Tips for planning a stress-free multi-generational family holiday

Multi-generational trips are becoming increasingly popular, as more and more families are opting to go away with their children and their parents at the same time. Travelling around the world as a family can be a fantastic way to bond – but not without its challenges.

Planning a holiday for a multi-generational group can be a challenge since interests, requirements and expectations may vary. But there are some simple things you can do to make the holiday a smooth one for all family members:

Choose the right holiday

Choosing the right type of holiday is usually the best place to start. Do you want to head to the beach or set sail on a cruise? Maybe an all-inclusive resort that has everything for an awesome tropical getaway and caters to all age groups might be a feasible option?

It can be hard to find a middle ground at first – but you will eventually have to. It’s best to have a conversation about possible travel destinations with everyone before you choose, ensuring each family member can enjoy all that’s on offer.

Appoint one trip planner

Choose one reliable family member as the group planner for the trip – if you can’t decide, take a vote. Having one person take charge of the actual planning will make communications with travel agents, hotel staff and airlines a lot easier and efficient, and will also speed up the process. If you don’t, there will most likely be chaos and nothing will actually get done.

Plan something for everyone

Wherever you decide to travel to, make sure there are a wide range of activities and amenities for everyone – from fine dining and shopping for the adults to even a kids’ or teens’ club. And don’t expect everyone in the family to join in on every single activity, especially if you’re travelling with ageing parents. Pressuring them to do something they don’t want to could result in arguments that could ruin the trip for everyone.

It’s also a good idea to find a few activities that everyone can enjoy and participate in. These can include visiting the beach together, going on a picnic or heading off on a friendly family sight-seeing tour.

Take a break

If you’re planning a multi-generational holiday, be prepared for mania. With three generations living in each other’s pockets, it’s safe to say things are going to get pretty hectic, which is why it’s important everyone has time to chill out.

Whether you have a full-on ensuite or just one room, make sure everyone has their own quiet space to go to when things get a little too overwhelming. Meanwhile, if you have grandkids and you need some space every now and then, it might be worth chatting to their parents about taking them out to the beach or just out for the afternoon, while you can catch up on some much-needed rest at the hotel or resort.

Be prepared to compromise

Conflict is inevitable on a family holiday and it can arise from anything, from missing out on an activity to spending too long in one destination or even hogging the hotel amenities. But communicating openly as a family and speaking up when you have an issue straight away could potentially prevent conflict.