Planning a Multi-Generational Trip

Taking a trip with three generations of family is the latest travel trend.

Taking a trip with three generations of family is the latest travel trend, according to the Travel Industry Association. Just ask Dearborn, Mich., resident Donna R. Braden, who planned a long weekend away with her family—husband Curt, their 15-year-old daughter, Caroline, and Donna's 70-year-old mother, Elaine Rosenstein—to a retreat along Lake Michigan.

"We had made a long list of possible things to do, but only ended up doing a few of them,” Donna Braden says. "Mom didn't like sun or bugs and had a whole different concept of schedule.”

So to make their multi-generational vacation a success, the Bradens had to rethink their priorities and adjust their plans.

"The most important lesson I learned that weekend is that the best times were just when we were sitting around talking or taking informal walks,” Braden says. "The being together was much more important than the doing something.”

The "being together” is why an increasing number of families are choosing to make their vacations multi-generational, with kids, parents, grandparents and even great-grandparents. "It's an opportunity for tremendous bonding,” says Marlene Coleman, author of Safe and Sound: Healthy Travel With Children. "Traveling together gives you a chance to get to know the various members of your family on a deeper level.”

Planning is crucial to the success of a multi-generational vacation and, as the Bradens learned, it's important to get input from all members of your party before you hit the road. "Involve everybody in the planning stage,” Coleman says. "That way you'll know what everyone's expectations and abilities are.

"First, consider the age and the health of the people who will be going on the trip,” Coleman says. "That way, you can choose a destination and activities that will be appropriate for everyone.”

Also consider any special needs your family requires. "Older grandparents may require the assistance of electric vehicles or wheelchairs, or even medical assistance. Listening devices and other similar services may be needed,” says Laura Miller, the director of Travel Insights Group and author of Frommer's Walt Disney World and Orlando with Kids 2006-2007.

On the other end of the spectrum, young children may require strollers, car seats or time for a nap. "All special needs should be carefully considered,” Miller says. "Some hotels and resorts will cater more to those needs than others.”

Also consider everyone's financial means when choosing a location. You don't want to cause resentment or even embarrassment if one of the activities planned is beyond someone's budget, so agree on expenditures before you leave home.

Your itinerary should include activities for everyone, but remember not all family members have to participate in everything. Get "must do” choices from every traveler in your party, then create an itinerary together around these selections.

With some planning, you'll develop an itinerary everyone is happy with—but remember it isn't written in stone. Scheduling glitches happen a lot, so be open to alternative options during your stay. If grandmother decides to spend more time sightseeing or if the baby takes a longer nap than scheduled, it will be OK. Remember the important thing about this trip is enjoying each other, not sticking to a laid-out plan.

Just as important as your time together, is getting some time apart. "Separate time is crucial,” Miller says. "No matter how well everyone is getting along, it is impossible to agree on absolutely everything. Take a break from each other and you'll be far happier for it.”

But always remember that the focus of the trip is spending time with each other— even if it's just in the hotel room or around a table at mealtime. The magic of a multi-generational vacation isn't the places you go or the activities you participate in. It's found in the people you share that time with—and the irreplaceable memories you'll make together.

Mary Dixon Lebeau is a frequent contributor to American Profile.

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