Taking a multigenerational family vacation is so important but it can also be one of the more stressful vacations. When you have multiple adults involved and people in general, there are bound to snags. However, these multigeneration family vacation tips can hopefully help you plan out a great vacation and make such important memories for every age group in your family.
My family and I have taken a few multigenerational family vacations since I was a little girl. I have so many memories with my Nana and now that she is gone, some of my fondest treasures of her are the memories I have of her on vacation with us. Especially when she and my family came to visit me at Walt Disney World when I was on the Disney College Program. A story that was shared even at her funeral by me. So many memories!
Multigenerational Family Vacation Tips
So many people see multigenerational family vacations as daunting and honestly, they can be. When vacations start building on size, there is cause for concern in finances, what everyone wants to do, time, etc. All valid concerns. Here are my multigenerational family vacation tips that will create a smoother planning process and overall getaway.
Get Everyone Involved in Planning
Usually, there are one or two people who have not been to the location that is booked for the multigenerational family vacation. Get them involved too by sharing photos and videos of where you all are vacationing to. Give them ideas of excursions that they can also help plan out. Getting everyone involved in planning is important so that no one feels out.
Consider Limitations
When planning the vacation, consider limitations. Standing in line at theme parks or vacations with a lot of walking can affect a lot of things. Most of all, you want to make sure everyone is comfortable. You want to plan ahead things like the need for wheelchairs, disability services, the pace of the trip with any limitations, etc.
Setting a Budget
It is important to set a budget for what will be spent during the trip and who might be covering what. Money can be the root of arguments and no one wants that. Be open and honest with one another on what the planned spending limit is, who might be covering what, and be stress-free over finances during the trip.
Keep Time Short
Let’s be honest. We all LOVE one another but anything more than two weeks on vacation with a lot of people can be excessive. Try to keep the timing of the trip shorter rather than longer. Just enough time to see everything you all want to see but not drive one another nuts.
Bring Your Patience
Frustrations can happen on any trip. Frustrations with one another can most certainly happen when you have a wide variety of personality. Pack your patience. When there is a hurdle, try and take a deep breath. Remember why you are on your multigenerational family vacation and try to let things roll off of your back.
Don’t Pack Doubles
If you are staying in the same quarters or near the same quarters of one another, don’t pack doubles of things. If you pack small travel laundry detergent packs, does everyone need them? Does everyone need full bottles of sunscreen? Share the packing list and bring less.
Don’t Expect Perfection
Multigenerational Family Vacations are far from perfect. There will be days that someone is just too tired to keep going or someone doesn’t feel well. Roll with it. Don’t over plan things and don’t get frustrated when plans don’t work out. You have to go into these types of trips understanding that you will not see everything and do everything. It just leaves an excuse open to head back for a couples trip, solo trip, or smaller-family trip.
Time Away, Time Together
Try and plan some time apart and together while on your multigenerational family vacation. Sometimes this is great in the evenings after a long day together. Someone can head to the pool, others can go for a late night dinner or date night. Having some time apart from one another can really help keep things running smoothly.
If Grandma and Grandpa are coming, it doesn’t hurt to ask for a date night or two while away. Just don’t continually ask them to babysit. Remember, they are on vacation too.
When Things Go Wrong
If frustration gets the best of everyone and someone snaps, just walk away. Regroup, take a minute, and breath. Again, don’t forget why you originally decided to all come along and that you love one another. It happens. Especially if you factor in everyone being tired, heat, etc. Come to the table later to talk it out alone and away from everyone. Let the small stuff go. Remember, the kiddos will be watching how we as adults react.
Take Breaks
Breaks are so important. Especially if little ones are involved. Avoid the meltdowns and head back to the room or the pool during the day. Everyone loves a good rest when they feel on edge.
Capture the Memories
Get everyone in the photos! You want these memories because multigenerational family vacation trips are few and far in-between. The photos I have of all of ours are a cherished. As kids grow, they will also value these memories. You’ve made it this far, don’t forget to capture the journey.
I have been on a few multigenerational family vacation trips that had some rough patches. Things happen. Each vacation is different and each one makes you appreciate different moments. I recommend a multigenerational family vacation at least once in everyone’s life. It gives everyone something to talk about over the holidays and when together. Even when things aren’t perfect, it does bring everyone back together.
Time together is so important and sometimes just being away from the everyday worry of life can help everyone focus on one another. Take the trip at an easy-going pace and everyone will be just fine. Multigenerational family vacations are some of the most memorable trips.
