Armchair Travel for Seniors: Multi-generational Travel

“People want to use travel to gain meaningful experiences and they have come to the conclusion if they are going to have these experiences, the nicest way to share those are with the people that are nearest and dearest to them — their family” states Claudia Rossi Hudson, owner of Mary Rossi Travel. Multi-generational holidays are a great way to spend time together as a family and enjoy precious memories together.

However, it is important to consider a number of things before you go, so we've compiled a list of things to think about.

Set expectations early

Where are you going? How is the trip being organised? Who is in charge of what? What activities should you do together and apart? Where should you stay?

These are all extremely important questions for setting boundaries and expectations. Don't underestimate the stress of planning and travelling — the last thing you want to do is take it out on each other. Talk about your limitations and capabilities: what can you conceivably achieve and manage?

Let's talk about money

It is important to have an open discussion about who is paying for the trip and how it is going to be covered. Make sure the ground rules are clear and in place from the beginning. This includes food, accommodation, entry fees and activity costs. Work out your overall budget as early as possible when you start planning the holiday, as it can often be assumed that parents and grandparents are going to pay for a holiday by spending their inheritance on the family, so make sure this is clear from the start.

Ensure everyone is catered for

When taking part in activities together, make sure that everyone has equal input and gets to do the most important thing on their list. Ensure everyone is involved in the planning process, and consider similar interests such as animals, sports, nature and cultural venues. Planning and communication are extremely important, especially since being considerate of everyone can create less stress and drama. The best way to organise a family trip is to have each person pick one activity they want to do and make sure you find time to do them all.

Step outside your comfort zone

If you have always had a bucket list destination or activity, or there's a region you've found fascinating but have been too afraid to visit, perhaps going with your adult children and grandchildren might be the perfect nudge for you to explore these options. You won't be alone when things go wrong — and they often do — so having someone with you who loves and supports you is a great way to see the world, explore different experiences and try new things.

Travel is a wonderful bonding opportunity for all family members and something that will be treasured forever by everyone. It may also give you the opportunity to go back to your ancestral lands, often called 'Heritage Travel', and talk about your upbringing and life experiences, or visit extended family with your adult children and grandchildren — an experience that will be remembered forever.

Don’t book too many activities

Although it is fun to explore and take part in lots of activities, it can be demanding for different age groups. Are you physically fit enough to go ziplining or snorkelling? What are the best times of the day for the whole family to partake in activities together? Do you need to consider rest time for yourself or the grandchildren?

Be careful not to book too many activities during your trip, and don't leave the planning of activities to the last minute — this occupies too much time. Pre-plan and book when you can — just not too many, or you won't get much free time to explore.

Book separate rooms or separate accommodation

Everyone has different accessibility and budget requirements. Booking different rooms, or even different accommodation options, close to each other, can be a great idea. This allows you and your family to have their own space, and use their room and/or hotel as a retreat or temporary "home" while they are on holiday. 

Some family members will be able to cope with budget accommodation options, while others may prefer a bit more luxury. Space, comfort and budget are extremely important for everyone.

Find out before you go if there are many steps or access issues, including the bathroom? Consider transportation and getting to and from your accommodation as a priority — is it easy to get to? Is public transport close by or do you need a rental car? How will the rental car be used and by whom? Do you feel confident driving in another country? These are all important questions to think about.

Schedule time away from each other

Organise the trip for everyone and every interest level. If you are travelling as a large family group this may be difficult as you'll likely have seniors, adult children, grandchildren and possibly great grandchildren to consider. Not everyone is going to like or enjoy everything on offer, so spending some time apart is important for everyone to get the most out of their holiday experience.

Don't try to have all your meals together

Dietary requirements can dictate food preferences, and parents of small children will need a break from worrying about their children's behaviour in formal settings. If you are in a large group, getting everyone to decide on the "right place" is impossible, so planning some venues in advance is important, but also aim to be flexible.

Enjoy the scenery

This is your holiday too, so make sure you get the most out of it by enjoying the scenery and the destination experience through your own eyes and not through your adult children and grandchildren. Some people take photos of everything — remember to soak up the experience in the moment instead of through the lens of your camera.

Offer your services as a childminder

At least one evening during the trip, offer your services as a childminder. This allows the parents to have an evening escape and creates a different environment for all. But don't do it all the time: you are not built-in babysitters. Make sure you treat yourself and have your own private dinner or do something special because you deserve to soak up the occasion, too.

Follow the sun

You'll need space when travelling as a family, so it is important that you're not going to be cooped up together in a small space, or limited by the weather. Go somewhere sunny where you can leave your accommodation (and each other) whenever you want to get some fresh air.

Certain vacations lend themselves better to multi-generational travel than others. It may not be for everyone but a cruise can cater for different age groups at different times. A safari will also give you plenty of things to do during the day and have your meals and family time taken care of.

If you are stuck for where to go, consider exploring our selection of great armchair travel resources. And if you're after more travel tips and tricks, be sure to check out our three-part blog post series.