20 Tips For Planning A Multi-Generational Vacation Everyone Will Love
Planning A Family Vacation?
Planning a holiday for grandparents, parents, teens, and children can feel like an impossible task. However, with a little strategy, forethought, and flexibility, you can create a perfect trip that keeps the whole family feeling happy, relaxed, and connected. Here are 20 tips for planning the perfect multi-generational getaway that is as memorable as it is stress-free.
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1. Involve Everyone In The Planning
It may be difficult if you have a large family, but try to involve everyone in the planning where possible. Set vacation planning meetings and come prepared so everyone stays on task.
2. Start Early
Planning the perfect vacation takes time, so make sure you start early to avoid last-minute stress. What's more, everything, from flights to car rentals and accommodations, just becomes more expensive the longer you wait.
3. Send Out A Survey
Make vacation planning truly democratic by creating a survey and sending it out to your family. This is especially useful if you have family members living in different parts of the world.
4. Assign Roles
When planning anything in a big group, you need to assign roles so it's clear what tasks everyone needs to get done. Have one person leading, but make sure they're not doing everything.
5. Have A Backup Plan
In case of weather or other factors, create a loose backup plan. You don't need this to be as thoroughly planned as your main idea, but having a rough plan B can save the day when everything else seems lost.
6. Consider All-Inclusive Resorts
All-inclusive resorts are a great option for the whole family, especially if you have young kids. The variety of activities available, the beautiful setting, and having meals taken care of will make your trip feel like an actual vacation.
7. Book Key Activities Well In Advance
Don't make the mistake of trying to book your must-do activities too close to the date and missing out because it's all booked up. This will just result in disappointment.
8. Communicate Clearly & Often
Most issues arise from failing to communicate well or enough. Within large families, the broken telephone can result in people not getting the message and being upset or confused, so make sure to communicate everything super clearly.
9. Focus On Quality Time
The focus of a family vacation shouldn't just be on the activities or the destination, but on spending quality time together as a family. Cherish the little moments and make sure you have time to just relax together.
10. Don't Overpack The Itinerary
It's normal when you're in a new place to want to see and do everything you possibly can. However, packing your schedule with activities isn't necessarily going to make for a more fun vacation. Make sure you have downtime to just enjoy yourselves, too.
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11. Consider Everyone's Interests
Don't just assume everyone's going to love a beach vacation. It may be easier said than done, especially in a large group, but taking into account everyone's different interests is key to creating the perfect vacation.
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12. Embrace Flexibility
No one's going to have a good time if the vacation schedule is overly rigid. Be prepared to adapt and adjust plans on the fly to accommodate the group's evolving needs and desires.
13. Be Proactive
This is probably not your first time planning a vacation. Learn from past trips and try to be proactive about potential issues before they blow up.
14. Plan For Meals
Come up with a meal strategy, whether it's taking turns cooking in a shared kitchen or trading off choosing restaurants. Having a rough plan will simplify dining arrangements and avoid "hangry" energy.
15. Book Accommodation With Plenty Of Space
As much as your family members probably love each other, it's important for everyone to feel like they have space to spread out and just be alone. Book accommodation with ample room to avoid people feeling suffocated.
16. Know What Everyone Can Afford
Know in advance what everyone's budget is and who's paying for what. This will avoid awkward conversations, unexpected expenses during the trip, and financial stress further down the road.
17. Book Hands-On Activities
Use your multi-generational vacation as an opportunity for bonding by booking hands-on activities. Whether it's a cooking class or a family fishing outing, activities that require joining forces will result in a closer bond between family members.
18. Seek Professional Help
Consider enlisting a tour operator who can tailor itineraries to meet the particular needs of your family. They can provide expert advice and help you create the perfect trip for your family.
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19. Travel Off-Peak
Traveling off-peak is not only cheaper, but it will also allow you to contend with fewer crowds. This can result in a more relaxed travel experience.
20. Prioritize Accessibility
Don't forget about accessibility if you're traveling with older folks or anyone with mobility issues. This way, you ensure that no one will be left out of activities.
