Some of the most meaningful and memorable travel experiences are those that bring generations together, and more and more travelers are discovering the unique benefits of this kind of travel. According to the Family Travel Association, multigenerational travel has been growing steadily over the past few years, with three and sometimes even four generations included. A recent American Express survey found that almost 60% of Millennial and Gen Z parents surveyed plan to bring their extended family on vacation, citing “quality time” as the main reason.

Experience the Benefits of Multigenerational Travel

Young families today stay very busy with work, school and sports’ schedules and other commitments. Spending quality time with grandparents can be a rare occurrence, especially if they don’t live nearby. Multigenerational travel can give families the opportunity to slow down and focus on reconnecting with each other. Children get to know their grandparents on a deeper level and grandparents get to experience the joy of seeing the world through a child’s eyes.

What to Consider When Choosing a Destination

Planning a trip that appeals to multiple generations requires thoughtful planning. The ideal destination should offer something for everyone, while accommodating different energy levels, interests and mobility and accessibility needs. What makes a great destination can vary from family to family, but in general, the best multigenerational destinations should have:

• Flexible pacing that includes a mix of relaxation and activities

• Easy accessibility and transportation, especially if there are very young children or members of the group with mobility challenges

• Dining and entertainment options for different age groups

• Opportunities for shared experiences as well as independent activities

• Accommodations with common gathering spaces

All-inclusive resorts and cruises are often good options because they offer activities for all ages and they make planning easy. Coastal or mountain destinations with walkable downtowns and family-friendly attractions and national parks with accessible trails are also good choices.

Planning a Multigenerational Trip That is Meaningful for Everyone

One of the keys to a successful family vacation is recognizing that everyone has different travel styles. Some members of the group may appreciate leisurely mornings, meaningful cultural experiences and plenty of downtime, while others may prefer packed itineraries and active adventures. Having open conversations during the aHaplanning process can help ensure you choose a destination that is enjoyable for everyone involved.

A helpful approach is building “together time” and “independent time” into the itinerary. This allows family members to participate in the activities they enjoy, while still having time for connection and shared memories. If your family is staying at a resort, younger children can spend part of the day in the kids’ club, while teens and younger adults may enjoy activities like surfing lessons or water-skiing. Other members of the party can take part in cooking lessons, yoga on the beach or learning about the local culture. At the end of the day, the whole family can gather for dinner or evening entertainment and share their experiences.

Bringing the Generations Together to Create Memories That Last a Lifetime

Traveling with multiple generations creates opportunities to step away from the stress and routines of daily life and focus on getting to know one another on a deeper level, strengthening relationships, and making memories that will be cherished for years to come.

Whether it is introducing grandchildren to a favorite destination, discovering a new place together or simply sharing family stories over a meal, multigenerational travel reminds us that the most meaningful experiences are often the ones shared with the people we love most.

Touchstone Communities Helps Seniors Enjoy the Moments That Matter

At Touchstone Communities, we understand how important it is for seniors to stay active, engaged and connected with loved ones. Our personalized rehabilitation therapy services help individuals recover from injuries, illnesses and surgeries and regain strength, mobility and independence. Whether the goal is returning home or embarking on a multigenerational trip, we’re here to help seniors get back to enjoying life’s most meaningful moments. Contact us to learn more.