How to Plan a Multi-Generational Trip Everyone Will Love
As we get older, we realize that our most precious resources are time and shared experiences. For that reason, families across the globe are prioritizing multi-generational travel more than ever before. Travel Agent Central found that in 2024 35% of families have a trip planned with multiple generations.
Children playing in the sand while the grandparents take a nap under the shaded palms, nighttime conversations over a decadent meal reminiscing and making new plans, days spent by the pool reminiscing about trips past—all of these experiences are ones you and your family can enjoy when traveling together.
But there’s a lot to consider when you plan a multi-generational trip. So, we’re going to break down everything you need to know!
What is multi-generational travel?
Multi-generational travel refers to vacationing that includes multiple generations of a family, such as grandparents, parents, children, and sometimes even great-grandparents. Here are just a select few of the benefits:
Deep Meaning for All Generations
It’s special because each generation gains unique and valuable experiences, making it a deeply enriching experience for all involved.
Grandparents and elders get extended time with grandchildren and have the opportunity to share family stories, traditions, and wisdom.
Parents have grandparents around to provide support so they can relax and even have some alone time. Plus, they enjoy the time away from work, putting family bonding at the forefront of their priorities.
Children benefit from the diverse perspectives of not only their families but also those they meet on the road while exploring diverse places and cultures. And there’s nothing better than being loved by multiple generations to build a sense of security and emotional well-being.
Financial Benefits
Now, there’s also the benefit of cost-sharing to consider. Prices are soaring with global inflation and being able to share on transportation, lodging, activities, and food costs is a major perk.
Convenience and Safety
Traveling with young kids can be stressful in terms of feeling safe and supported. Traveling together allows for the distribution of tasks and responsibilities that come with caretaking, making the trip more enjoyable and manageable.
Perfect Destinations for Multi-Generational Travel
When it comes to selecting the perfect international destination for multi-generational trips, there are a few things you want to consider:
- Flight time: Not everyone in the family may be able to sit for a 16-hour flight to Australia. Choose a spot with a reasonable flight time, or longer layovers to stretch legs and get some kiddo energy out.
- Accessibility: Older generations or those with disabilities often face challenges while traveling. You want to consider destinations with accommodations that are accessible, have a diverse range of activities that cater to all mental and physical needs, and have transportation options for comfortable travel between the airport and your final destination.
- Activities: You want family-friendly activities! Think of a mix of history, science and environmentalism, culture, and relaxation.
- Accommodations: Do you want a villa where your entire family can stay in one place or do you want everyone to have their own rooms at a hotel? This is something to think about as some destinations have more plentiful options of one or the other!
Here are a few spots you may want to explore for a multi-generational family trip:
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
- Why It’s Great: Manuel Antonio, and Costa Rica in general, provides diverse landscapes, rich wildlife, and a welcoming culture, making it a perfect getaway for families with varied interests. From lush rainforests and pristine beaches to volcanoes and charming towns, there’s something for everyone.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Explore Manuel Antonio National Park where you can spot all sorts of local flora and fauna, go zip-lining or canyoning, visit local markets, coffee or cacao plantations, or hit the water for fun aquatic sports.
- Accommodations: Opt for vacation homes or villas, which provide space, privacy, and the convenience of cooking your own meals. This is ideal for larger families or those seeking a comfortable home-like environment.
Barcelona, Spain
- Why It’s Great: Barcelona offers a vibrant mix of culture, history, and beachside relaxation, making it ideal for family members of all ages.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Explore Gaudí’s architectural wonders like Sagrada Família and Park Güell, relax at Barceloneta Beach, and enjoy family-friendly shows at the Magic Fountain.
- Accommodations: The city offers a range of family-friendly hotels, apartments, and vacation rentals with amenities suitable for large groups.
Rome, Italy
- Why It’s Great: Rome’s rich history, incredible cuisine, and cultural landmarks make it an engaging destination for families.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Discover ancient ruins like the Colosseum and Roman Forum, visit the Vatican Museums, and enjoy gelato while strolling through picturesque piazzas.
- Accommodations: The city offers many family-friendly hotels, vacation rentals, and apartments, often with multiple bedrooms and kitchens.
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
- Why It’s Great: Playa del Carmen boasts pristine beaches with turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs for snorkeling and diving, and a bustling town center filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. Its convenient location provides easy access to nearby attractions like Mayan ruins, eco-parks, and water activities.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Visit attractions like Xcaret, Xel-Ha, and Xplor, which offer a variety of activities such as swimming with dolphins, exploring underground rivers, and zip-lining through the jungle, explore Mayan ruins, or just head to the beach!
- Accommodations: Family-friendly resorts along the Riviera Maya provide spacious accommodations, kids’ clubs, and a variety of activities and amenities for all ages.
Montreal, Canada
- Why It’s Great: Montreal boasts a dynamic arts scene, historic architecture, and diverse neighborhoods, providing opportunities for cultural exploration, culinary adventures, and family-friendly activities. Whether you’re interested in exploring museums, enjoying outdoor festivals, or savoring delicious cuisine, Montreal has something for every member of the family.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Discover Montreal’s rich cultural heritage at the many museums or stroll the streets of Old Montreal, head to Mount Royal Park, or hit up one of the many incredible restaurants.
- Accommodations: Stay in one of the centrally located hotels in downtown Montreal, offering easy access to attractions, dining, and shopping.
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Step-by-Step Guide for Planning a Multi-Generational Travel
So, now that you have the why and the where, let’s talk about how! We’re partial to Costa Rica, obviously, so these tips will pertain to Manuel Antonio but can be applied to any international multi-generational trip!
Step One: Put Together a List of Requirements
Before diving into the planning process, gather everyone involved and discuss their preferences, needs, and expectations for the trip. Consider factors such as:
- Accommodation Preferences: Determine whether your group prefers a resort, vacation rental, or eco-lodge, and identify any specific amenities required, such as wheelchair accessibility or a kids’ play area.
- Activities and Interests: Discuss the types of activities everyone wants to experience, whether it’s beach relaxation, wildlife tours, adventure sports, cultural exploration, or a mix of everything.
- Budget: Establish a budget that works for all participants, taking into account accommodation costs, transportation, meals, activities, and any additional expenses.
- Health and Mobility: Consider any health conditions or mobility issues within the group and ensure that your chosen destination and accommodations can accommodate these needs.
- Travel Dates: Agree on travel dates that work for everyone, taking into account school holidays, work schedules, and any other commitments.
Step Two: Research (or Hire a Professional)
Depending on if your family has time or not, you can do the research based on your list of requirements, or you can pass that list off to a travel advisor to help you create a shortlist of destinations to explore.
If you want to do it yourself, but want to cut down on the time required, put your list into an AI tool like ChatGPT!
Here’s a prompt you can use:
I am traveling with [insert who you will be traveling with] in [month or general timeframe of travel]. We are looking for a destination that is [enter your requirements – beachfront, handicap accessible, distance from home, etc.]. Our preferred accommodation type is [hotel, villa, home rental, eco-friendly property, etc.]. Activities we enjoy are [enter what you want to do during your vacation. What are 10 destinations we should consider and why?
Here’s an example of it “filled in”:
I am traveling with my parents, grandparents, and children in July 2024. We are looking for a destination that is handicap accessible and under a 4-hour flight from Atlanta, Georgia. Our preferred accommodations are a hotel or villa. Activities we enjoy are foodie excursions and snorkeling. What are 10 destinations we should consider and why?
As an example, here’s what you’ll get to explore for each destination:
Manuel Antonio, nestled along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and relaxation, making it an ideal destination for multi-generational travel. Here’s why Manuel Antonio is an excellent choice for your family trip:
- Accessibility:
- Manuel Antonio is known for its accessibility, with several accommodations, beaches, and attractions offering wheelchair-friendly facilities and services.
- The destination caters to visitors of all ages and mobility levels, ensuring that everyone in your family can fully enjoy the experience.
- Proximity:
- Direct flights from Atlanta to San José, Costa Rica, are approximately 4 hours, with Manuel Antonio easily accessible by a scenic drive or short domestic flight from the capital.
- The convenient travel time allows for a stress-free journey, particularly with older family members and children.
- Accommodations:
- Manuel Antonio offers a range of accommodations suitable for multi-generational travelers, including hotels, resorts, and private villas.
- Many establishments provide spacious rooms, accessible features, and amenities catering to families, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout your stay.
- Activities:
- Foodie Excursions: Explore Costa Rican cuisine with food tours showcasing local flavors, fresh ingredients, and traditional dishes. Sample tropical fruits, seafood delicacies, and delicious street food.
- Snorkeling: Discover the underwater wonders of Manuel Antonio National Park, home to vibrant coral reefs, tropical fish, and other marine species. Guided snorkeling tours offer safe and enjoyable experiences for family members of all ages.
- Natural Beauty:
- Manuel Antonio is renowned for its stunning landscapes, including lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and diverse wildlife habitats.
- Embark on guided nature walks through the national park to spot monkeys, sloths, toucans, and other exotic creatures, providing unforgettable encounters for nature enthusiasts of all generations.
- Cultural Exploration:
- Immerse yourselves in Costa Rican culture by visiting local markets, artisan workshops, and cultural centers in Manuel Antonio and nearby communities.
- Engage in traditional activities such as cooking classes, dance lessons, and handicraft demonstrations, fostering cross-generational connections and appreciation for the local way of life.
- Safety and Security:
- Manuel Antonio prioritizes visitor safety and security, with well-maintained facilities, knowledgeable guides, and friendly locals ensuring a welcoming and enjoyable environment for families.
- The destination’s reputation for hospitality and tourism infrastructure makes it a reliable choice for multi-generational travelers seeking peace of mind during their vacation.
Manuel Antonio’s accessibility, natural beauty, diverse activities, and cultural richness make it an ideal destination for your multi-generational trip in July 2024. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, this tropical paradise offers something for every member of your family to enjoy and cherish.
Step Three: Choose Your Destination & Dates
Using your list of requirements and your research, determine which destination would be the most fitting for you!
Step Four: Choose Your Accommodations & Book Flights
Next, choose your accommodations! Here are a few things to consider:
- Accessibility: Ensure that the accommodations are accessible to all family members, including those with mobility issues or disabilities. Check for features such as wheelchair ramps, elevators, grab bars, and accessible bathrooms.
- Space: Look for accommodations with enough space to accommodate the entire family comfortably. Consider the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and common areas needed to accommodate different generations and provide privacy when desired.
- Bedding Options: Choose accommodations that offer a variety of bedding options to accommodate different sleeping arrangements. Look for rooms with king-sized beds, twin beds, sofa beds, or cribs to suit the needs of adults, children, and infants.
- Safety Features: Prioritize safety features such as childproofing measures, secure locks on doors and windows, and well-lit pathways and common areas. Ensure that the accommodations meet safety standards and regulations for families with young children and elderly adults.
- Amenities: Consider the amenities offered by the accommodations, such as swimming pools, playgrounds, game rooms, fitness centers, and on-site restaurants. Look for amenities that cater to the interests and preferences of all family members, providing entertainment and convenience during the stay.
- Location: Choose accommodations located in a convenient and desirable location, close to attractions, restaurants, shopping, and transportation options. Consider the proximity to activities and amenities that appeal to different generations, ensuring easy access and flexibility in exploring the destination.
- Family-Friendly Services: Look for accommodations that offer family-friendly services and facilities, such as kids’ clubs, babysitting services, children’s menus, and special activities for young guests. Consider the availability of services that cater to the needs of both parents and children, allowing everyone to relax and enjoy the vacation.
- Flexibility: Opt for accommodations that offer flexibility in booking options, cancellation policies, and room configurations. Choose accommodations that can accommodate changes in travel plans or unexpected circumstances, ensuring a stress-free experience for all family members.
- Budget: Consider the budget constraints of all family members when choosing accommodations. Look for options that offer value for money without compromising on quality, amenities, or location. Consider dividing the cost of accommodations among family members or choosing cost-effective options to accommodate everyone’s budget.
- Reviews and Recommendations: Research accommodations online and read reviews from previous guests to gauge the quality, cleanliness, and overall experience. Consider recommendations from friends, family members, or travel experts who have stayed at the accommodations or visited the destination with multi-generational groups.
Once you’ve chosen, book the accommodations and flights!
Step Five: Explore Excursions and Activities
While you don’t need to have a rigid schedule, it is important when traveling with multiple generations and large groups that you have an itinerary of some sort.
It may help to choose accommodations that offer some sort of pre-arrival planning service so you don’t have to actually book anything yourselves.
For example, at Villa Punto de Vista, our pre-arrival concierge works with every family individually to suggest excursions based on preferences and ability levels, helps organize it into a schedule, and then will book on your behalf so you don’t have to do a thing.
It does get slightly more complex if you don’t have travel planning support here!
Step Six: Plan Meals
Again, while you can leave a little bit of room for creativity, you do want to have some plan for meals.
Perhaps your accommodation provides breakfast, but you’ll be on your own for the rest of the meals. In this case, create a list of restaurants you want to try with an indication of whether or not they’ll require a reservation. If you’re in a villa or private home rental, will you want to hire a private chef or do a cooking class?
Put someone in charge of making the plan, and then have your travel planner assist or book everything in advance so you’re not worrying about it when you arrive.
Step Seven: Book Your Transportation
Before you go, how are you getting from the airport to your accommodations? With a large multi-generational group, you’ll likely want to hire a private driver/ van to take you to your destination. It’s simpler, and when the cost is split, especially in places like Latin America, it’ll be quite affordable.
Step Eight: Book Your Extras
What else might you want during your time away? Spa treatments? A babysitter for a date night? A private beach yoga session one morning?
Make a list of what is missing from your itinerary and book the services so you’re all set upon arrival.
Step Nine: Have Fun!
Run through your final plans together to make sure everyone is on the same page and enjoy this time together!
While we know this can sound like a lot, this is why our multi-generational groups love coming to Villa Punto de Vista. From the moment you book, your pre-arrival concierge takes the reins on travel planning, asking all the important questions, to help you cultivate a travel itinerary that suits every generation and travel style. Our ultimate goal is to make it simple for you, so you can just enjoy and make memories.
Making the Most of Time Together
So, you’ve gotten the trip out of the group chat. How do you make the most of that time together? Here are a few ways:
Design Custom Keepsakes to Bring
Whether it’s a family reunion with multiple sides of the family or an immediate family gathering, it’s way more fun with matching shirts involved. Either make a t-shirt with your family crest or get everyone a matching set from a chic shop like Kenny Flowers which makes matching sets for families literally made for vacationing.
Schedule a Family Photo Session
It’s rare that the entire family is in the same place, at the same time. Never mind a place idyllic enough to be paradise! Ask your accommodations for photographer recommendations and book a family photo shoot. Get shots with the entire clan, grandparents and grandchildren, parents and children of all ages. These will be moments frozen in time that you will cherish for a lifetime.
Here are a few of our favorites from family photo shoots at Villa Punto de Vista:
Go on At Least One Excursion Together
While not everyone in the group will have the same preferences, there are always a few options for excursions or activities that everyone will love. Getting out of your day-to-day and experiencing something new with those you love is life’s greatest inspiration!
A few that families opt for at Villa Punto de Vista are:
- Private beach picnics
- A spice farm tour
- Guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park (there are wheelchair-accessible ramps here!)
You also don’t even have to leave the villa if you don’t want to. Some groups opt for a cooking class or dance class on the rooftop overlooking the Pacific Ocean!
Host a Post-Trip Dinner
Once the photos are in, have someone host a post-trip dinner. If you don’t live in the same location, you could get everyone together on Zoom. Have a meal that reminds you of the destination you went to together while looking over the photos and solidifying all those incredible memories you just made together.
Villa Punto de Vista is Ready to Welcome Your Family
Multi-generational travel isn’t just about visiting new destinations; it’s about creating lasting memories and strengthening family bonds.
From the youngest members building sandcastles to the elders sharing stories under swaying palms, every moment together is precious. As families continue to prioritize these shared experiences, the benefits become increasingly evident, enriching the lives of each generation involved. With careful planning and consideration, multi-generational trips offer the opportunity for deep connection, relaxation, and adventure.
So, gather your loved ones, choose your destination, and embark on a journey that will create cherished memories for years to come.
If you want to explore what a multi-generational trip to Villa Punto de Vista could look like for your family, let’s talk about your vision and see what we can do for you!
