Multigenerational travel is becoming more and more popular,
and it’s a trend I don’t see slowing down any time soon. Families are placing
more importance on spending meaningful time together and making memories on
vacations with activities that appeal to all ages.
Not every family vacation destination is ideal for guests on
a multigenerational vacation.
Parents, grandparents, and children traveling
together introduces a whole new dynamic to vacations. Choosing the perfect
destination or type of trip is essential to its success.
We’ve put together a list of our favorite vacation
destinations that are ideally suited to the needs of larger family groups.
Tanque Verde Guest
Ranch – Tucson, AZ
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| photo ©Tanque Verde |
A Dude Ranch vacation is sure to be one your family will be
talking about for years to come. Tanque Verde is a unique destination that goes
well beyond that of your typical hotel. With plenty of outdoor adventures like
horseback riding (don’t’ worry, there are rides for all skill levels including
true novices, and the staff is trained to work with grandma and grandpa to make
them feel comfortable as well), hiking, mountain biking, yoga, swimming,
basketball, tennis, and even a spa, there is something for everyone. Families love the sense of camaraderie and
shared, new experiences that make these vacations a bonding experience like no
other.
The relaxed vibe at Tanque Verde will put everyone at ease
right away. The ranch feels like a high-end summer camp for all ages. Kids age
4-12 can participate in supervised programming that includes riding lessons,
hiking, arts and crafts, and nature activities. The whole family will enjoy
dining options that include outdoor cookouts from blueberry pancakes griddled
over an open fire to traditional barbecue in the evening. Prefer more
traditional dining? The options at Tanque Verde are varied enough to appeal to
all ages and definitely don’t disappoint. Also would Paws Up in Montana is wonderful option.
Fairmont Kea Lani –
Maui, Hawaii
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| photo ©Fairmont |
Who wouldn’t love escaping to the Hawaiian islands for some
family fun? The Fairmont Kea Lani is the ideal option for larger family groups.
It is one of Hawaii’s only oceanfront all-suite and villa resorts. Some condos
offer direct access to the big lagoon pool, others are a short walk to the
beach, and many boast private plunge pools on the patio (a definite hit with
the kids!).
The resort offers plenty of activities to keep everyone
happy including multiple swimming pools (there is an adult-only pool, a water
play area for babies, and even two family pools connected by a 140-foot water
slide). The Hawaiian Cultural Program is a favorite for extended families.
Other activities include various water sports, snorkeling, scuba diving, kids
clubs, wellness classes, an award-winning spa, and a fitness center. Golf and
tennis are available nearby as well.
Cruising
Cruises offer great flexibility for multigenerational
families. With (almost) everything included in one price, stateroom options for
a variety of budgets, and an abundance of activities from sunrise till way
beyond sunset, setting sail on the high seas is often the perfect vacation for
everyone. Dining options are plentiful and cater to both the simple palate of
the youngest member of your family and the desire for more elegant dining among
the adults in the group.
Cruises offer the perfect balance of high energy fun and
relaxation. Supervised kids clubs that you will often have to beg the kids to
leave give parents some time to relax or enjoy the adult-only spaces and
activities on board. Since everything is taken care of once you are onboard,
cruising eliminates many of the frustrations of traveling with children.
Choosing the right ship will be important. Many of the
newer, larger ships will have a massive list of available activities that
Grandma and the little ones can all enjoy together. This is where it gets tricky, as Grandma may have her favorite upper end cruise line. Depending on time of year and location they may not have a kid friendly activites or shows in the evening or have chicken nuggets.
Helping my clients match their vacation wishes and needs to the perfect ship and itinerary is one of my favorite parts of planning a cruise vacation, because I love putting my extensive cruise knowledge to the advantage of my clients.
Helping my clients match their vacation wishes and needs to the perfect ship and itinerary is one of my favorite parts of planning a cruise vacation, because I love putting my extensive cruise knowledge to the advantage of my clients.
Bermuda is a great choice for a non Caribbean beach choice, as it's easy for Midwestern families to drive to the East Coast ports. Want history, scenery and older cities without the long European flight? Summer Canada/New England sailings fit the bill as the demographics are younger in summer, due to the easy of getting to ports in Boston, New York and Quebec City.
Thinking Europe? There is no better way for a multigenerational group to cover a lot of ground than by ship, And don't forget the family itineraries on the European Rivers.
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| photo Tauck |
Jewel Runaway Bay –
Jamaica (All-Inclusive Resort)
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| ©Jewel Resorts |
Much like cruising, all-inclusive resorts make planning
large family vacation simple and easy. Everything is included for one price,
and there are a wide variety of activities for guests of all ages.
Jewel Runaway Bay resort makes our list for its extensive
list of activities and amenities tailor-made for families. You’ll find a kids
club (for all ages), dedicated areas for teens including a recording studio,
family laser tag and not only kids programming, but family programming as well.
Check the schedule for events such as Mommy and Me spa days, Father-Daughter
dances, and family golf lessons. The kids are sure to enjoy the Jewel Lagoon
Water Park complete with lazy river, family raft ride, zero-entry lagoon style
pool, splash zone, and a giant sun deck.
The warm Jamaican hospitality and gracious service begins as
soon as you arrive at the resort where you are greeted with an ice-cold rum
punch (or fruit punch for those under 21!) and a smile. The staff are incredibly
friendly and will soon be calling you and your children by name. This is just one example of a great multigenerational resort in Jamaica and the Caribbean. Hyatt Ziva, Royalton, Azul, Moon Palace and Beaches are some other options.
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| Hyatt Ziva, Rose Hall Jamaica |
Planning a multigenerational vacation and organizing all of
the details can be a time consuming and stressful task. Let us take care of the
logistics (and save you from dealing with all of your relatives' many questions
and critiques) so that all you have to do is show up and enjoy your trip.
The
perfect vacation begins with scheduling a complimentary travel consultation.
Click here to request a time for us to chat . We’ll discuss the details and
what your vacation priorities. I’ll give you my suggestions and explain how we
can best work together to plan the vacation of your dreams.
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