Multi-generational Travel: Memories That Last A Lifetime
Travelling with family is always an opportunity to create lasting memories, but when you travel with multiple generations—grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles, and children—you open the door to a whole new level of bonding and adventure. While multi-generational travel presents unique challenges, it also offers some of the most rewarding experiences. In this post, we’ll explore the benefits of multi-generational travel, offer tips to make it smooth and enjoyable, and suggest some great family-friendly vacation ideas. I’ll also share how my own family’s travel has brought our generations together in unforgettable ways.
The Benefits of Multi-Generational Travel
Strengthened Family Bonds
Traveling together offers a break from the typical day-to-day family interactions. The change of environment and the opportunity to experience new things allow family members to bond in ways that are often missed during the daily grind. Whether it’s grandparents telling stories about their own childhood while sharing the sights together, or grandchildren trying something for the first time, these shared moments help strengthen the connection between generations.
My husband spent his childhood summers camping and road-tripping across Canada with his family. Those early adventures left a lasting impression, and now, years later, our children get to create those same memories with their grandparents and cousins on their very own cross-Canada adventure.
Creating Lasting Memories
For many, the most valuable souvenir from any trip is the memories made along the way. Multi-generational travel provides ample opportunities for everyone to experience “firsts” together, like watching a sunset on the beach or tasting a local dish for the first time. Grandparents may treasure the chance to see their grandchildren play on the beach, while younger family members enjoy hearing travel stories from their grandparents’ youth.
Passing Down Traditions
One of the beautiful things about multi-generational travel is the way it allows family traditions to be passed down. My husband’s childhood tradition of keeping a detailed list of all the animals spotted on their trips is one that our children have now adopted. On each family holiday, the kids keep track of their sightings—often arising from early morning walks, taking shortcuts, or getting out on the water before anyone else. Watching our daughter keep her own animal count on a recent trip was fantastic, knowing that this tradition is continuing. These experiences have sparked our children’s love for the outdoors, travel, and even photography. Below are Emma’s photos from an early morning walk with grandpa.
Support and Flexibility
With multiple generations travelling together, there’s the opportunity for added support. Parents can relax while grandparents or other family members take care of the grandchildren, or older kids can help their younger siblings navigate a new place. Everyone can share responsibilities, making the trip more enjoyable for all.
One of our first multi-generational trips after our kids were born was to an all-inclusive resort. It was such a treat to get out for a date night, while the other members of our family spent the evening with the kids. More recently we took a holiday with both sets of grandparents to Quadra Island and it was so nice to share in meal prep, clean-up and switch-off with different family members on our daily adventures. This meant everyone didn’t have to do the same thing and there was something for everyone.
Tips for a Successful Multi-Generational Trip
To make the most of multi-generational travel, it’s important to plan carefully and ensure that the experience is enjoyable for everyone involved. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Involve Everyone in the Planning Process and Set Expectations: The key to a successful trip is ensuring that everyone feels included. Before making concrete plans, have a family discussion about what everyone wants from the vacation. The older generations may prefer leisurely activities, while younger family members may seek out more adventure. Finding a balance between different preferences will ensure everyone enjoys themselves.
- Choose Accommodations Wisely: When choosing where to stay, prioritize comfort, privacy, and communal spaces. Vacation rentals or villas can offer everyone enough space to have privacy while still enjoying shared family time. Look for properties that include family-friendly amenities like kitchens, which make it easier to accommodate everyone’s preferences and schedules. While shared space is important, it is also helpful to make sure everyone has their own sleeping space, whether this means booking multiple rooms near each other or a larger accommodation with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms.
- Plan Activities for All Ages: Travelling with multiple generations means accounting for different levels of mobility, health, and energy. When it comes to activities, it’s important to have something for everyone. Choose destinations that offer a mix of excitement and relaxation, from kid-friendly activities to more leisurely outings. On our trips, we often mix in beach days, or simple, relaxed exploration of a new place with hikes and family-friendly outings, ensuring that every family member has something to look forward to.
- Build in Downtime: Travel can be tiring, especially for older family members or young children. Make sure to schedule downtime where everyone can relax and recharge. Sometimes, the best moments happen when you’re simply enjoying each other’s company—whether it’s chatting on the porch of a vacation rental or unwinding on the beach.
- Be Flexible: Not everything will go according to plan, and that’s okay! Flexibility is key to a successful multi-generational trip. If an excursion doesn’t work out or plans change due to weather, go with the flow and adjust as needed. Having backup activities or a low-key day built into the itinerary helps everyone enjoy the trip.
Family-Friendly Vacation Ideas for Multi-Generational Travel
Finding destinations and activities that can appeal to every generation is key to making a multi-generational trip memorable. Here are a few family-friendly vacation ideas that can cater to all ages:
Road Trips
Road trips are a fantastic way to see new places at your own pace. They offer flexibility and the opportunity to bond during the journey. Whether you combine this with a camping trip or share a vehicle, and the driving, the travel is part of the adventure. For more on planning family road trips check out this post.
Cruises
Cruises offer an all-in-one vacation experience where families can enjoy diverse activities without having to constantly pack up and move. With onboard entertainment, kids’ clubs, fitness centers, and accessible options for those with mobility concerns, there’s something for everyone. Plus, excursions at ports of call can be tailored to suit various interests.
Camping
For the nature-loving family, camping in national and provincial parks is a fantastic option. With hikes ranging from easy to challenging, educational programs, and stunning natural beauty, camping offers something for everyone. Camping also allows for a variety of sleeping options from RVs to tents to meet everyone’s needs and comfort. For more on family camping have a look at this post.
All-Inclusive Resorts
All-inclusive resorts take the stress out of meal planning and activity scheduling. Many resorts are designed to cater to families, with age-specific activities and dedicated areas for kids, teens, and adults. This allows everyone to enjoy activities at their own pace while still coming together for meals, activities and shared experiences.
Beach Vacations
A beach vacation is a classic choice for multi-generational travel. Beaches offer both relaxation and activity options, from lounging in the sun to building sandcastles and enjoying water sports. Renting a beach house or a couple of waterfront condos provides the perfect space for family bonding while offering flexibility in terms of meals and schedules.
Cultural City Trips
For families looking for an educational experience, cultural city trips are ideal. Cities like Athens, Paris, or London offer a mix of historical, cultural, and culinary experiences that can appeal to a wide range of ages. Museums, local markets, and guided tours can be enjoyed by everyone, and the cities often provide various transportation options to accommodate different mobility levels. Here you can find a hotel or larger vacation rental to make sure everyone has their own space to recharge at the end of a busy day sightseeing.
Making Memories That Last
The memories created on a multi-generational trip can last a lifetime, not just for the younger generations but for everyone involved. Take lots of photos, keep the holiday stories rolling, and create a family travel journal or digital scrapbook to record the experiences. Sharing these memories will deepen the family connection and create stories that will be passed down through the generations.
In the end, multi-generational travel is about connection. It’s about creating experiences that cross generational lines, offering new adventures for both young and old. With thoughtful planning, open communication, and a flexible mindset, your multi-generational trip can be a journey that everyone remembers fondly for years to come. Whether it’s an annual tradition or a brand new adventure, travelling with your extended family always makes for the best stories.