Multi-Generational Travel
Family vacations have taken on a broader definition in recent years. Multigenerational travel—typically defined as three or more generations vacationing together—is on the upswing, with grandparents, aunts, uncles, parents and kids taking more group trips. The trend is expected to boom even more in coming years.
So what’s behind this huge increase? Nancy Schretter, managing editor of Family Travel Network, says that societal and demographic trends are bringing about major changes and growth in family travel. Here are a few key points that have contributed to the changes:
- Families are living geographically farther apart than at any other time in history, and multigenerational travel is often the key to getting together.
- Baby boomers are retiring and have the time and disposable income to emphasize family travel.
- Blended families, PANKs (Professional Aunt, No Kids), PUNKs (Professional Uncle, No Kids) and young adults traveling with parents are part of the multigenerational travel trend.
- “Desire to spend quality time together” is the number one factor influencing travel purchasing decisions, according to a recent Ensemble Travel Group study.
- 67 percent of grandparents say that children are never too old to be treated to a family vacation.
- 40 percent of all leisure travelers have taken at least one multigenerational trip over the last 12 months, and 32 percent of grandparents who are leisure travelers have traveled with their grandchildren.
Shawnee residents Margaret and Ed Jalbert do not have children of their own, but are close to their siblings and their many nieces and nephews. Vacations often include up to 16 family members, with the kids’ ages ranging from 8 to 18. Disney World, Yellowstone National Park and the Mall of America are some of the destinations they have visited in the past few years.
“We enjoy the time we get to spend with our nieces and nephews. We try to spend time with each one walking around or exploring, and we talk about animals, rocks and minerals,” Margaret says of these family trips.
Travel Tips
Before planning a multigenerational trip, there are a few things you should take into consideration:
- Start small. If your extended family has never been on a vacation together, it might be best to start with a weekend trip somewhere fairly close, such as Lake of the Ozarks. If that trip goes well, then you can plan a more adventurous getaway for an extended period of time.
- Consider ages, health and personalities Plan a trip that has plenty to do for all ages, from grandparents to the smallest child. Older adults and small children may have trouble standing in line for a long time, so huge theme parks might not be the best choice if your group has wee ones, elderly folks or anyone with health issues. Cruise lines and resorts often have activities for various ages and personalities.
- Involve everyone. If the trip revolves solely around the kids, adults will likely be bored. Likewise, if the adults are the only ones to have a say in activities, kids will feel left out. Research your destination ahead of time and have all travelers choose at least one thing they wish to do on the trip.
- Build in downtime. “Don't try to do too much; have downtime so everyone can recharge,” Margaret Jalbert recommends. If you pack activities into every minute of your trip, you’ll likely be dealing with kid meltdowns, frazzled adults and exhaustion all around. Spending an hour or so each day having some R&R will do wonders for everyone’s attitude and energy.
- Capture your memories Adults and teens often whip out the phones and cameras to snap pictures, but don’t forget the smaller kids, too. “Consider giving each grandchild a journal and a disposable camera to bring along on your journey,” Schretter suggests. “Kids love taking their own pictures, and it is fascinating to see travel through their eyes.”
- Go with the flow Schretter advises, "Pack a great attitude when heading out on a multigenerational vacation and leave your expectations at home. Family vacations never go exactly as planned. Just take the experience as it comes and go with the flow."
Multigenerational Fun in KC
Grandparents, aunts and uncles don’t have to travel hundreds of miles to have fun adventures with kids. KC has many great places for multigenerational fun:
- Crown Center: Kaleidoscope, Sea Life Aquarium, LEGOLAND, Coterie Theatre, Crown Center Ice Terrace, Hallmark Visitors Center, plus numerous shops and restaurants, are just a few of the highlights here.
- Village West: Great Wolf Lodge, Cabela’s, Schlitterbahn, Legends Outlets, Community America Ballpark, Sporting Park, Kansas Speedway and dozens of restaurants make this a family-friendly destination.
- Union Station: Science City, Arvin Gottleib Planetarium, KC Rail Experience, Regnier Extreme Screen Theatre, restaurants, shops and special events make Union Station a unique experience for the young and old alike.
Tisha Foley and her husband have a 7-year-old son and a 10-year-old daughter who have traveled with grandparents, aunts and uncles.