Taking a trip with the whole family is the best way to make lasting memories. If you’re thinking about planning a multi-generational trip with grandma and grandpa along for the ride, here are some tips on how to make sure everyone’s needs are met.
Decide on Your Travel Priorities
When planning a multi-generational family trip, it’s important to consider what each member of your group is interested in. Do they want to experience a brand-new place together? Or would they prefer spending time in a familiar location? Is there someone who needs extra assistance with mobility?
These questions can help shape your itinerary and destination choices.
Define Your Family’s Interests
It’s time to think about what kind of trip you want to take; active or relaxing? Is there anything specific people want to do? What are your children interested in? What are the grandparents interested in?
Once everyone knows what they want to do, it will be easier to find appropriate activities.
Identify Potential Destinations
Based on your family’s interests, make a list of possible destinations. Start by looking at logistics like the weather and cost of each location. Are there other attractions nearby? How much time will each generation want to spend there? The answers to these questions will help determine where your family should go.
For example, Orlando is a great place to travel for large families. Known for its thrilling adventure parks and beautiful beaches, it has something for everyone. If that sounds good to you, consider finding flights to Orlando with Allegiant for great deals on nonstop flights.
Or if it seems like too much work, consider hiring an experienced travel agent who can help organize everything from finding flights and hotels to arranging activities for everyone in your group.
Choose Where to Stay
Once you’ve decided on a location, it’s time to think about where your family will stay. For example, if one group prefers modern hotels and another prefers rustic cabins, everyone will have to meet in the middle.
After deciding on what kind of accommodation to book–and how many bathrooms/bedrooms are available–it’s time to start looking for deals online!
Check out sites like Allegiant, where you can book your flights, hotel rooms, and rental cars, all in one place!
Consider the Timing of Your Trip
Check the calendar for popular travel periods. If you’re traveling during the school year, see if everyone’s seasonal breaks line up.
If you’re traveling during the summer, make sure to confirm other vacations and family events. For example, if you want to travel during July 4th weekend, most likely not everyone will be able to go.
Communicate the Details
Schedule a meeting to discuss details of the trip. This can be a lot of work, but it’s essential to make sure everyone is on the same page. Set up an open communication channel to discuss plans, itineraries, etc.
If possible, designate one person to be in charge of booking everything–and make sure that person gets all necessary information before making reservations!
Plan for Individual Needs
Consider the needs of every family member. This especially includes the physical limitations of grandparents and older relatives who may be less mobile.
If you’re going to a heavily trafficked place like an amusement park, plan ahead to keep track of all the kids (think matching shirts, wristbands with phone numbers, etc.).
Finally, if there are dietary restrictions, make sure everyone can agree on restaurants that have those options.
Transportation Options
To get to your destination, consider finding cheap flights through Allegiant. You can also save on rental cars packages for when you arrive.
Some hotels and resorts offer shuttles straight from the airport. Make sure to check if this is something your accommodation offers.
Commemorate the Trip
There are many ways to preserve the memories of your trip:
- Create a photo album.
- Keep a daily journal.
- Assemble a shadow box with tickets and trinkets you collected.
Try to do this as soon as you get home! That way you can record the details before the memories fade.
Planning a multi-generational family trip can be a fun experience if you plan ahead and make it a priority to keep everyone comfortable and happy.
What do you find helpful for planning a multi-generational vacation?
1 comment
The best way to plan for a multi-generational family trip is to involve everyone in the decision-making process, consider diverse interests and abilities, choose destinations with activities suitable for all ages, create a flexible itinerary, allocate downtime for relaxation, and communicate openly to address concerns and preferences.