I just returned from a multi-generational vacation, but just learned the term for it. We spent the past week in Montauk at a rental house owned by my friend’s family for generations. The “we” included me (the only grandparent), my daughter and daughter in law and my 8 year old grandson Jesse. Also included were my son, his girlfriend and her two teenage sons aged 13 and 18.
Multi-gen trips are a rising trend and that makes sense. A vacation between grandparents, their adult kids and grandkids give extended families time together without expectation of holiday gatherings and with so many vacation schedules to juggle with quality time, Families are finding it easier to simply see each other while they relax.
Choosing the right location is key to a stress free memory making trip. The key to choosing a location is to focus on a place that provides just the right amount of time together balanced with enough space to keep everyone sane.
Remember that toddlers, like grandparents, get grumpy if they have to walk too far or wait to take a nap. Kids thrive on recreation and independence; teens need privacy and extra sleep; college kids enjoy lavish meals and personal luxuries like spa treatments.
Budget, activities for all ages (because not everyone wants to do the same thing), and convenience all play a big role in determining the best multi-gen vacation options. If grandparents pay (research shows 33% of the time), they typically look for a structured, more comfortable vacation where everyone can spend time together. Cruises, all inclusive resorts and guided tours with supervision for kids are good options. When parents pay, they may bring grandparents to babysit; city getaways are popular with this group. When participants share, the options expand.
Roadscholar.org offers more than 260 inter generational and family programs from Washington D.C. and Mount Rushmore to Cuba or Paris, France. Another article I read suggested a safari in South Africa as one of the most organized vacations a family can take. “It offers a daily routine which allows children and adults to relax because there are no big decisions to make but also enough diversity, wonder, and down time each day to keep everyone excited”.
Our budget was more Montauk, than South Africa. I can honestly say that our trip was fabulous. My daughter in law planned it taking everyone’s interests into account. Monday we drove out to Sag Harbor, had lunch overlooking the harbor and walked around the town. My son’s group of four was not arriving until Tuesday night which worked out perfectly as Tuesday was a rainy, dismal day.
However, we four enjoyed the Lion King movie (Jesse’s choice), a delicious Italian lunch along with homemade coffee and Oreo ice cream at Johns Drive In, a Montauk institution. My daughter and I taught my grandson to play checkers that evening. It was a fun, busy day which may have bored the teenage boys.
Wednesday was an exciting day for all. My daughter in law had hired a fishing boat with a captain who took us over to Block Island to fish. The sea bass were biting and plentiful and were barbecued by the boys for our dinner—yum!
Thursday brought a beautiful beach day, pizza in town and a perusal of the farmers market, and an early dinner at The Lobster Roll where the tv show The Affair was filmed. Best lobster roll ever!!
Friday morning we visited the Montauk lighthouse, had a hamburger lunch in town, then on our way. While traveling with family always carries some degree of tension, the trip was relatively smooth and stress free with not too much pouting or tantrums, even by the teenagers, and you know how they can be!
Remember too that family holidays are valued by children both in the moment and for long afterward in their memory. According to experts, trips with families are the gift that keeps on giving……
“You are connected to your family through more than blood. You are bonded by ideas, culture, values and your cherished memories. Nurture, develop and embrace your family. Love those closest to you as you love yourself”.
Aging Beautifully cards by Margaret Manning
Resources
Myfamilytravels.com
Family Vacations Have Long Lasting Impact on Kids Happiness by Hollee Actman Becker parents.com
Best Multi-generational Trips Family Friendly Vacation Ideas by Candace H. Stapes Frommers.com
I remember taking many vacations with my parents when Jeremy was little. The most memorable was a trip to Cali and Disneyland. It was by car so we had some stops along the way. Jeremy still tells the story of how he “drowned” in Las Vegas (not true)!! I still look at the pictures of him as a 4 yr old and I am so thankful that we took that trip. It’s great that you can do this with your whole family. Are you thinking about the next trip????? xox
I am so excited for our big adventure. Counting the weeks!
This sounds like a wonderful trip. I’m so glad you all got to spend this time together and had so much fun. <3
Hi Andrea. So happy you read the blog! Sending you hugs from NY!