Multi-Generational Travel for International Families
Create Lasting Memories with your Whole Family 👴👱♂️👶
Multi-generational travel is a way to bridge that distance and create special moments together. It's about spending quality time with grandparents, and creating lasting memories for your whole family.
Done well, it could well be something you'll remember for the rest of your lives. 💗
We've been on a few multi-generational trips, and hope to do a lot more! We're still figuring it out, but we've gathered some practical tips on what has worked (and what hasn't):
🗓 1. Plan Ahead
- Ideally start organising 3-6 months before a trip so you can coordinate schedules (school holidays, work etc), find affordable flights and accomm, weather, and create an itinerary that takes the whole family into account.
📍 2. Choose Destination Wisely
This is not easy, but you ideally need to pick a destination, and area or suburb within that destination, that caters to everyone. Consider:
- Places that are good for both kids and seniors (e.g. in Bali, we did a ton of research and found the area of Sanur fit this need)
- Different interests and activity levels
- That are easy to get to
- Accessibility and medical needs
- This tool to meet halfway.
🏨 3. Book Comfortable Accommodation
When it comes to multi-generational travel, comfort matters. Choose accommodation that:
- Is a bit more luxurious than you would usually book. Totally worth it.
- Has breakfast included. It's a game-changer when you don't have to go out searching for where to eat in the morning.
- Has enough bedrooms and private spaces for everyone
- Has a kitchen
- Prioritises accessibility (if required).
🏊♀️ 4. Find Activities for All Ages
- Embrace different interests: let each family member pick an activity that appeals to them
- Choose for activities that accommodate different mobility levels
- Schedule 2 hour to max. half-day activities to avoid exhaustion and allow for downtime (we learned this the hard way by trying to do a full day driving tour in Bali - it was too much for both the youngies and the oldies)
🏖 5. Don't Overdo It
- Focus on quality rather than quantity of activities (kids get grumpy, grandparents get tired)
- Allow for free time and flexibility in the itinerary
- For every 1-2 days of activity, dedicate one day of chilling by the pool or beach.
🍽 6. Balance Eating out and in
- Mix dining out with occasional home-cooked meals (depending on where and how long you're staying - as you may eat out every meal)
- Cooking can be good for the night after a big day, and help save money, but don't miss out on experiencing local food and restaurants (especially for the kids).
🙏 7. Discuss Finances and show Appreciation
- Determine how expenses will be handled beforehand
- Share costs fairly
- Show gratitude if someone shouts you something on the trip!
🧘♂️ 8. Give Space
- Give each other space. You don’t have to do everything together! In fact, it's much better if you don't
- Take advantage of having the grandparents there and go on a date night!
🩺 9. Consider Health
It's a reality that older travelers often have existing health problems, and kids are more likely to get sick on the road. So:
- Pack essential medical supplies
- Be prepared for minor illnesses.
What are your top tips for multi-generational trips? Let us know in the comments!