Multi-generational travel is a rising trend. Normally travelling with different age groups entails family trips with parents, children and grandchildren. But multi-generational travel can also refer to trips with extended family members such as adult siblings as well as cousins, aunts, uncles and more.
Whilst the idea of holidaying with parents or in-laws may fill some with dread, multi-generational travel can be an enjoyable way to spend time with relatives, if you plan it right. Here are our top tips for making sure everyone has a good time.
One big change from the 1980s and 90s is that children are no longer settling in the same
area as parents and grandparents. Jobs, school and travel are common reasons that people
relocate, which can lead to large distances between family members, sometimes with
people living in different countries. When popping by for a cup of tea and a catch-up is not
an option, trips and holidays are often the only times many family members can get
together.
Taking a trip is a great idea for everyone as it lightens the load of entertaining,
meaning you can spend quality family time together without the host being consumed with
planning, cooking and cleaning during the stay.
Deciding on the right location that ticks the boxes for everyone can be tricky. One big pro of
travelling together is that travel-savvy parents can help older grandparents feel at ease in
new places, while having another pair of hands at airports and on planes to help with kids or
to drive. It’s a win-win situation.
Pick your location early. Gather a list of everyone’s ideal destination and get to
googling. Put several options on the table and vote. A trip needn’t be just one location. If
you have time, plan a combination city and beach trip to keep everyone happy.
Whether your family is full of “alpha” characters or everyone is agreeable to going anywhere
(which can make decision-making hard too), you might consider using a travel agent to help
plan your trip. Agents can also help manage flights and transportation from different
locations.
Look at using some of the larger travel companies like Smartflyer, Scott Dunn or Mr and Mrs Smith, many of whom specialise in multi-gen trips and can make planning a dream.
Whether it’s an annual affair, a one-off family reunion or a celebration for a big anniversary
or birthday, large gatherings require extra time and care. The general rule is that the larger
the group, the more planning that should be done in advance.
Even something as simple as a dinner out needs to be planned when it comes to
larger groups. Talk to your hotel about arranging a private dinner or celebration where they
can, ideally, handle all the details. You may even want to pre-book activities and other
excursions to avoid disappointment.
When young children are in tow, travelling may not feel like much of a break. It might make
sense to have grandparents on hand to share shifts. You could even consider inviting both
sets of grandparents. The more the merrier when it comes to childcare. Many grandparents
are happy to have alone time with the grandkids, which makes it easy to fit in a special date
night at least once in your trip.
Arrange for the grandparents to do age-appropriate activities with the kids on their
own. Then schedule in time to give the grandparents a break. This is everyone’s holiday
after all. Booking a resort with spa treatments included is a good way to make sure
everyone gets a little “me time” for themselves.
The larger the group, the more space you will need. This can open up larger, more grander
accommodation options, especially if costs are being divided. You may even be able to
consider locations that may have been out of your budget before. Villas with private pools
and private dining and living areas are perfect as they have communal areas for everyone to
use.
Do make sure you choose an accommodation option that gives each family their own space.
Travelling is tiring and spending 24/7 together can be a bit much even for the closest of
families. Most resorts offer connecting suites or neighbouring rooms that have private
space to break away for quiet time.
All in all, with just a little planning, travelling with the extended family can be an enjoyable
way to create lifelong memories for everyone.
At Bawah Reserve we have several options for a multi-generational trip from villas and
lodges with two, three and four bedrooms to suites that sit side-by-side and even the
opportunity to book an entire island just for your group.
Download our Family & Group brochure here.