Why Is Everyone Talking About Multigenerational Travel? [Video]

There’s no doubt that multigenerational travel is one of the hottest travel trends of the year. We’ve been on a few of these trips ourselves so I was asked to discuss the topic yesterday on NBC San Diego. Here’s a run-down of why families are braving the world together.

5 Reasons Why Extended Families Are Traveling Together

1. With families often living on opposite coasts, they’re rarely getting together outside of weddings, funerals and major holidays… if that.
2. Baby boomers are living longer, healthier lives and parents are more willing to fly long distances with young kids. My guess is that it’s because iPads and apps keep kids far more entertained than books and other inflight entertainment ever did.
3. Connecting in real life can’t be replaced by Skype.
4. Footing the bill for trips is a way for grandparents to transfer wealth, however, sometimes kids foot the bill or everyone splits the cost. There’s no right or wrong way to do it.
5. You can’t put a price on creating family memories.

 5 Types Of Multigenerational Trips

Now that your family has agreed to take a trip, what should you do? Here are some popular ideas.

Cruises and All-Inclusive Resorts

These are by far the most popular because they address a number of budgets. There’s less worry about the settling tabs because most meals and activities are included. Speaking of activities, both options have a ton of them. Disney cruises are a very common choice for multigenerational trips.

City Safaris

Booking a hotel or vacation rental in big cities within walking distance of major attractions and restaurants allows people to tour at their own pace. There are great for families with a wide range of interests and activity levels (as well as those who benefit from a bit of space from each other). Good nearby public transportation helps, too.

Heritage Trips

Take the family to visit a hometown or discover the country your family is from. Some even set out to piece together family trees as I recently explained in my multigenerational travel piece about Ireland.

Beach Vacations

Built-in leisure is perfect for reconnecting as family. Plus, a number of all-inclusive resorts are in tropical destinations anyway. Vacation rentals are usually easy to find in beach locations and are ideal for families who want to stay under the same roof and gather in common living spaces.

Skip a Generation

Sometimes, grandparents go it alone with the grandkids to celebrate milestone birthdays and graduations. Why not take a break from Mickey Mouse and let someone else bask in the glory of Disney?

5 Tips for Surviving a Multigenerational Vacation

1. Plan the trip as a family. This way, everyone’s expectations are managed before you go and people can budget for the trip in advance.
2. Consider the needs of the oldest and youngest traveling family member when choosing a destination, because if they can handle it the odds are the rest of the family can, too.
3. Make sure each person is able to do activities of their choosing.
4. It’s OK to split up without feeling guilty. Let Grandma rest while you tour the science museum. Families don’t need to spend every waking hour together on these trips.
5. Be flexible. You’re going to get frustrated, probably tour something you don’t want to and run on someone else’s schedule. Embrace it and have a good time anyway.

Watch Me on NBC San Diego!

Have you been on a multigenerational trip? Please share your experience!