping up with the pace.
Set Your Expectations.
Be frank with your kids about their grandparents’ or other relatives’ limitations and standards. Try not to show them superiority or disdain; instead, be genuine and supportive of people who may struggle with new experiences.
Support Different Paces and Schedules.
If one family member wants to spend a lot of time in the pool and another wants to ride roller coasters, be prepared to take shifts. If you have an outgoing child who tends to get whiny if his or her cousins lag, don’t expect the slower members of your group to keep up with him or her. Instead, make sure they can enjoy each other while still feeling independent.
Start Slow.
Plan your trip so each member of your group gets the time they need to enjoy themselves. For example, if one person has difficulty with rides that go upside-down, don’t make the family spend a day eating in the park and riding only stationary attractions. Be aware of your own limits, too: if you’re not up for a water ride or a thrill-a-minute roller coaster, plan for it ahead of time. If your family has been to other Disney parks, allow your kids to ride the rides they know and love.
Remember that different children will have different needs and energy levels. If your nephew has a tough time in the sun while your daughter is a champion swimmer, you’ll want to make special accommodations for each of them. The youngest kids in the group will probably need a schedule that caters to their needs. Likewise, adults over 60 may not be as interested in staying out late or waiting for rides. Make sure everyone knows what’s coming next.
Be Flexible
...but be sure to have constant communication. Sometimes things happen, and you need to change locations or mealtimes. Make sure everyone knows where and when you’re going so nobody ends up sitting alone at the resort waiting for the rest of their party.
Point Out the Positive.
Children have a natural tendency to point out the negative—they’re good at that. The positive side is that they are generally delighted in crowds and with unfamiliar surroundings. They see new things every day and get excited about them, but be sure they can also maintain personal space with their group members.
Create a “family itinerary.”
This means figuring out how many days you will be gone and what your long-term plans are. For example, I had a client whose original plans were to spend 4 days at Disney World. They found out a work schedule was flexible and could add four nights at Universal Studios, making some of Harry Potter fans very happy and excited. Another client’s mom enjoyed shopping for the grandkids at the nearby outlets while others splashed around at a water park. I create customized itineraries for my multigenerational clients to match as best as possible everyone’s expectations and ideas.
Designate a Day Planner
Make sure your family members are on the same page concerning the trip. The itinerary should be shared with everyone who will be in your party. Also, designate a day planner to make sure everyone is clear on the schedule for the day and knows what to expect. This can be fun for kids to “be in charge.”
Designate a “minder.”
This person should know where everyone is at all times and be sure to communicate meeting points in case of separation (whether accidental or intended).
Take Breaks
Give each family member a break from time to time. Please don’t force them to stay together all the time for fear of being separated from the group. Instead, make sure everyone is accounted for, and then give them time to roam about independently. My itineraries automatically include breaks and time for different generations to explore on their own.
Long before you hit the road, make sure everyone knows what to expect. For example, if one person in your group takes a nap every afternoon, let everyone know. Likewise, make sure they understand that their grandparents or other family members may need to take a break before hitting the beach for the afternoon or before dinner—plan for people who will have trouble keeping up with the pace.
Set Your Expectations.
Be frank with your kids about their grandparents’ or other relatives’ limitations and standards. Try not to show them superiority or disdain; instead, be genuine and supportive of people who may struggle with new experiences.
Support Different Paces and Schedules.
If one family member wants to spend a lot of time in the pool and another wants to ride roller coasters, be prepared to take shifts. If you have an outgoing child who tends to get whiny if his or her cousins lag, don’t expect the slower members of your group to keep up with him or her. Instead, make sure they can enjoy each other while still feeling independent.
Start Slow.
Plan your trip so each member of your group gets the time they need to enjoy themselves. For example, if one person has difficulty with rides that go upside-down, don’t make the family spend a day eating in the park and riding only stationary attractions. Be aware of your own limits, too: if you’re not up for a water ride or a thrill-a-minute roller coaster, plan for it ahead of time. If your family has been to other Disney parks, allow your kids to ride the rides they know and love.
Remember that different children will have different needs and energy levels. If your nephew has a tough time in the sun while your daughter is a champion swimmer, you’ll want to make special accommodations for each of them. The youngest kids in the group will probably need a schedule that caters to their needs. Likewise, adults over 60 may not be as interested in staying out late or waiting for rides. Make sure everyone knows what’s coming next.
Be Flexible
...but be sure to have constant communication. Sometimes things happen, and you need to change locations or mealtimes. Make sure everyone knows where and when you’re going so nobody ends up sitting alone at the resort waiting for the rest of their party.
Point Out the Positive.
Children have a natural tendency to point out the negative—they’re good at that. The positive side is that they are generally delighted in crowds and with unfamiliar surroundings. They see new things every day and get excited about them, but be sure they can also maintain personal space with their group members.
Create a “family itinerary.”
This means figuring out how many days you will be gone and what your long-term plans are. For example, I had a client whose original plans were to spend 4 days at Disney World. They found out a work schedule was flexible and could add four nights at Universal Studios, making some of Harry Potter fans very happy and excited. Another client’s mom enjoyed shopping for the grandkids at the nearby outlets while others splashed around at a water park. I create customized itineraries for my multigenerational clients to match as best as possible everyone’s expectations and ideas.
Designate a Day Planner
Make sure your family members are on the same page concerning the trip. The itinerary should be shared with everyone who will be in your party. Also, designate a day planner to make sure everyone is clear on the schedule for the day and knows what to expect. This can be fun for kids to “be in charge.”
Designate a “minder.”
This person should know where everyone is at all times and be sure to communicate meeting points in case of separation (whether accidental or intended).
Take Breaks
Give each family member a break from time to time. Please don’t force them to stay together all the time for fear of being separated from the group. Instead, make sure everyone is accounted for, and then give them time to roam about independently. My itineraries automatically include breaks and time for different generations to explore on their own.
A great multigenerational vacation is planned around a common theme like fun at the beach or sightseeing in Washington D.C. You can also plan a trip by finding things that you all love to do together.
Multigenerational vacations are really “we” vacations where the whole gang gets together to create fun and happy memories. They are great opportunities to break out of your routine by planning something different. However, you don’t want to leave your vacation feeling like you were at war with one another the whole time. Ideally, you want to plan a vacation that helps you reminisce about the good times you had with family and friends. Allow yourself to relax and enjoy your time with family and friends and remember to have fun!
Click on the buttons below to contact me today and start planning your multigenerational trip.
Click on the buttons below to contact me today and start planning your multigenerational trip.
