Let's Talk Multi-Generational Travel
The dos and don'ts of keeping everyone in the spirit this holiday season
The gift of travel can be one of the most memorable experiences your family will experience. And when you add it - either as a gift or an experience - during the holidays, it’s twice as nice. Want to make it be even more meaningful? Go bigger! By includ the entire family - multiple generations - you can impact the lives of everyone who participates for years to come.
Today’s Globetrotting Mama newsletter is all about multi-generational travel. Keep scrolling for some tips, tricks, dos and don’ts for keeping everyone in the holiday spirit…even when family tensions are high or things aren’t going according to plan.
Planning a Multi-Generational Trip
Here are a few things to consider before you hit purchase on that holiday vacation.
Think about those relationships…
Newsflash! A trip won’t solve the fact that your mother-in-law disagrees with the way you parent or that your husband and his sister compete for their dad’s attention. What you’re hoping for is a miracle and no trip can guarantee that! Travel isn’t going to solve the problems you have at home; it’ll just take them to a pretty location. That’s why it’s important that you really consider whether taking those tensions on the road is a good idea. Similarly, if you NEED a vacation, but have never traveled with the extended family, maybe now isn’t the time. Make sure everyone is on board with the idea and the destination and just remember that it’s okay not to include everyone every time.
What kind of vacation does everyone want?
It’s important to set expectations and to be willing to compromise as you plan. How much time will you spend together? Are you doing every activity as a family? Is there some wiggle room for smaller family units to break off and have their own experiences? Also, make sure that your planned itinerary is keeping in mind the accessibility needs of everyone on the trip. Grandma and Grandpa may not be able to go on extended hikes, so be sure these items are discussed in advance and there is an alternate activity available for them to enjoy the trip too.
Where to go?
The world is your oyster! With a larger group, options like all-inclusive resorts and cruises are great for keeping costs predictable and offering everyone a variety of activities. Plus, they offer opportunities for the family to break off from the larger group for small excursions, or even the break smaller parts of the family (You and your husband, your parents, the kids) might need from your party. Another option: Look into small group adventure companies that arrange tours for the family. This can offer entertainment, transportation, and an activity that appeals to all generations. Prefer something on a smaller scale? Look into renting a cabin or villa at your preferred destination. And if your family love the outdoors, Dude Ranches are a popular choice for multigenerational groups. They offer lodging, food, animal interactions, and activities for the whole family.
What to Pack
Flexibility and insurance. That’s it! Of course, it’s always good to plan the outfits you’ll need, shoes for each activity, and toiletries, but leaving off these two important items can quickly ruin your trip.
Flexibility: Although we hope for the best when we travel, the truth is things can always go wrong. Plans may need to change. Flights might get delayed. Or, you may miss that baseball game you came all this way for because your brother thought the game was tonight, when it was yesterday. Your ability to roll with the punches can be the deciding factor in whether your vacation is a dud. Look at each unexpected event as an opportunity to make new and exciting memories.
Travel insurance. It goes without saying these days that travel insurance is a must. Make sure you understand what yours covers. Will it allow you to cancel or reschedule your trip if there’s an emergency? Will it allow you to get new clothes when your bag doesn’t show? Whether the disruption is big or small, having insurance that helps you weather the unexpected will go a long way in ensuring peace of mind.
Looking for more information about Multi-generational travel? Pop over to Globetrottingmama.com where we’ve spent years compiling tried and true tips to make your travels better.
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