Why I Finally Said “Yes” to a Multigenerational Travel Proposal
When my mom casually suggested we all take a “big family trip together,” I smiled like someone who just agreed to host Thanksgiving—every year. On paper, it sounded magical: a vacation that included my kids, my wife, my parents, and even my in-laws. In reality, I imagined refereeing squabbles over bedtime routines, dietary preferences, and whether a museum visit counted as “fun.”
But we did it—and I’m here to tell you that multigenerational travel is one of the most rewarding (and surprisingly doable) family adventures we’ve taken.
What Is Multigenerational Travel (and Why Is It Everywhere)?
Simply put, multigenerational travel means three or more generations vacationing together—usually parents, kids, and grandparents. According to AARP, nearly 40% of families now plan trips that include grandparents. Why?
- Grandparents want to make memories while they’re active.
- Parents (me) love a built-in babysitter.
- Kids just want to swim, snack, and not do homework.
It’s a win-win-win—if done right.
Top Destinations for Multigenerational Travel
We needed a location with kid-friendly attractions, comfortable lodging, and wheelchair-accessible bathrooms. Not an easy combo. But after hours of research, here’s what we found works for all ages:
National Parks
Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Acadia—great for scenic drives, easy hikes, and group photo ops. Bonus: most have senior discounts for park passes.
Beach Resorts
All-inclusives like Beaches Turks & Caicos or Club Med Punta Cana offer something for every age group—lazy rivers, kids’ clubs, spa days, and zero need to cook.
Disney (Yes, Seriously)
You haven’t lived until you’ve watched your 70-year-old dad high-five Mickey Mouse while holding your 5-year-old’s churro. It’s pricey—but Disney nails accessibility and age-inclusive fun.
Planning Tips: How to Keep Everyone Sane (and smiling)
1. Start With a Group Chat—Then Make a Spreadsheet
We used WhatsApp for coordination and a shared Google Sheet for budget, lodging, flights, and activity ideas. My dad printed it out and highlighted it like a treasure map. Keeping track of a multigenerational travel budget is super important!
2. Be Real About Budgets
Discuss finances before anyone books anything. We chose lodging where everyone could have their own space but share meals—more affordable than hotels and way more peaceful than cramming into one suite.
3. Plan Together, But Not Everything Together
Here’s the magic formula: One activity for the group in the morning, split up in the afternoon, then dinner together. That rhythm kept everyone sane. Always try to keep at least half a day for the kids, or senior citizens, to have some time off.
4. Book a Place With a Kitchen (Trust Me)
Breakfasts with picky kids and diabetic grandparents? A full kitchen is non-negotiable. We booked a vacation rental with multiple bathrooms and a grill, which quickly became my dad’s sacred domain.
Multigenerational Packing Tips: What We Forgot (But You Won’t)
- Noise machines. For Grandpa’s snoring and toddler naps.
- Deck of cards. Perfect downtime filler that works for every age.
- A stroller AND a walker. We had both. And used both. Even I had to use a crutch one time. Don’t ask.
- Snacks for days. Kids don’t care that you’re hiking. They want Goldfish.
Need more help? Check out our Family Travel Packing Guide for a checklist I actually use.
Meals That Work for Everyone (Even My Picky Eaters)
If you’re planning to eat every meal together, may the odds be ever in your favor. But we had a few go-to options that kept everyone happy:
- Taco night (customizable and crowd-pleasing)
- Make-your-own sandwich bars
- One night out for something “fancy-ish”—where “fancy” just meant cloth napkins
Also: never underestimate the power of ordering pizza and calling it a day.
Let Kids and Grandparents Bond—Without You
One of the unexpected gifts of this trip? Watching my kids play checkers with Grandma while I took a quiet 20-minute nap. The multigenerational setup gives everyone more time and space—and that’s the point.
Your parents will love the chance to pass on family stories. Your kids will love hearing how you used to be grounded for staying out past 8. And you’ll love having someone else around who knows how to work the dishwasher.
When It Goes Sideways (Because It Might)
Was there a fight over who got the room with the king bed? Of course. Did my youngest get carsick halfway to our hike? You bet. Did I sprain my ankle the FIRST day in Barcelona? Sure did. But those are the moments we now laugh about—and they’re part of the story.
Multigenerational travel doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be together.
Final Thoughts: Why I’d Do It Again (and You Should Too)
We came home with a new appreciation for each other, inside jokes, and about 317 blurry group photos where someone’s blinking. Most importantly, we made memories across generations—something you just can’t buy.
If you’re considering a trip with grandparents and kids, stop debating and start planning. You won’t regret it.Also check out: Parenting Section | Product Reviews for Family Travel Gear