Planning a multigenerational family trip can be a rewarding experience. After all, these vacations create lasting memories for the whole family. However, it’s normal to feel a little overwhelmed figuring out all the details for a family getaway. You’ll need to account for the different ages, interests, and needs of everyone involved so the whole group enjoys the trip. A travel advisor’s expertise can help you plan a multigenerational family vacation that everyone in the group will cherish for years to come.
Exclusive Offers.
Sign up to receive personalized promotions and packages for your next vacation from trusted travel experts.
Talk With Family Members
Your first order of business should be discussing trip ideas with your family. Set up a group chat or gather family members together in person at least 12 months prior to when you want to take the trip to talk about budgets, preferences, and expectations. You’ll also want to use this time to figure out who will be in charge of planning. This might be one person handling everything or a list of responsibilities delegated to several people. You may also want to consider using a travel advisor to handle all the logistics for you so everyone can fully relax and enjoy the trip.
No matter what you choose, clear communication is essential. Make sure to discuss and come to a decision regarding:
- Dates: Will this trip occur during school months, summer vacation, or over a holiday? At the very least, have your family narrow down the month you want to travel in.
- Top priorities: Find out what everyone is looking for out of the trip. For instance, if members of your family want a trip with both beach and jungle access, a destination like Costa Rica would align with those priorities.
- Identification: Make sure everyone in the family has current passports or valid domestic ID to fly. If someone doesn’t have the proper documentation, now is the time to take care of it. Remember, even infants need passports to travel internationally.
- Budget: Identify how family members are splitting costs or if one person is paying for everything at booking. This may determine what budget you have to work within.
- Necessities: Consider any special requests you may want or need, such as accommodating family members with mobility issues with a resort that offers elevators, smaller grounds for less walking, and secondary modes of transportation like golf carts to help guests get around.
Pick a Destination
After collecting input, narrow down where you want to go. Ideally, the best destination for your family offers activities and attractions for everyone. The destination also needs to be accessible to all family members, including those with mobility issues. Beachfront destinations and cruises are always popular choices.
Ideally, you should have possible dates and a destination or two in mind before consulting with an agent so they can provide you with the best recommendations for destinations and accommodations.
Consider Travel Logistics
Working with a travel agent will be exceptionally helpful when it comes to travel logistics.
Chances are you have family members who live in other cities or states but want to get everyone to the same destination around the same time. Special arrangements may also be necessary for family members with disabilities or mobility issues. Let your travel advisor know if you need them to book the group’s airfare or if everyone in your family will be responsible for booking their own flights to the destination. Airlines often offer deals for groups, which may be helpful for families who meet minimum passenger requirements.
Transportation to and from the airport can be arranged, whether travelers are arriving together on the same flight or at different times, including any necessary car seats or booster seats. Your travel advisor can even give you a quote for a private bus or shuttle if many travelers are arriving on the same flight.
Choose Accommodations
When selecting accommodations, space, and privacy are among the most important factors. Renting a large vacation home, booking adjoining hotel rooms, or opting for family suites are just a couple of options to consider. Before finalizing your accommodations, make sure they have any amenities you need like a kitchen or common area. Some resorts even offer group amenities if you book a certain number of rooms. Your travel advisor will be able to help secure the best rates and group perks available for your vacation, as well as rooms near other family members.
Book Your Trip
If individual families are booking, the group contact should distribute your travel advisor’s name and phone number so families can call within a few days of one another to make their reservations. Prices can change daily, so the sooner everyone books, the better the price everyone will have. Everyone should be aware of their final payment date and cancellation terms, which will be outlined on their invoices. Your advisor will likely recommend booking airfare at this time as well to ensure you get the best pricing and availability. Once the trip is booked, it’s important to have all travelers’ full names and dates of birth so reservations can be made simultaneously.
Needing to cancel or change plans is a very real possibility; it’s important to have travel protections in place. However, multigenerational trips often include many travelers in many different age groups and insurance costs will vary greatly from infants to elderly travelers. Advisors can guide you through the quoting process and recommend the best policy for your group. Some travel insurance even allows anyone in your party to cancel for any reason without repercussions.
Create a Flexible Itinerary
Since a multigenerational family trip includes people of all ages, you’ll need to plan age-appropriate activities that cater to everyone. However, just because it’s a family vacation doesn’t mean you have to spend every second with your loved ones. Schedule downtime so both adults and children avoid overwhelm and factor in free time for family members to spend doing things they’re interested in. Flexibility and balance are important for accommodating varying energy levels and interests among family members. Travel advisors can also assist with itinerary planning. Turn to your advisor to book activities ranging from private dinners at your hotel’s restaurant or public spaces to excursions off hotel property!
