If there’s one thing the Covid-19 pandemic taught us, it’s that family matters. Prior to 2019, most of us never imagined there would come a day when visiting elderly relatives might be dangerous. How the world has changed! Now that we’re returning to normal, many families have discovered an interest in multigenerational travel. After all, none of us know how much time we have left in the world - why not spend it with our loved ones? In this article, we dive into multigen travel options around the world and discuss how you can make it work for your family.
The Multigenerational Travel Experience
Instead of traveling as a nuclear family unit, families desiring a multigen travel experience will include the extended family, usually including grandparents.
Many multigen trips are associated with major life events, such as birthdays, anniversaries, or family reunions, but many trips are also planned simply for the joy of spending time together as a family.
Things to Consider
When planning a multigenerational trip, it’s important to consider the needs of everyone involved. Family members at different stages of life will probably be interested in different activities. While a toddler may enjoy playing at the hotel water park for an entire afternoon, chances are any teens in the group might be bored stiff! You should also consider the physical needs of any elderly family members. Grandparents may love the chance to travel with their children and grandchildren, but you’ll need to make sure your itinerary takes any physical limitations into consideration.
Why You Should Hire a Travel Advisor for Multigen Travel
Planning an itinerary for a large group of people with different interests and needs is tough. Not only do you have to consider the basics like lodging, transportation, and activities, but you’ll also need to think about more complex issues like travel health insurance, special diets, and making sure the trip is within everyone’s budget. Although planning such a trip might look easy at first glance, it can quickly become overly complicated. With this in mind, the multigenerational trip is an arena in which a Travel Advisor can really shine.
Because we plan travel for large groups every day, juggling trip arrangements for families is easy for us. And because we have plenty of top-notch travel resources at our fingertips, organizing this type of trip can be done efficiently, and with added benefits you probably couldn’t get on your own! For example, did you know that Travel Advisors can often negotiate group discounts for large family vacations? Or that we can find, vet, and hire a personal tour guide and transportation for your group alone? As a professional Travel Advisor, I love planning multigenerational trips. They are one of the most rewarding types of vacation to plan because of the emotional value that my clients receive from such a trip.
Best Travel Partners for Multigenerational Travel
Are you interested in planning a trip for your family, but don’t know where to start? Here are some of our favorite multigen travel experiences:
Safari Tour - AmaWaterways and Hills of Africa
A safari experience tops the bucket lists of many travelers. Why not take the entire family on the trip of a lifetime next summer?
At first glance, a safari might not seem like an ideal vacation for a mixed-age group. Isn’t Africa hot? And aren’t there wild animals? And isn’t there a lot of physical exertion?
To answer your questions…
First, it’s a common misconception that Africa is always hot. For one, Africa is a very large, geographically diverse continent. The weather varies considerably from region to region. In certain areas, the weather can be quite cool and pleasant, especially at night and early in the morning.
Second, of course, there are wild animals! And you can enjoy observing them from the comfort of a luxury safari vehicle, complete with air conditioning, iced drinks, and a highly qualified tour guide.
And third, you can be as active or relaxed as you like. Safari trips are great for extended families because there’s so much variety available. On any given day, guests might enjoy a morning game drive (in a luxury vehicle - see above!), relax by the pool overlooking the Savannah, and spend the afternoon taking a class on the local flora and fauna.
Visiting the Holy Lands with Atlas Ocean Voyages
Another common bucket list item for travelers, visiting the Holy Lands can be an experience rich in history and cultural traditions.
Luxury cruise company Atlas Ocean Voyages offers packages that take adventure-loving travelers through the cultural centers of both Christianity and Judaism, including Egypt, Israel, and Rome. Your family can visit the Sea of Galilee, the Church of the Annunciation, built on the site where Mary is believed to have lived, and the Church of St. Joseph, built on the site where Joseph’s carpentry workshop may have stood.
In Rome, your family can explore the center of Christianity in the Western world. Visit the Colosseum where ancient Christians were martyred. Explore 2,000-year-old Christian graffiti in the Roman Catacombs. See the Church of St. Paul, believed to be built on Paul’s burial site. And of course, you’ll see St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican, and the Sistine Chapel.
Christmas Markets in Europe with AmaWaterways
Christmas is a beloved holiday by almost every family in the Western world. As a season of love, bonding, and kindness, it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a multigenerational trip.
Luxury cruise company AmaWaterways offers a 7-night Christmas itinerary that travels the Danube, stopping in Austria, Germany, and Hungary. Your family can explore cobblestone streets in Medieval cities decorated with twinkling Christmas trees and warm, cozy shops. You’ll explore the largest and oldest Christmas market in Germany, Christkindlesmarkt, as well as Bavaria’s most beautiful and romantic market in Regensburg.
When traveling by river cruise, there are plenty of entertainment options to keep the whole family engaged. Staterooms include free high-speed Internet access, unlimited Wi-Fi, and a selection of movies, music, and TV programs. The walking track, swimming pool, and putting green offer exercise opportunities for the active members of your group, while the onboard spa and luxury lounging areas create a relaxing atmosphere for those on the easygoing side.
Are you ready to plan your family’s next great adventure? Give us a call today for a free travel planning session!
To find out more check out my home page here.
Reach out today at erin@cultivatingconnectionstravelplanners.com
Or you can just give me a call at 405.310.7588
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