How to Plan a Multigenerational Trip

Family vacations with more than two generations are now so mainstream the travel industry has coined the term “multigen” to describe the trend. Tour operators, resorts and other travel suppliers cater to this newer demographic of three — or even four — generations traveling together.

This trend has caught on for several reasons: Shared travel experiences create lifelong bonds, memories and traditions between family members and a trip can celebrate an important occasion, a graduation, wedding anniversary or landmark birthday.

Changes in the travel landscape make planning easier, too. Family suites, rental apartments, flexible tour programs and van rentals are now common in trip-planning toolkits. Travel advisors no longer cringe at the idea of arranging trips for multigen.

Just as traveling with kids is not the same as travel for couples, adding grandparents to the mix means an extra layer of planning. And planning is the key word for a trip that makes everyone happy.

Involve Everyone in Planning
It may be tempting to delegate all the arrangements to the family’s natural organizer, but when more than one household is involved, they should all be part of the planning. This begins with deciding where to go, and includes what kind of accommodation, what activities and even where to eat.

The devil can be in these details, and what sounds easy at the beginning can quickly become complicated when you’re trying to please everyone. The key is knowing what everyone expects from the trip.

Take a Survey
Circulate a list of questions: possible destinations, financial expectations, favorite activities, physical considerations such as mobility and energy level, even dietary limitations (you might think twice about suggesting a trip to Sicily, the land of cannolis, to a grandparent on a cholesterol-free diet). Don’t forget favorite spots or activities (do you really want to spend a week with a golfer without a course nearby?)

Talk Budgets Early
Research costs of various options and have some figures ready beforehand, such as airfare costs to various destinations and expected lodging costs for different types of accommodations. Be clear about how shared costs will be divided, and look for ways for different families to stay within their budget (different grade hotel rooms in the same resort or various airline classes). Be sensitive to financial limitations so everyone feels welcome. Early planning gives relatives on tighter budgets time to save for the trip.

Don’t Over-Schedule
In planning an itinerary, leave plenty of room for downtime and individual activities. If you’re taking an organized tour (several operators schedule special family trips), be sure the schedule is flexible with alternative activities adapted to all ages and abilities. And leave time for no activities at all and for alone time. Taking breaks from the group helps ease any tensions that may develop from too much togetherness.

Grandparents are Not Babysitters
Unless they want to be. It’s their vacation, too, so wait for them to volunteer, but don’t even hint at it. Instead, plan activities and meals everyone can enjoy together or choose hotels with baby-sitting services or mealtime playrooms. Likewise, if you plan a self-catering vacation, be clear about who will do the cooking and how clean-up will be shared.

Look for Activities to Share
Just as important as having time for everyone to do their own thing is making sure there are plenty of opportunities to do things as a group, such as relaxed mealtimes, game nights, picnics or cooking classes.

Remember the Point of the Trip
It’s all about everyone having fun together and creating memories.