Everybody is on vacation, but ages, interests and energy levels may vary between the 6-year-old and her grandfather. How can you maximize the together time, but not leave anybody dragging or bored. And how much togetherness is enough?
Be Upfront Before the Trip
Why are you taking this trip? Is the purpose to spend quality time as a family without the distractions of everyday life at home? Or is it to see new places? How active would everyone like to be? What are everyone’s expectations, and how can they all fit into one vacation? Make sure everyone understands each other’s hopes for the trip, and that everyone is willing to compromise a little if they don’t all match.
Plan an Itinerary With Everyone in Mind
Maybe you’ve always wanted to see the Parthenon and your mother dreams of floating through Venice in a gondola. But are those the best places to spend that three-generation trip of a lifetime? Maybe, but maybe not. Both places require a lot of walking: Are everyone’s legs up to it? Remember that little legs have to take twice as many steps to keep up, and older knees tend to creak after a certain age. Be realistic.
It’s Okay to Go Separate Ways
In fact, unless you’re a family used to spending a lot of time in close proximity, it’s probably a good idea. Maybe grandparents would love to spend a couple of hours relaxing on a park bench watching the kids play in a park, feed the ducks or splash in a wading pool while you hit that museum. But make sure everyone knows where everyone else is and when you can expect to get together again.

Photo: Kosmos111 | Dreamstime
Don’t Expect Grandparents to Babysit
At least not all the time, and unless they actively want to. That may be why they joined in this adventure, to spend relaxed time with grandkids they don’t see often. But even that doesn’t mean 24/7, and it doesn’t mean parents should take this for granted. Everyone needs to be honest about this, including the kids. Ask them (privately, please) exactly what they think of this idea. With thoughts of forbidden sweets and 100 percent spoiling in mind, they are likely to be fine with it, but do ask.
You Don’t Need to Eat Every Meal Together
Parents may want to take in a little nightlife on their own, a good time for kids and grandparents to eat earlier, perhaps while parents have an aperitif snack before going on. Just as likely, grandparents may also wish to have a quiet dinner for two in a new locale. If an adults-only dinner is on anyone’s agenda, say so. This is everyone’s vacation.
Read This Next
Should Kids Go to Medieval Torture Museums?
Travel Tips
Apr 10, 2025#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Apr 16, 20254 Interactive Wildlife Conservation Experiences for Earth Day
Calling all animal-loving family travelers! This Earth Day, consider a visit to one of these destinations offering interactive wildlife conservation experiences.
Sponsored Content
Madrid: A Destination for All Ages
However one is traveling, what matters is having fun and creating unforgettable memories. Among many ways to travel, multigenerational trips — on which grandparents, parents and children get to spend quality time together — are gaining popularity. Setting out on this sort of adventure? Madrid has something to offer everyone!
Destinations
Apr 16, 20255 Places Around the World to See Holy Week Observances
Holy Week, the period between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday, is observed in a variety of ways throughout the world, often with colorful pageantry mixed with solemn reminders of the week before Christ’s crucifixion. Tourists are welcome at most observances, some of which take on a festival air, especially on Easter Sunday. Here are some places family travelers might consider traveling.
Destinations / North America
Apr 16, 2025North America’s First National Park City Named
The National Park City Foundation just designated Chattanooga, Tennessee, as North America’s First National Park City, and family travelers will quickly discover why. Already named Tennessee’s Most Scenic City, Chattanooga takes a new title thanks to its appreciation of all aspects of outdoor life, from preserving lakes and forests to being stewards of native plant species.
Destinations / North America
Apr 15, 2025This Underrated San Diego Neighborhood is a Gem for Families
Families heading to San Diego often look for big-ticket thrills like Sea World and San Diego Safari Park, but sometimes it’s the neighborhoods that let you get the most out of a visit. It’s how you get to discover the personality of San Diego.
Cruises
Apr 15, 2025Yacht Charter Company Launches Thrilling Dragon & Pirates Journeys
Silolona Sojourns, a luxury Phinsi yacht charter company, just unveiled new journeys for family travelers seeking adventure and thrills like never before. Launching this summer, this new journey centers around Komodo and Eastern Flores, two of the world’s most untouched destinations.
ShareThis