Family Group Travel: A Multi-Generational Experience

Photo credit: conbon33 on Flickr

Group travel isn’t anything new – from student travel groups to senior travel groups, people have traveled in packs for many years. However, recently, there’s been more of a trend toward family group travel – as multiple generations of families are now going on vacation together. Sometimes, it’s the best way for a family to maximize their vacation time – with only a few weeks off, family group travel allows them to see a new destination and see their family. Or, other times, Grandma and Grandpa want to enjoy a special destination, like Walt Disney World, with their grandkids. If you are considering a family group travel trip, here are some tips to make sure it goes smoothly.

• Consider whether you want to stay all together. Depending on your family, and how many people are traveling, you may want to book separate hotel rooms or a family vacation home. HomeAway, for example, has countless homes available where your whole family can stay together but still have some of your own space. On the plus side – Grandma and Grandpa can help you with the kids!
• Plan activities wisely. Perhaps Grandma and Grandpa aren’t interested in spending the entire day at Walt Disney World. Remember that when you travel with multiple generations, you are probably going to be dealing with multiple interests and schedules. Incorporate some “choice time” so that everyone stays happy.
• Think about tours. Whether it’s a full group tour or just individual city tours, a tour bus is a great way to keep the whole family together without having to rent a large minivan.
• You can’t please everyone all of the time. Be flexible, and remember that the family bonding is more important than what you have for lunch.

This post was sponsored by Homeaway – HomeAway offers the world’s largest selection of vacation home rentals that provide travelers with memorable vacation experiences and benefits, including more room to relax and added privacy, for less than the cost of traditional hotel accommodations. Make memories where you stay, not just where you go. HomeAway.com – let’s stay together.