Multigenerational,  Travel,  Travel Tips

7 Reasons You Need To Experience Multigenerational Travel

Are you dreaming about planning some multigenerational travel this year? Wondering if a multigenerational vacation is something you and your family would enjoy? Great! You’ve come to the right place. Here are 7 reasons why you need to experience multigenerational travel with your family.

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Multigenerational Travel

What is multigenerational travel?

It really is as simple as it sounds; it involves multiple generations vacationing together. These vacations can include grandparents, parents, and children, or even extended family members such as cousins, aunts, and uncles. The idea behind a multigenerational vacation is to allow different generations to spend quality time together and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Nowadays, older generations are more active than their parents were, and they won’t let their age hold them back from anything, especially family. Multigenerational trips can be a wonderful way to celebrate significant milestones such as birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, or retirements. These special occasions become even more memorable when shared with family. Now is a great time to book that multigenerational vacation you’ve always dreamed of!

Reasons You Need to Experience Multigenerational Travel

Out front of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Townsend, TN.

Over the last few years, everyone has experienced the loss of quality time with friends and family members, especially grandparents. Now more than ever people are realizing the importance of making memories with their families that will last a lifetime. What better way to do that than planning a multigenerational travel experience the whole family will love!

For over 14 years, our family has vacationed with my husband’s parents at least once a year. Each vacation has taught us something new about our family and each other. It also made us realize the impact of traveling as a family has had on our children. Here are a few reasons why your family should experience a multigenerational vacation.

Spend Quality Time With Family

Playing dominoes with grandpa.

At home, we all have the constant pull of work, school, sports, hobbies, and life in general. When you are on vacation, you are able to step away from all that and focus on the people you are with. That is of great important if you are vacationing with family members who live in a different city or state and you might not see all the time.

Multigenerational travel also provides a unique opportunity for family members of all ages to come together and realize the importance of prioritizing family time. It allows you to spend quality time with your loved ones, away from the distractions of daily life, fostering deeper connections. For children, multigenerational travel also offers a chance to create special memories with their grandparents. Grandparents can often play a significant role in a child’s life, and a vacation together can be a meaningful way to strengthen their relationship.

Also, traveling with multiple generations ensures a built-in support system. If someone in the group has special needs or requires assistance, family members can chip in to provide the necessary help and care.

Relive Childhood Memories

Charlene and I visiting Grand Haven, MI.

No matter what memories they are, a trip down memory lane is good for the heart! A vacation with grandparents is the perfect time to create childhood memories for your own children.

If you were to ask someone what their favorite childhood memory was, more than likely it would involve travel. Some of the most vivid memories I have as a child involve a family trip somewhere in the U.S.. As a family of six, we drove everywhere and we camped in a tent almost every place we visited. Not every trip went as planned but they sure made for some great memories that we can still laugh about to this day.

Multigenerational travel can create a legacy of exploration and adventure within your family. It sets a positive example for younger generations, encouraging them to embrace travel and seek new experiences throughout their lives.

Tailor A Trip Around Everyone’s Interests

Winnie the Pooh at Animal Kingdom – Disney World

Multigenerational travel can also cater to a variety of interests and preferences. Whether you enjoy adventure, relaxation, cultural exploration, or outdoor activities, you can plan a trip that accommodates everyone’s desires.

Does your family like theme parks? Are you an “all-inclusive,” “relax on the beach” type of people? Or does your family enjoying being out in nature hiking and chasing waterfalls? Then by all means, grab your boots and backpack and let’s get going!

But don’t worry! (I can see you people in the back freaking out.) That doesn’t mean that everyone on the vacation has to like the same thing, all the time.

During the planning stages, make sure to find out what everyone’s interests are and plan activities that everyone can enjoy. That can also mean planning separate activities as well. You don’t have to be together 100% of the time while on vacation. Whatever type of vacation interests your family, I’m sure there is a place that will check the boxes for each person’s needs.

If you need planning help, we’ve put together a list that is filled with tips for how to plan an enjoyable multigenerational vacation.

Gives You A New Perspective On the World

Whale Shark at the Georgia Aquarium.

Each generation brings its own unique perspective to the trip. Younger family members may offer a fresh outlook on technology and trends, while older generations can provide knowledge and historical context. This blend of perspectives enhances the overall multigenerational travel experience.

When you travel as a family, you learn to appreciate the things around you in a new light. Like that moment when you’re standing at the base of a giant sequoia tree and you realize just how small you really are in the grand scheme of things. Or when you visit the Georgia Aquarium and you catch a glimpse of the look of sheer amazement on your kids’ faces as a huge whale sharks swims in front of them.

Benefit From New Experiences

Shooting a cannon at Fort Mackinac – Mackinac Island, MI

When you are planning a multigenerational vacation, one of the best tips I can give you is to make sure that you ask everyone what their interests are. That way everyone gets to do something on vacation that interests them. You never know, maybe you will try something new that you may not have ever thought about trying before. Being surrounded by the ones you love will give you the confidence to try new things.

Greater Appreciation For the World Around You

Watching the sunset from the summit of Haleakala – Maui, HI

How many times have to driven past something in your home state and you didn’t even bat an eye? We’ve all been there, and done that!

Our family just took a multigenerational trip to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in the Upper Peninsula of MIchigan, our home state. Even though I’ve lived my entire life in Michigan, we had never visited Pictured Rocks. As I stood on the edge in amazement at the waterfalls and sheer size of the rock formations, I noticed a lady standing next to me. She was in tears and literally speechless.

Something as simple as rocks can have a huge impact on someone. Just think of all the beauty that lies across the United States, and in your own state, that you haven’t yet explored. Get out there! What are you waiting for?!

Multigenerational Travel Creates Lifelong Memories

Cousins ROCK! – Townsend, TN

If the thought of planning a multigenerational vacation has crossed your mind… stop making excuses and just do it! Traveling with multiple generations creates lasting memories that can be cherished by everyone involved. Whether it’s exploring new destinations, trying new activities, or simply enjoying each other’s company, these shared experiences become cherished stories for years to come.

Multigenerational travel helps nurture a stronger bond between grandparents and grandchildren, parents and children, and even cousins and aunts and uncles. Making memories while traveling is the gift that keeps on giving as we get older.

When asked: “What’s the biggest mistake we make in life?” The Buddha replied, “The biggest mistake is you think you have time. Time is free but it is priceless.”

20 Comments

  • Travel A-Broads

    We used to go on trips like this growing up. Sadly, my grandparents are no longer with us, and my brother and I don’t have children of our own yet, but I would love to travel with his wife, my boyfriend and our parents sometime in the future. Thanks for sharing! Xx Sara

    • Trisha

      I’m sorry to hear that your grandparents are no longer with you. However, I love the idea of you going on a trip with your brother, parents, your boyfriend, and his parents! I have a post coming up with multigenerational vacation destination recommendations that you might find helpful. I’ll share it with you when it’s complete.

  • Pafoua

    Love this idea! I love traveling with my parents and in-laws and have been on one trip with my grandma. I think this would be a wonderful tradition to start once I have kids. Thank you for sharing!

  • Julie

    I could not agree more!! Everyone should experience multigenerational travel. My girls did so much with my parents over the years. Now that my mom is no longer with us, I’m happy they still have a lifetime of memories.

    • Trisha

      The lifelong memories are the highlight of each trip we have ever taken. Just like you, we love being able to laugh, and cry, about the time we have spent together.

  • Marianne

    We used to vacation with our grandmother all the time as kids. She lived with us, so it was only logical she would come. In November, my mom traveled with us to Quebec. That was my kids’ first multigenerational vacation.

    • Trisha

      You must have some amazing memories from when you lived with your grandmother. How great that your children were able to vacation with their grandmother too! Grandmas are the best!

  • Gloria

    Wow. I had never heard of this concept but I love it. My parents and niece will be visiting me in the summer so I guess I will find out what it’s like

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