One of the appeals of multi-generational travel, as opposed to family gatherings at home, is no one is the host and everyone is a guest. When you’re all traveling together, nobody gets left to wash the dishes after everyone else leaves. But the best multi-gen trips are those well planned. Here are a few tips to make your family’s trip the best ever:
Plan the Trip to Fit the Travelers – All of Them
Remember that interests and stamina vary – even in the same generation. Make sure there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Define the Purpose
Is it to see as much as possible in a place you’ve all wanted to visit? Or is it to spend time together in a new and different place? If the purpose is mostly to be together and share experiences, what you do is more important than the places you see. Plan accordingly.
Leave Space for Different Activities
Not everyone needs to do the same thing, and you don’t need to limit your plans to activities or places you can all agree on. Two of you may love museums while others may prefer to spend that time watching the world go by over a glass of wine in a café. Just be sure you establish a meeting place and time.
Don’t Get Too Fixated on Togetherness
When traveling with a group, there’s a place for apartness, too. This goes for the kids, as well; resorts often have mealtime activities for kids, so adults can enjoy a leisurely dinner together. Or, kids’ camps offer plenty of entertainment while adults relax in a spa.
Think about the Options, not the Limitations
Nearly every destination has something for various interests. A little advance research can identify these.
Be Upfront about Likes and Dislikes
Don’t assume all women love spas or all grandparents love sitting and watching the kids in the pool or everyone wants to learn how to make pizza. Present the options and ask before you make the plans.
Don’t Over-Plan
Leave some time for discoveries and spur-of-the-moment choices. And leave time to just hang out and enjoy the moment.
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