Use these expert tips to plan bucket list trips for your multigenerational group and make your family’s travel dreams come true
By Nancy Schretter, Contributing Editor
Bucket list trips and family group vacations are the top priorities for travelers this year. Today’s generations crave togetherness, understanding that family bonds and memories are our most treasured possessions and the future is not guaranteed.
Africa elephants at Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa. Photo courtesy of ©South African Tourism
According to a recent survey by Squaremouth.com, a leading travel insurance marketplace, family and multigenerational vacations are surpassing all other types of group travel in 2025. In addition, the spike in once-in-a-lifetime trips is continuing, with 40% of surveyed travelers set to take a bucket list trip this year. A survey by Beaches Resorts revealed that roughly 70% of parents and grandchildren want grandparents to be part of their trips.
Bucket list trips are an ideal way for generations to share special moments and strengthen family bonds. “Multigenerational family travel is an amazing way to create memories and share experiences, and it benefits the whole family,” says Kimberly Greiner, US public relations manager for G Adventures. “It opens up new experiences to kids, allows grandparents and older family members to see places with fresh eyes, and allows the whole family to spend time with each other outside their normal daily life.”
Don’t wait to perfect your event. Explore our Destination Reunions Magazine and subscribe now to turn your reunion dreams into reality
Why Families Should Create a Travel Bucket List
Charting your family’s travel future is powerful and inspiring. Families need to think about their travel goals and visualize them to bring them to life. Doing this brings your family’s travel desires into focus and jumpstarts the planning process.
“Creating a family travel bucket list is an incredible way for multigenerational families to dream and plan together,” says Patty Monahan, Founder of Our Whole Village, a Virtuoso member travel agency specializing in meaningful family and multigenerational vacations. “It fosters anticipation, excitement, and shared purpose, bringing everyone into the conversation.”
Spectacular beach at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort. Photo courtesy of Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
Expert Tips for Family Bucket List Travel Planning
If you have bucket list goals for your family group, take these eight steps to turn your lifelong travel dreams into reality.
1. Think About Why You Loved Your Most Memorable Trips
Japan is known for its stunning traditional temples. Photo courtesy of Charles Postiaux
Every family group’s bucket list is unique. Rather than adopting someone else’s list of popular destinations, it’s essential to personalize the planning process and match your passions. Reflect on the trips and destinations you’ve enjoyed most, the travel experiences you’ve treasured and how they made you feel. This exercise will help you to determine your family’s travel styles and preferences and concentrate on what matters most to your group.
“Think about themes before destinations: is food a big deal for your family? History? Hiking/active adventures?” says Greiner. “From there, you can start to narrow down places that check the boxes.”
2. Make Wish Lists and Brainstorm Trips Together
Travel experts have learned that the most successful multigenerational vacations result from working together as a group. This helps to surface key issues and travel motivations. “The best way to create a family travel bucket list is to involve everyone in the process,” Monahan says. She recommends having each family member create their own list of dream trips and then sit down together to share their travel dreams, research destinations, and prioritize them based on interests and feasibility. Our Whole Village provides a template that adults and children can use when writing down their bucket lists.
3. Talk About Your Trip Goals, Expectations and Interests
Members of your multigenerational family group will likely have differing notions about the ideal bucket list vacation. It’s key to talk about travel styles, objectives and the vision for each trip and why it’s important. Think about the core memories you want to create with your family.
“By understanding each family member’s travel aspirations, you’re not just planning trips—you’re creating a roadmap for meaningful connections and lifelong memories,” noted Patty Monahan. “You also learn so much about your kids and how their passions and interests evolve over the years.”
Keep up with trending venues and expert insights—start by reading our Destination Reunions Magazine, then be sure to subscribe for even more travel ideas FREE!
4. Discuss Budgets and Plan Ambitious Dream Trips Well in Advance
Breathtaking vistas along the South Rim in Grand Canyon National Park. Photo courtesy of Arizona Office of Tourism, credit Bob Willis
When planning multiple trips of a lifetime for your family group, it’s essential to think ahead. The best hotels and experiences in popular destinations fill up well in advance, as do flights. In addition, budgeting and saving for these kinds of vacations can take time. It’s key to talk about budgets and set a spending level your group is comfortable with to keep expectations in line.
Work together to develop the ideal frequency and schedule for your bucket list trips, perhaps leaving room for less extravagant vacations and spontaneous getaways. “Start with big dreaming ideas and narrow down from there,” suggests Greiner.
5. Create a Bucket List Travel Timeline with Ages and Stages in Mind
Families can approach creating their bucket lists in the same intentional way that they do long-term financial planning. The ages of children and grandparents are often an important factor in aligning the timing of dream trips. Create a spreadsheet or template delineating family members’ ages and interests over time, consider the experiences you want to have and map your trips accordingly. While the entire group may envision participating in some trips, other vacations may appeal only to certain family members.
Think about the goals for each trip and the physical considerations involved, and discuss them with your group. “Many parents and grandparents understand that exposing younger kids to different places, cultures, and even foods can build bonds and tolerance and bridge gaps,” says Kimberly Greiner of G Adventures. “Plus, we’re seeing travelers who are staying active longer, and that means they can enjoy trips and experiences with the younger members of their family in a way that maybe past generations haven’t been able to,” Greiner adds
After having your discussions, starts lotting your bucket list trips into your timeline. A highly knowledgeable family travel advisor can help by suggesting the best ages for each destination, budgeting considerations and other issues. “Start with achievable trips and work your way toward more ambitious adventures,” suggests Patty Monahan of Our Whole Village.
6. Consider Activities, Pacing and Accessibility Issues
View of Japan’s Mount Fuji from Hakone, Japan. Photo courtesy of Jochen Meyer/Pexels
Multigenerational bucket list trips should include something for every interest and age group. “It’s important to consider activity levels, individual desires, and finding that sweet spot where everyone has something special on the itinerary that they are looking forward to,” says Kimberly Greiner. Well-designed small group trips offer that kind of travel experience for multigenerational families, and the planning is stress-free. Greiner reports that G Adventures’ National Geographic Family Journeys are more popular than ever, offering itineraries that keep everyone engaged.
Other factors are important to keep in mind as well. “When planning bucket list vacations, it’s important to consider accessibility for all ages, picking destinations that offer a variety of activities, and selecting accommodations that balance communal bonding with private downtime,” says Patty Monahan. “Pacing is key, so blend structured activities with moments of rest to ensure everyone enjoys the experience.”
7. Work With a Top-Notch Travel Advisor
Bucket list family trips are priceless experiences, and vacation time spent together is precious. That’s why it’s important to bring an experienced professional into play. Skilled family travel agents provide expert guidance and take the stress out of planning memorable family vacations. Using their knowledge and wealth of connections, these adept travel professionals bring bucket list trips to life with exciting adventures and unique experiences to match your family’s interests.
Good travel advisors are valuable assets in other ways as well. They understand today’s complex travel scene and can help your group design the perfect trip within your budget and navigate a vast array of issues. Travel advisors also may have access to special perks and deals that aren’t publicly available. In addition, they can manage all the details and assist if things go awry before, during or after your vacation.
Once the bucket list timeline has been created, travel agents can help family groups manage some of the pre-travel details, such as documentation requirements and travel insurance. They can also recommend ways families can elevate their plans and make them more meaningful. “Having a bucket list facilitates better pre-trip preparation, as families can engage in activities like reading books, watching movies, and cooking meals related to their chosen destinations, leading to a more enriching travel experience,” suggests Patty Monahan.
8. Start Financial Planning and Pre-Trip Preparations
Once you have a clear understanding of your bucket list travel timeline and required budget, map out a financial plan and begin budgeting for your vacations. Grandparents or others may be paying for the trips in some cases. You may also be able to cover some of the costs using travel rewards points.
Experts at Allianz Partners, a global leader in travel insurance, also suggest automatically transferring a certain percentage of each monthly paycheck to a high-yield savings account. Cash-back rewards credit cards can also help you save for your journeys.
Epic bucket list trips strengthen family bonds and forge priceless core memories that generations will treasure for a lifetime. These kinds of trips can be transformational, and it’s key to maximize every moment of life while you can. The time to start planning is now.
Want insider secrets on group travel? Check out our Destination Reunions Magazine and subscribe for tips straight to your inbox
Unforgettable experiences await at Ireland’s Ashford Castle. Photo courtesy of Helen Cathcart for Ashford Castle
Amazing Bucket List Trips for Family Groups
If you’re thinking of planning an awe-inspiring bucket list trip for your multigenerational family group, here are seven enticing options to consider.
African Safari
Safari expeditions offer thrilling opportunities for families to encounter incredible wildlife, experience breathtaking scenic landscapes and engage in authentic cultural immersion. South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, and Botswana are popular places to spot the Big Five on these memorable family trips of a lifetime.
Alaska
Known as “The Last Frontier,” Alaska is filled with exciting outdoor adventures, abundant wildlife, rich Alaska Native cultures, spectacular scenery, and seasonal opportunities to view the dazzling Northern Lights. Multigenerational families will bond while sharing extraordinary experiences on Alaska cruises and tours.
Costa Rica
Tropical Costa Rica offers abundant wildlife and biodiversity, fun-filled adventures, and engaging cultural experiences against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty. Families flock to popular locations such as Manuel Antonio National Park, Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest, and Guanacaste’s sunlit shorelines.
Grand Canyon National Park
Multigenerational families will treasure their memorable experiences at Arizona’s Grand Canyon. There’s something for everyone, including hiking and mule rides, wildlife spotting, enrichment activities, Junior Ranger programs and simply enjoying the idyllic views. The sunrises and sunsets here are magnificent.
Ireland
Ireland warmly welcomes family groups. Generations will enjoy exploring the Emerald Isle’s historic castles, vibrant cultural heritage, action-packed activities and stunning panoramic views. Attractions include Dublin’s highlights, the Ring of Kerry, and sites such as Blarney Castle and the dramatic Cliffs of Moher.
Japan
The island nation of Japan offers an incredible combination of ancient culture, scenic beauty and modern fun. Highlights for families include historic temples and castles, bustling cities, delicious cuisine, museums and memorials, and fantastic theme parks and attractions, including Tokyo Disneyland.
The Hawaiian Islands
All generations can enjoy the vacation of their dreams in the enchanting Hawaiian Islands. Filled with the spirit of Aloha, this tropical island paradise features gorgeous beaches, towering volcanoes, thrilling outdoor adventures, enriching cultural experiences, and abundant natural wonders.
Unearth hidden gems for your next group getaway in our Destination Reunions Magazine, and be sure to subscribe FREE for ongoing tips and inspiration.
Header image: Vacationers enjoying the view of Portage Glacier, one of the most visited glaciers in Alaska. Photo courtesy of Visit Alaska, credit Jody Overstreet
