Multigenerational travel is far from a new idea—families have been taking kids on vacation for generations. What has changed is the growing desire to bring multiple generations together for shared travel experiences as daily schedules for kids, parents and grandparents become busier. As a result, multigenerational travel has carved out its own niche, and even spawned subcategories like “skip‑gen” trips, where grandparents travel with grandchildren. AARP data reported that 15 percent of baby boomers planned skip‑gen trips in 2019.
Family-focused getaways have also evolved. Traditional girls’ or guys’ trips increasingly include parents and children—mothers and daughters, fathers and sons—and often extend to three generations. Siblings and their families frequently vacation together so cousins can bond while adults reconnect. These trips serve many purposes: they build stronger family bonds, create lasting memories and can replace traditional celebrations—like milestone birthdays or anniversaries—with meaningful shared experiences.
Multigenerational travel can pair easily with business trips, too. Cities often provide activities for family members during work hours, plus attractions for evenings and weekends. A business trip can also be the starting point for a family holiday when work commitments end. The key is planning a trip that considers everyone: interests, stamina and mobility vary widely across ages. To keep everyone engaged, build in downtime or stagger activities so some family members can rest while others explore. For example, grandparents who tire more quickly might take younger children to a nearby park while others continue sightseeing.
Meal times don’t always need to be group affairs. Parents might want to enjoy nightlife while kids and grandparents dine earlier; conversely, grandparents shouldn’t be expected to serve as constant babysitters unless they’ve agreed to do so. Honest, upfront conversations before departure will help set expectations and shape an itinerary that respects everyone’s needs.
Traveling with children differs significantly from traveling as a couple. Children have shorter attention spans and different interests, and they may be less captivated by traditional sightseeing. Prioritize interactive experiences that the whole family can enjoy rather than a rigid checklist of landmarks. Look for activities that let everyone participate—hands-on workshops, food experiences, or creative classes tend to engage multiple ages.
PHOTO: © EATING EUROPE
Iconic sights remain part of many family trips, but adding interactive, locally rooted experiences makes a destination memorable. Consider a family cooking class in Florence to learn pizza and gelato, a home‑style dinner with a local family, or a food tour to sample regional favorites. Art lessons—such as painting in Málaga—or craft workshops—like learning to make truffles in France or painting traditional Portuguese tiles in Lisbon—create deeper connections to a place. Seek out activities that are unique to the destination and encourage participation from every generation.
Resorts remain a popular choice because they concentrate a wide range of activities in one place. Ski resorts and beach resorts alike offer options for different ages and interests—skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, heated pools, spas, dining, and on‑site children’s programs are just a few examples. A family‑focused resort might include supervised play areas adjacent to dining, allowing parents and grandparents time to relax while kids are entertained. Beyond resort grounds, nearby towns and attractions provide additional opportunities for exploration.
Active or adventure trips can be excellent for families that share a love for a particular activity—kayaking, cycling, hiking—but it’s important to choose itineraries that offer varied intensity levels and alternatives for those who prefer less strenuous options.
Organized tours are another strong option for multigenerational groups because they simplify logistics: flights, transfers and lodging are arranged in advance, and total costs are clear before departure. Tour operators have adapted quickly to the multigen trend, offering trips tailored to different family compositions. Some companies design trips specifically for families traveling with adult children, while others offer programs for younger kids, teens and different age group combinations, with age-appropriate activities and itineraries.
Eco‑ and wildlife‑focused operators create meaningful educational experiences that appeal to families interested in nature and conservation. These trips often combine wildlife viewing with hands‑on learning about ecosystems, conservation efforts and regional cultures, providing educational value alongside adventure.
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© ON THE GO TOURS
Some tour operators design family-friendly itineraries in destinations as varied as Asia, Africa and Europe. These programs blend classic sightseeing with immersive activities—boat cruises, local cooking classes, cultural performances and hands‑on crafts—so children as young as five can engage with the destination in meaningful ways while older family members enjoy richer cultural experiences.
Finally, wherever you travel and whoever joins you, slow down and savor the moments. Don’t feel pressured to see everything. Let younger family members leave some places for future visits; that gives them reasons to return as adults and, perhaps someday, to bring their own children. The best family trips create memories and connections that last a lifetime.