Multi-Generational Family Vacation Ideas for 2019

Multi-Generational Family Vacation Ideas for 2019 – There’s a new vacation trending and the odds are, you may have already gotten in on the action! 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 multigenerational 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!

Three generational travel or 3G travel as it’s been called, sounds great to me. Grandparents are invaluable resources of patience and knowledge for my children and spending time with my parents is something I never find enough time for in my busy life. My kids love getting all the extra attention (and getting spoiled) and I enjoy a little downtime when there are extra adult hands to help with childcare. 3G travel has gained popularity in part because Baby Boomer grandparents are healthier and wealthier (and younger than my grandparents were!) and have more resources available to vacation with their adult kids and grand-kids. Many grandparents are still working but have been with the company long enough to be able to take some much needed time off or just working part-time. Millennial parents these days are always on the go, with jobs and responsibilities often encroaching on family time. Even though I am a home schooler, I can certainly relate to this. There’s always somewhere to be, something to do, someone to do those things for. Everyone is busy, even the kids. Schoolwork, sports practice, music lessons, dance, gymnastics. Kids these days have a schedule and it’s a busy one. They benefit just as much as the adults when everyone takes a break together, finding time to reconnect and relax.

Here are some ideas to think about when planning your trip!

1. Look for vacation experiences. Newly added to my bucket list just this year has been the Association of Dude Ranches. They offer a huge variety of fun vacation experiences that are centered around family and nature. When you think of a Dude Ranch you may think about camping under the stars and maybe swatting one too many bugs but that’s not the case! You’ll find ranches with everything from swimming pools with modern accommodations to rustic more outdoorsy set ups. It’s up to you and there are so many of them you’ll easily find the ranch that is right for you within a short distance from your home town!
2. Flexibility is Key    So you’ve decided that taking grand mom and grandpa, mom and dad and the kids doesn’t sound bad?  You feel ready to make a plan!  Now the trick is to find a vacation destination that’s right for everyone.  Get everyone in on this planning phase.  Think flexible pace and activities the family can do together and apart.  Traveling to please three generations requires a balance of flexibility, patience and planning.  Keep the goal of spending quality time as a family in the forefront of all plans.
3. Eliminate the “Host” Family    Family “get togethers” are changing.  It used to be that if everyone got together someone had to host, creating lots of extra work for that person.  It may have been vacation for some, but the host family most likely had to cook, clean and accommodate everyone.  That’s not relaxing!  But special time together creates bonds that money can’t buy!  Togetherness is everything!  But who said it had to be at home?  Why not enjoy that togetherness and make some new memories along the way!  3G travel allows everyone to try new experiences, see new sights and spend time together with those that they love the most.
4. Whatever your choice of destination, multigenerational travel is worth looking into.  Spending time together is priceless and as relationships are strengthened, so are the bonds that last a lifetime.  Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed for any of us.  Our parents age, our children grow up and us?  Those millennials in the group that may soon have to care for our parents not long after we’ve finished caring for our children?  We deserve a break too and spending that time with those who we hold the dearest to our hearts is what vacation is all about.  Multigenerational travel is the wave of the future.  Why not dive in and plan your next vacation with each generation in mind.
5. Consider Everyone’s Budget – Families come in all shapes, sizes and financial brackets.  Make sure everyone’s budget is considered.  If your spending money is a bit tight, there are always free or inexpensive activities to do no matter where you go.  Save money by picnicking or finding a place that has a kitchen so you can cook some of the family meals instead of eating out all the time.  Just remember, no one wants to be stuck in the kitchen or serving a big dinner.  Keep things simple and have everyone pitch in.  Remember that it’s okay not to be together all the time.  Maybe grand mom and grandpa want to go out to a fancy restaurant and mom and dad know the kids won’t behave in such a place.  It’s okay to go your separate ways occasionally and then meet up, maybe for ice cream later.