The Do's and Don'ts of Planning a Multigenerational Family Vacation
Organizing a multigenerational family vacation can be a formidable feat, but it can also be a great way to bond and create memories that will last a lifetime. With family members of different ages and interests, planning a successful family travel adventure takes careful consideration and preparation. Believe me, I know. On a recent, seemingly relaxing and easygoing vacation, we did not take into consideration or foresee some of our older family member's needs. Mobility, weather and even meal schedules must be carefully considered when planning for multigenerational family vacations. In this blog post, we will cover the dos and don’ts of planning a multigenerational family vacation, so you can ensure your trip is enjoyable for all.
Do involve everyone in the planning process
When planning a multigenerational family trip, it is important to involve everyone in the process. Grandparents, parents, and kids should all have a say in what the vacation looks like, as each generation will have different needs and wants. While it may seem overwhelming to take into account the wishes of a large number of people, involving everyone in the planning process will make for a more successful and enjoyable vacation with grandparents and kids.
Start by asking each family member what they would like to see, where they would like to go, and how much time they are willing to dedicate to sightseeing. Ask grandparents how much walking they can handle and if there are any limitations due to health or age that need to be taken into account. Factor in meal times and breaks, as well as any naps the children may need.
This will allow you to plan around everyone's limitations. It will give grandparents the ability to opt out of certain activities with enough time to plan for replacement activities of their choosing. By involving everyone in the planning process, you can create a vacation that everyone can enjoy!
Don't try to please everyone
When planning a multigenerational family trip, it can be tempting to try to make everyone happy. After all, this vacation is for all of you to enjoy! However, it’s important to remember that each family member will have different interests and preferences. Instead of trying to find activities that everyone enjoys, plan a schedule that allows people to opt-in or out of certain activities.
For example, if you’re going on a vacation with grandparents and kids, the grandparents may want to relax while the kids want to explore. Instead of forcing them to do one or the other, plan out a few must-dos and then allow people to pick which activities they want to do. This way, everyone can get something out of the trip.
Do find activities that everyone can enjoy
While you shouldn't try to please everyone, it is also important to consider them when it comes to planning activities that everyone can enjoy at least some of the time. The key is to make sure that the activities are age-appropriate and don't involve too much stress. Consider looking for family-friendly attractions such as zoos, museums, aquariums, and amusement parks. These are great ways to get everyone out to have fun together.
You could also make some time for family game night or movie night. The important thing is to ensure that everyone has something fun to do, without any stress or pressure to participate.
Finally, don't forget about the little things. Get creative and look for ways to make this vacation truly special. Think about making a scrapbook of your memories or taking a group photo in front of a famous landmark. Anything to help create lasting memories that everyone can look back on fondly.
Don't forget to relax
When you're planning a multigenerational family vacation, it can be easy to get caught up in trying to please everyone and making sure all of the activities are set. Make sure you, the organizer, has some downtime too. Don't forget to make sure that there's time for you and everyone to relax. Make sure to plan for some downtime, not just think about it. Whether it's lounging by the pool, going for a leisurely stroll, or just taking an afternoon nap. This will ensure that everyone is refreshed and energized for the next day's adventures!
Do make sure everyone has a packed suitcase
When planning a multi-generational family trip, it is important to make sure that everyone has a packed suitcase. Before the trip, provide each family member with a packing list. Let them know what types of weather to expect and be sure to include instructions for packing for both cold and warm weather. Even if it looks like it will be warm throughout the duration of the trip, remind everyone to bring at least a few items that can be layered if necessary.
The last thing anyone wants is for one of their family members to be cold or uncomfortable during the vacation. To avoid this from happening, take time to go over all of the packing requirements with each person before the trip. You may even want to set a deadline for when everyone must have their suitcase packed. That way, you can double-check that all of the necessary items have been included in the suitcases. This is especially necessary when it come to kids.
By taking the time to make sure everyone has their suitcase packed, you will be able to ensure that your multigenerational family vacation is a success!
Don't forget the camera!
When planning a multigenerational family vacation, it’s essential to bring along a camera or two. You’ll want to capture all the memories and special moments that you create on your trip, and having a camera can help to ensure you do just that. With everyone’s phones having cameras these days, it might not be necessary to bring along a traditional camera, but if you’re looking for quality images, a digital camera can make a huge difference. If you have some members of the family who don’t own phones with cameras, then it’s even more important to bring along a camera.
When deciding what type of camera to bring on the trip, consider your budget as well as the quality of the pictures that you’d like. A good point-and-shoot camera can take great photos, while a DSLR camera will give you even better results. If you're looking for video capabilities, consider an action camera or a GoPro.
If your trip involves lots of outdoor activities like hiking or water sports, make sure to find a camera that is waterproof and durable enough to handle the elements. Also consider investing in a protective case or cover so that your camera doesn’t get damaged or wet.
Don’t forget to pack extra batteries and memory cards too, so you can capture as many photos and videos as possible without worrying about running out of space. And when you’re done taking all your amazing shots, make sure to back them up on either your computer or cloud storage. That way, you’ll have a library of great memories from your multigenerational family trip!
