Multigenerational travel has grown rapidly in recent years. A 2014 AAA survey found that about 36 percent of respondents planned a multigenerational trip in the next 12 months, up from 32 percent the year before. More than a quarter of Americans said they intended to travel with three generations present—children, their parents or in-laws, and grandparents.
With family members often living far apart or drifting apart over time, multigenerational trips can bring relatives together and create lasting memories.
Travel professionals usually define multigenerational travel as trips that include grandparents in addition to parents and children, but the groups often extend beyond that to include siblings, nieces and nephews, and close family friends. For example, a family trip to Nayarit, Mexico in 2013 included no grandparents, yet it spanned roughly 50 years between the youngest traveler, a 15-year-old, and the oldest relative of 65. Moments from that trip—like an aunt’s memorable scream during a zipline ride—became family stories.
Grandparents are an increasingly important travel demographic. The U.S. Census projected 80 million grandparents by 2020—about one in three adults—and many are willing and able to contribute time and money toward multigenerational vacations.
Young family members also influence travel choices more than many expect. Nearly half (49 percent) of multigenerational travelers reported that grandchildren affect the choice of hotel or resort. A 2014 Preferred Hotel Group study found about 40 percent of parents and grandparents say children actively participate in vacation planning—especially deciding daily activities (77 percent) and destinations (62 percent). Popular U.S. multigenerational trip types include beach vacations (35 percent) and theme parks (28 percent).
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The same Preferred Hotel Group study suggests the desire to spend more family time on vacation gained momentum after 9/11. Whatever the origin, 66 percent of respondents who had taken a multigenerational leisure trip in the previous year agreed that vacationing together brings their family closer. Those who had traveled with multiple generations were likely to plan another domestic multigenerational trip (86 percent) and many were also open to international travel (48 percent) in the next two years.
The top motivations for traveling across generations were: spending quality time with family (71 percent), creating lifelong memories (51 percent), and helping family members enjoy a vacation they might otherwise not be able to afford (20 percent of parents versus 35 percent of grandparents).
THERE ARE TWO main approaches to multigenerational travel: packaged trips and do-it-yourself planning. For DIY trips, organizers need to balance interests and abilities across the group. Too much togetherness can be challenging if activities don’t suit everyone.
If older family members are not up for high-energy excursions like jet skiing or ziplining, plan alternative activities such as shopping, museums, cultural tours and ample downtime. Conversely, many young travelers have limited patience for long museum visits or historic tours, so mix active and relaxed options.
Parents and grandparents should also be mindful of setting expectations for younger family members. For example, enjoying wine on vacation in front of underage relatives may lead them to expect similar privileges at home.
A practical reminder for grandparents traveling with grandchildren: carry a notarized letter from the parents authorizing you to obtain medical treatment for the child when necessary.
For travelers who prefer organized offerings, several providers specialize in multigenerational trips. Road Scholar (formerly Elderhostel) is a well-known nonprofit that organizes educational adventures around the world, from North America to Africa, Asia, Europe, and Antarctica. The organization rebranded to reflect broader multigenerational appeal and comfort expectations; its programs now emphasize learning and quality accommodations rather than spartan dormitory-style lodging.
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Examples of Road Scholar offerings include intergenerational African wildlife programs that explore South Africa, Zambia and Botswana, where participants search for the Big Five and visit notable sites like Victoria Falls. Pricing varies by itinerary and accommodation level. For ocean-focused families, Road Scholar’s South Seas family voyage provides snorkeling, underwater discovery and stargazing for grandchildren ages 9 to 15, plus opportunities to learn about Polynesian history and culture.
Cruise lines also cater to multigenerational groups. Norwegian Cruise Line reports that 15 to 20 percent of guests on many sailings are part of multigenerational groups. Cruising can be cost-effective and convenient: families unpack once and enjoy a range of activities, dining options and entertainment that appeal to different ages. Norwegian’s youth and teen programs, splash parks and dedicated teen zones such as Entourage offer targeted entertainment for younger travelers while adults relax.
Beyond mainstream operators, a variety of travel companies serve multigenerational needs. Adventure outfitters and specialized tour operators provide options from river rafting and wildlife treks to curated cultural journeys. Smithsonian Journeys, for instance, offers air, land and sea trips to destinations like the Galápagos, Tanzania and Machu Picchu, including premium options such as private jet tours.
Whether a family chooses a relaxed cruise, an educational expedition, or a customized DIY itinerary, multigenerational travel remains a powerful way to reconnect relatives, bridge generational gaps, and build shared memories that last a lifetime.