Family vacation planning can be stressful. Want to diffuse your stress? Follow our five tips for planning a multigenerational vacation.
Family vacation planning has many moving parts. You must account for food, lodging, travel, and activity expenses. An extended family trip means extended planning, with multiple age groups and interests to consider. Carefully consider the location, activities, dining, and more for those looking to travel with more than just their immediate family. To help you have the best trip possible, we’re sharing five tips for planning your next multigenerational vacation.
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Tip #1: Divide Family Vacation Planning Responsibilities
Allowing more than one person to assist with the family vacation planning eases the burden and stress while getting everyone’s input. Photo credit Freepik
Family vacation planning for a multigenerational reunion is often too much for one person to handle. Ensure that no single family member takes on all the vacation planning and trip responsibilities alone. It’s perfectly okay to divide some tasks among older family members.
While one person may be the designated planner, scheduling everything for big groups can get overwhelming. Instead, make it a family discussion, allowing everyone to give input and help plan the best stress-free family vacation. This provides fresh ideas that everyone can be excited about.
Remember to continue this sense of community when the trip starts. If you’re taking a road trip, sharing driving responsibility is a great idea. Spend time relaxing by the pool while the grandparents spend time with the kids. Pick up the check if someone else paid for dinner last night. Regardless, no one should take on the burden of family vacation planning alone.
Tip #2: Location is Key
Step one in family vacation planning is picking a location (or locations) everyone will be excited about. While national parks and Disney World are popular destinations, they are not always ideal locations for a stress-free family vacation. Choose an area with opportunities tailored to all interests to make an everlasting impression. A balance of food, culture and adventure is sure to make this trip a treasured memory for the whole family to look back on for years to come.
However, appealing to a wide age range and set of interests can be tricky. Finding a place with everyone’s wishes is a tall order. Start by finding a shared interest or a bucket-list destination. Whether your family thrives on outdoor adventures or would prefer to live it up under the city lights, there are plenty of great options to explore.
Need inspiration and ideas about where to start looking? Check out the Best Cities to Visit for a Multigenerational Family Reunion.
Tip #3: Plan Diverse Activities for All Ages and Interests
Plan diverse activities for all ages to enjoy, like bike riding in a local park. Photo credit Freepik
Fun opportunities are endless on a multigenerational trip and can make family vacation planning exciting. From learning about local history and culture to exhilarating outdoor adventures, spread out the fun and mix in a variety of experiences to excite the whole family. If one day you plan to enjoy a relaxing day of sightseeing and local cuisine, the next day could highlight something for the family’s thrill seekers.
It may seem overwhelming to try to do it all. Creating a sense of balance is essential. When visiting a park or a beach, send the younger family members on a hike through nature or swimming. Older family members can enjoy some downtime with more relaxed activities while keeping the family all in one place.
Vacations allow interests to collide, creating incredible, shared activities for all ages. Museums and zoos often have programs that engage younger and older tourists alike. Local art can also be explored in many ways, with fun for all ages. Of course, it would not be a complete vacation without tasting the local food and drink. Check out the area’s music scene or enjoy a local theatre production. No one will feel disappointed if you plan different activities for every family member.
Tip #4: Food and Lodging Considerations
Planning a multigenerational vacation requires a little extra care. Research dining and lodging options ahead of time to avoid the last-minute stress of finding accommodations that suit everyone’s needs.
When planning where to eat, consider dietary restrictions and food preferences. If your family wants a culinary adventure, explore restaurants that highlight local culture. Stock up on fresh food at a local farmer’s market or find agritourist spots for a hands-on eating experience.
Similarly, whether you are looking for a five-star resort or want to cozy up in a local vacation rental, research what accommodation options are offered for large families. The kitchen is often thought of as the heart of the home, and vacation rentals are no different. Home-cooked meals are a time-honored tradition in many families. So, if your family plans to prepare big meals, ensure your lodgings can accommodate them. Read our Affordable Family Reunion Meal Planning for Large Family Gatherings article for inspiration!
Tip #5: Partner Up with the Buddy System
Try the buddy system when enjoying different activities. Photo credit Freepik
Multigenerational travel with a range of older and younger family members can be challenging. These two vast age groups have widely different life experiences, which can sometimes make it hard to connect.
A multigenerational vacation is the perfect time to use the buddy system. It is a great tool for helping form stronger ties between family members who don’t get one-on-one time as often. Buddying up grandparents and grandchildren can provide wonderful bonding time. The buddy system is also a great way to introduce new in-laws into the mix.
Find activities that excite across age groups or a shared interest that can be enjoyed by grandparents and grandchildren alike. Pair up and split up based on shared hobbies to enjoy a day of fun. Then, when the whole family gets back together for dinner, everyone has a great story to tell. By the end of the trip, everyone will get to know each other better.
From finding the perfect location to dividing planning responsibilities and everything in between, we are here to help you get through the planning process and onto your multigenerational vacation. So, skip the stress by remembering these vacation planning tips for your next adventure.
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Updated by Helene Martin, Contributing Writer
