Multigenerational Family Travel
Multi-generational travel is big and getting bigger. As baby boomers become grandparents and seniors become more active, families are opting for multigenerational family trips which can be fun for all and if planned correctly, can easily enrich the travel experience for everyone.
Multigenerational vacations have become an increasingly common way for generations to connect between weddings and funerals. A recent survey more than a third of grandparents traveled with their grandchildren. Today's seniors are living longer, heathier, and more mobile lives and are eager to make up for lost time and long distances away from beloved grandchildren.
The potential rewards of multigenerational vacations are many. So are the challenges. The goal is to overcome the obstacles so everyone can enjoy the benefits: Kids get more attention than usual and the chance to enjoy relatives in a less formal setting than a family function. For parents, the trip can provide a respite from 24/7 childrearing, earn them brownie points with their own parents, and maybe even create some husband-wife cuddle time. Grandparents get to enjoy the fruits of their labors in ways that a single holiday meal doesn't really allow.
If you are thinking about planning a family vacation and want to avoid the potential 
pitfalls involved in the effort - Ask Us! We're family travel experts. Let us help you host an exciting multi-generational journey over your next vacation period. We'll show you just how easy and exciting it can be.
How to Plan a Multigenerational Family Vacation
- Start Planning Early
Surveying the participants a year ahead of your planned departure is key to determining what kind of holiday everyone is interested in. It’s the first step towards determining the where, the what, and the when. Keep in mind the ages and physical abilities of all of the family members.
- Coordinate Travel
Many families are spread out across the country. It’s important to determine whether it’s best for everyone to leave from the same place, or instead meet at your destination. Hiring one of our travel agents who specialize in family travel can make complicated planning -- easier for everyone. Don't forget there may also be ground travel arrangements involved!
- Money, Money, Money
Traveling can be expensive, and even though pooling resources among family members can save you money, it still involves a discussion about who will pay for things, and how expenses will be divided up during your travels. Determine the payment pattern before you even book any flights or accommodations. This will help minimize misunderstandings and reduce possible resentment about family members ‘not paying their way.’ It’s not the easiest subject to bring up, but not discussing it can ruin your holiday and create long-lasting bitterness.
- Home Away from Home
Accommodation is the most important and often the largest expense item on any trip. One of the biggest benefits of traveling as an extended family are the cost savings that can come from pooling resources and sharing space. Working with a pro gets you the best value - everytime!
- Patience is a Virtue
While it helps to have a good relationship with your family members when planning a trip together, even the best relations can be severely tested. It’s critical to face potential issues before the vacation. Talk with one another otherwise your dream holiday can turn sour, quickly.
- The Necessity of Compromise
Like life, traveling as an extended family requires recognizing the need to compromise. If you’ve planned your trip well, you already know what everyone really wants to do on the holiday, and whether or not the schedule will allow for them to get something of what they wish for. Ideally, all family members have to commit to giving a little to get something back.
Mapping out a schedule in advance (that still allows for some flexibility) will allow everyone to get their ideas on the table and hopefully permit each family member to achieve at least one of their own ‘trip highlights.’
- Celebrate Togetherness
Spending quality family time on holiday is a privilege and a gift. It’s a time to celebrate being together as a family and for everyone to enjoy themselves! Reconnecting with each other and across generations can be especially important if everyone lives in different cities, and doesn’t get to spend much time together throughout the year.
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Why choose Viking Travel/The Cruise Shop to Plan Your Multigenerational Family Travel:
1. Planning a trip today can be confusing and time consuming. We can arrange the transportation and may save you money with early booking discounts, special fares, hotel deals and travel advisories.
2. Strong relationships with travel suppliers & the latest technology enable us to access up-to-date information on how to get you the best value.
3. When you travel you need an advocate. Your best interests are our priority.
4. Benefit from the convenience of one-stop shopping for all your travel arrangements.
5. Receive the highest quality of service from our educated, knowledgeable and expert staff.
6. We will go the "Extra Mile."