1. Stay in one place.
Yes, you could plan an epic family journey that has you hopping around from destination to destination. But the bigger your group gets, the harder it is to herd your travelers easily—and you’ll spend less quality time together and more time in transit.
Instead, plan to have one or two home bases throughout your trip, with optional excursions to area attractions for those who want to explore further afield.
2. Consider accessibility.
If you have older family members—or family members with mobility issues in general—picking an accessible destination is key. Look for wheelchair-friendly attractions or places with minimal walking distances, so no one has to be left out of the fun.
3. Skip the standard hotel room.
You want plenty of together time … but that doesn’t mean you want to be breathing down one another’s necks! Be sure your entire family has plenty of room to spread out by swapping out a hotel for a villa rental, or sprawling connected suites at a resort.
4. Choose ease whenever possible.
It’s hard to avoid some of the chaos of traveling with a big group with diverse needs. To calm the chaos, invest in services that will make your trip more effortless—like a private driver to pick your group up at the airport (instead of using public transportation or a shared shuttle bus), or even a night or two at your rental villa with a private chef. No need to leave for dinner, and your chef can whip up a menu to please everyone in your group!
5. Let go of the urge to do everything together.
The key to a successful multigenerational journey? Not forcing things. Some members in your group may want to relax a bit more, while others yearn to explore. Build in some breathing room with a balanced itinerary that alternates chunks of “free time” with more structured excursions and activities.
6. Consider a cruise.
Yes, staying in one place is an easy option—but a great way to explore multiple destinations at once without having to move accommodations is via an ocean or river cruise! Cruises in general are great for groups, since they generally have plenty of activities on board to suit a variety of interests. Family members can discover and play on their own during the day, then gather together for an evening meal and share about their discoveries together.
7. Hire child care.
The adults in your group may want some grown up bonding time just for themselves. Consider hiring childcare at least one evening of your family getaway, so you all can catch up without having to keep an eye on the kids. This is a great opportunity, as well, to model how important it is for parents to take time for themselves!
8. Set expectations.
Different travelers may have different ideas of a “dream trip”—avoid any potential disappointment by sharing as much as possible about the family trip ahead of time. Communicate early and clearly about trip specifics like the pace, special excursions planned, what activities are designed for the whole group vs. optional, etc. You’ll be able to head off potential conflict before the plane even takes off.
Ready to embark on your own multigenerational family escape? We would love to plan it for you—connect with Heirloom Journeys on a complimentary consultation call to get started.
