Bringing together the generations through travel is such a rewarding experience. Seeing grandkids bonding with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other relatives makes getting on the plane so worth it.
But traveling with such a large family group, full of travelers with different needs, comes with challenges. If you want to minimize stress and maximize fun on your multigenerational family getaway, here are two trip styles I recommend:
An Ocean Cruise
An ocean cruise makes the ideal backdrop for a multigenerational travel experience for so many reasons. For one, it’s easy for different members of your family to do what interests them—and for other members to opt out. For example, younger family members can explore ports of call on walking tours or enjoy raucous on-board entertainment like surf simulators, while older family members (or those with mobility challenges) can relax by the pool, enjoy a massage, or take in a show. Then, everyone can meet up for dinner and share about their days!
An ocean cruise is also an easy travel experience, which is a must for big travel groups like multigenerational families. When you’re hanging out with all the grandparents, cousins, and the like, you don’t want to think about ordering Ubers, making reservations, and rounding people up for dinner. On a cruise, you don’t have to! Meals and entertainment are included.
Finally, there are so many ocean cruises that depart from the U.S., meaning your big family group doesn’t have to endure a long trans-continental plane ride before your vacation gets started. Explore the Caribbean if you know your kids will love splashing it up at the beaches, or opt for a cruise to Alaska if you’re a family of nature lovers! Even the family members who aren’t keen to hike across glaciers will enjoy viewing the astounding scenery from the cruise decks.
An All-Inclusive Resort
An ocean cruise may be the best pick for multigenerational families who are eager to explore, while an all-inclusive resort is better suited to families ready to kick back, relax, and simply enjoy one another’s company in beautiful surroundings. Both all-inclusives and cruises have the “easy” factor going for them—though all-inclusives I think are even more effortless. That’s because, unlike some cruises, most all-inclusives truly include everything: meals, drinks, entertainment, and often even transfers to and from the airport. Once your family arrives, you don’t have to think about anything else besides hanging out together.
All-inclusive resorts are also a wonderful option for “mixed” family groups, meaning some of your family members are bringing along kids and some aren’t. Many resorts offer kids clubs and childcare options, so all of the adults can enjoy some bonding time together sans kids. Plus, family-friendly all-inclusive resorts typically have certain designated spaces within the resort just for adults—like an adult-only pool area—or are adjacent to a sister property that’s adults only. This allows child-free family members to enjoy some relaxing “adult” time and then join the full family group when they want to. Flexibility like this is often key to a successful and stress-free multigenerational escape!
Similar to cruises, your family wouldn’t have to travel too far to check into an all-inclusive resort, since they’re concentrated in Mexico and the Caribbean. A bond-building journey is closer than you think!
Ready to embark on your own effortless family journey?
My team and I at Diya Vacations would love to help—book your complimentary consultation call with me to get started.
