If you haven’t heard, multi-generational travel is the hottest trend in family travel. At the New York Times Travel Show seminar “Trending in Family Travel: Multi-generational Travel Trends” hosted by Kyle McCarthy of Family Travel Forum, I got the latest scoop on this hot topic.
I’ve taken many multi-generational trips with my daughter and I definitely think its a win-win all around. Here we are last year on a Disney cruise.
Globetrotting Mommy Family Travel 101: Top 10 Tips for Multigenerational Travel
If you’re planning a getaway with your parents or in-laws, siblings or grandparents, here are Top 10 Tips for Successful Multi-Generational Travel.
1) Try to plan as far in advance as possible to make the trip as smooth and affordable as possible. Book early to secure the best flights and hotel prices and be sure to use online comparison booking sites. If you’re traveling oversees, be sure to look into kid fares available on many foreign carriers. Try to travel during shoulder season and look for promotions where kids can stay and eat for free. Don’t forget to ask for AAA or senior discounts.
2) Discuss the trip budget in advance and agree on who will pay for what to avoid any uncomfortable moments. Be super clear about each family’s financial responsibility and either break it down by category (one family covers air, another covers hotel, etc.) or agree to split things evenly.
3) Discuss parenting and discipline issues with in-laws before traveling. If you don’t want your kids eating certain foods or participating in certain activities, be sure to let everyone know ahead of time. Be clear on babysitting responsibilities and try to give each set of parents a kid-free day or night (or more).
4) Consider renting a home so travelers can have space, privacy and the chance to eat on their own schedule. This is especially nice for families with little kids where the children can eat early and go to bed and the adults can enjoy a leisurely meal without worrying about babysitters.
5) Plan a trip that is important to your family’s history like exploring your ancestry or celebrating a family member’s milestone birthday. This could mean a trip to a grandparent’s home town, a parent’s alma mater, etc. This is a great way to bond a family and create a lifetime of memories, especially if it entails exploring a new culture.
6) Organize a trip that highlights your family’s passions or interests. Maybe you want to attend a sporting event like the Olympics or Super Bowl or visit a destination where the whole family can learn how to fly fish, ski, cook, etc.
7) Consider visiting National Park Service parks where travelers will find an array of family friendly activities and affordable rates.
8) Make sure to build in some down time. Little ones and grandparents will need time to nap and recharge their batteries while teens will want some alone time. Everyone will appreciate a little time to relax on the beach or explore new towns at their own pace but be sure to have some “hang out” time where family members can play board games, decorate cookies and partake in other bonding activities.
9) All-inclusive resorts and cruises are great options for large families with active big eaters. They are also great for families where not all siblings have children since there will be an array of adult activities.
10) Treats and bribes work well for kids of all ages. This could mean ice cream and park visits for small kids or shopping trips and special dining options for older ones.
If you”re interested in learning more about Kyle’s presentation, click here for the full slideshow.
Bon voyage…
and Ziplocs are your best friend. Pack pajamas in one air compression bag and socks/undies/diapers in another and squeeze till flat. Depending on where we’re going, I usually use Ziplocs for my daughter’s individual outfits or like items (bathing suits, tops, bottoms, etc.). For going home, you can use these bags to keep the dirty laundry away from the clean things.
for the plane. Always pack chargers in your carry-on bag.
as a carry on because it doubles as a ride-on toy (shown above).
, magic pen/books and coloring books/crayons and cards are good non-electronic options. I always pack a surprise toy or two in my suitcase like Legos, Play Doh or bead necklace kits to keep my daughter busy in the hotel. If you’re going somewhere beachy, bring along beach toys which can double as bath toys.
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