Summer is the perfect season to explore new destinations, whether close to home, across the country or across the world. According to an article in Premier Travel Media, one of the biggest trends in travel today is intergenerational vacations — trips that bring together grandparents, adult children and grandchildren. Almost 90% of Millennial and Gen Z parents surveyed cited quality time as the reason for bringing along extended family. These adventures can be deeply rewarding, but it takes thoughtful preparation and planning to ensure these trips are enjoyable and memorable for everyone involved.
Choosing the Right Destination for Intergenerational Summer Travel
One of the first steps in planning an intergenerational trip usually begins with selecting a destination. What makes a great destination can vary from family to family, but in general, choosing a destination that offers something for everyone is key.
The best intergenerational destinations should have:
- Flexible pacing that includes a mix of relaxation and activities
- Easy accessibility and transportation, especially if there are very young children or members of the group with mobility challenges
- Dining and entertainment options for different age groups
- Opportunities for shared experiences as well as independent activities
- Accommodations with common gathering spaces
Popular choices often include:
- National parks with accessible trails and scenic drives
- Coastal or mountain destinations with walkable downtowns and family-friendly attractions
- Cruise vacations that allow travelers to customize their days
- Resorts that offer activities for children, teens and adults
- Historic towns and cultural destinations with guided tours and local experiences
Planning a Trip That is Meaningful for Everyone
One of the keys to a successful family vacation is recognizing that different generations or even different members of the same generation often travel differently.
Some may appreciate slower mornings, meaningful cultural experiences and scheduled downtime, while others may prefer packed itineraries and active adventures. It’s important to discuss this as a family as you are planning the trip to ensure you choose a destination that is enjoyable for everyone involved.
It’s also key to remember that you don’t have to do everything together. Designate “together time” and “independent time” throughout the trip. This creates balance and gives everyone an opportunity to do what they love while still allowing time for connection and shared memories. For example, if your family is staying at a resort, younger children can spend time in the kids’ club during the day, while teens and younger adults may enjoy activities like surfing lessons or water-skiing. Other members of the party may enjoy cooking lessons, yoga on the beach or learning about the local culture. Everyone can do what brings them joy, then the whole family can gather for dinner or evening entertainment and share their adventures of the day.
Tips for Making the Journey as Enjoyable as the Destination
Whether you are flying or driving to your destination, the journey can set the mood for the whole trip. With a little thoughtful planning, getting there can feel far less stressful, and much more enjoyable for travelers of every age.
Airports can feel overwhelming during busy summer travel seasons, but a few simple strategies can help make flying much smoother, calmer and more comfortable for every member of the family.
- Booking nonstop flights whenever possible
- Choosing flights earlier in the day to reduce delays and fatigue
- Arriving early to avoid feeling rushed
- Requesting wheelchair or mobility assistance in advance if needed
- Ensuring that children have comfort items like favorite blankets or stuffed animals, snacks and plenty of activities to keep them occupied during the flight
- Packing carry-on luggage when possible to eliminate the risk of lost baggage
Road trips remain one of the most enjoyable and memorable ways to travel, but they can be taxing if you are only focused on getting there as quickly as possible. This can be especially true if you are travelling with very young children who may get cranky or bored if they spend too much time cooped-up in the car.
To make long drives more comfortable:
- Plan shorter driving days
- Schedule breaks every few hours to stretch and walk and let the children play at a park or playground
- Play road trip games like spotting license plates from each state and provide each child with an activity bag with age-appropriate activities like coloring books, magnetic games or word searches.
- Avoid driving during peak traffic or late at night if possible
- Keep snacks and drinks within reach
- Use navigation apps to monitor traffic and rest stops
- Consider splitting driving responsibilities when possible
The journey itself can become part of the adventure. Scenic byways, quirky local attractions, small towns and spontaneous stops often become the most memorable parts of the trip.
The Joy of Intergenerational Travel
Intergenerational summer travel creates opportunities to step away from the stress and routines of daily life and focus on getting to know one another on a deeper level, strengthening relationships, and making memories that last for generations.
Whether it is introducing grandchildren to a favorite destination, discovering a new place together or simply sharing family stories over a meal, intergenerational travel reminds us that the most meaningful experiences are often the ones shared with the people we love most.
Whether close to home or across the world, travel has a way of bringing people together, creating memories, and reminding us to continue exploring the experiences that matter most.
Residents of Ginger Cove and members of Ginger Cove at Home continue pursuing new experiences, building meaningful connections, and planning thoughtfully for the future — wherever life takes them.
Contact us to learn more.