How to Choose a Resort for Multi-generational Travel – Making a vacation happen with multiple generations of people could get rather challenging. One year, I tried to get all my family together, and I just chose the least expensive place I could find for everyone. Well, the pool was broken, the kids were fighting, and the whole thing can quickly turn into chaos with a lot of whining and complaining!
I mean in theory sounds fabulous. You have tons of babysitters, cousins can play with each other, and everyone you love is in one place. However, if you don’t choose just right, you may leave feeling like you just threw yourself under a bus.
To avoid the pitfalls of complaining, fighting, and anyone leaving, you need to stay in a resort that offers a little something for everyone – adventure, serenity, peace, activities and even something for thrill seekers. Can it be done? You betcha!
For a few decades it seems we became a society that didn’t value the wisdom of grandparents but I think we’ve come a full 360 degrees and families have come to realize the benefits of having grandparents in the home and especially on vacation! Planning multi-generational travel is one of the fastest growing areas for the travel industry and with all the positives involved, it’s not hard to see why! Whether living close together or a thousand miles apart, families are coming together to enjoy a break from the daily grind and the benefits for everyone are tremendous. Experiences are the spice of life!
How to Choose a Resort for Multi-generational Travel
If you are thinking about getting everyone together which means having multiple generations all in one place, it’s important to do your research. So, I have put together a guide on how to choose a resort for multi-generational travel!
Determine a Budget
First and foremost, you do have to determine a budget. Some relatives just can’t afford $600 a night at a resort. So, you have to keep that in mind. However, you also don’t want to just pick something that is cheap. Grandparents are frequently more comfort conscious than budget conscious so try to meet in the middle with everyone involved.
My advice is to give everyone approximately a year to come up with the money for the group trip. For example, after our chaotic adventure, we all got together and talked about the following year and how much we could all afford to chip in. These are great conversations to have over the Thanksgiving dining table!
Communicate about Preferences
Of course, not everyone is going to get exactly what they want all the time, but by communicating, you can come to an agreement. Talk among each other and find out what the majority of the family would like. Here are some questions to get you started:
- Do we want a condo, hotel room or house rental?
- Do we want to share space with other relatives or just get places next to each other?
- Should we find somewhere that has a refrigerator & full kitchen?
- Should we hit an all inclusive so no one has to cook?
- Do we need a pool?
- What activities would we enjoy together?
- What activities would we enjoy separate (it’s ok to go off for off for 1/2 a day then come back together)
Write these answers down to come up with a list of preferences you just can’t do without.
Avoid Hard to Reach Places
You will want to look for resorts that are near most of the family. If you choose a destination in which people must get a plane ticket and fly, you are risking family members feeling left out. The point of multi-generational travel is not going all out, but going all together! Experience 1st, place/travel comes 2nd.
So, look for a resorts that everyone can get to easily or within a reasonable amount of time.
Look for a Resort that Has Activities
One thing I can tell you from experience is that not everyone likes to just lay around at the pool or beach all day. Finding a resort that offers various activities gives your family the option to choose what they would like to do and when.
Keep in mind that it is ok to split up and do different activities. Try to plan an activity to do together, meet up for dinner each night, or go somewhere you can all enjoy. Most resorts have amenities, but be sure you have lots of options. Think nature walks, bike riding, pools, beaches, zip line, tubing, golf etc.
Check Out Cancellation Policies
You never know what could happen especially if you are planning a big multi-generational trip with young and old. It is always a good idea to find a resort that offers you insurance or a way to make a cancellation without paying for the full price. Most places want you to cancel at least 24 hours in advance but some resorts may have extreme cancellation policies. So, find out what their cancellation policy looks like. Make sure that you will be able to cancel if you need to (just keep that option open).
Should You Consider a Travel Professional
If you have a lot of opinions, requests, or just can’t find the right resort that fits all your needs, consider hiring a travel professional. Not only does this take all the burden off of you, but you are sure to find something that fits everyone. Choosing a good travel professional means they have connections and strong bonds with various resorts. So, you can often score some great deals and perks such as upgrades, preferred rooms, spas, free breakfast, and more. Be sure to have 1 family point of contact with the travel agent as too many families members calling him/her will get overwhelming quickly.
Get a Resort Recommendation
Of course, with all your planning, it is still a good idea to find out from others what they have found to be the best resort for their multi-generational travel.
In my experience, I have found the Massanutten Resort Virginia (located just a couple hours outside of the Washington DC metro area) to be a great experience for everyone involved. We prefer to get a condo or house rental because we can all easily cook our own food, and it gives us an “escape” when things get overwhelming. I don’t mind cooking and it’s a great way to save money for the budget minded in the family and you can also show off some of your favorite family recipes!
About Massanutten Resort
Massanutten Resort offers you a plethora of options that can fit just about any generation of people. Set on 6,000 acres of sprawling land in the heart of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, Massanutten Resort is a premier all-season resort destination that offers virtually every type of traveler an amazing experience. Outdoor enthusiasts and adventure buffs can enjoy Massanutten’s Mountain Bike Park, offering exciting jump trails for beginners and veteran riders alike, and hiking Massanutten’s Western Slope. For those seeking a relaxing escape, the resort Spa delivers a wide menu of services including manicures, pedicures, detoxifying massages, and more (perfect for mother-daughter time).
The resort is also a paradise for adventurous families, featuring an indoor/outdoor water park complete with a triple-jet FlowRider® Endless Wave, a 1920s-themed escape room, the Family Adventure Park, and a petting zoo. Seasonal sports activities include two challenging 18-hole golf courses, skiing, ice skating, and snow tubing.
After spending a mother-daughter trip at the resort in June I’m hooked on Massanutten and can’t wait to plan a group trip to return! (images are from my personal trip with my daughter!)
Lodging
If you are looking for accommodations that offer a large capacity of people, Woodstone Meadows and The Summit both offer four bedrooms, sleeping units that fit up to 12 people. Of course, you can also find different arrangements such as hotel rooms that fit up to 4 people too.
Activities
Not only will you find a plethora of sleeping options, but Massanutten Resort Virginia offers guests plenty of things to do. Here are just a few of the activities you can do right on the resort:
- Golf
- Play and swim at the waterpark
- Escape Rooms and VR
- Family Adventure Park
- Fishing, hiking, and horseback riding
- Carriage rides
- A scenic chairlift ride
- Activities for kids including shows, art, and fun
- Live Events
With so much to do and see, this resort has everything anyone could want to do. Our family loves it which is why we plan to go back year after year.
Are you planning any multi-generational travel? Would you like to? If so, share it in the comments below for others to enjoy.
Hubby and I are talking about getting our grown and young children (and grandchild) together for a family vacation. I definitely don’t want anyone fighting. We will be asking these questions to make the best decision.
[* Shield plugin marked this comment as “spam”. Reason: Failed GASP Bot Filter Test (checkbox) *]
Planning a multi-generational trip that will make everyone in your family happy can be challenging. In my family we have four generations and we plan a getaway together at least once a year. The group ranges in age from 6 to 78 so there’s a lot to consider. Here are some tips for making multi-generational travel work—and ensuring you’re all still speaking to each other when you’re back home.