The weather outside is frightful, but now is the time to start thinking about summer vacations. Do you dream of traveling someplace with your big, extended family? If so, here are some tips to make the process easy for everyone.
Traveling with the whole gang—we’re talking grandparents on down to grandkids—can get tricky. If you yearn for a family vacation that’s one for the record books—and I know you do—it all starts with the planning.
So, to help you ensure your family vacation is absolutely effortless and oh-so fun for everyone, here are 5 questions to ask yourself as you start planning:
>> What one word would you use to describe your ideal family adventure?
Before we even get into the logistics, it’s so important to uncover your vision for this trip. What does your family need right now—and how can a trip help you get it? Do you want to spend more quality time together, to unplug, to explore, to learn, to reconnect?
Knowing your “why” will help you shape a travel experience that’s meaningful for everyone. Choosing one “theme word” ensures your trip planning stays focused on your big goals.
>> Will anyone you travel with have mobility issues?
This is an especially important question if you’re traveling with grandparents or older relatives, but keep in mind any wee ones who tire quickly or family members with special needs.
You don’t want to pick a vacation style that makes some family members feel left out of the fun, so start with this question. It can guide you to the perfect destination (some places are more friendly to walkers and wheelchairs than others), property, and/or cruise.
>> What ages—and developmental stages—are you dealing with?
This question mostly applies to the kids. Because a thrilling zip line adventure through the jungle for a pre-tween is a total nightmare for a 5-year-old. I often see this issue come up when planning trips for my clients—there are simply some things kids can’t handle on vacation, depending on where they’re at developmentally.
Don’t set the stage for a stress fest by picking a vacation your kids just aren’t ready for!
>> How much independence does everyone want on vacation?
Together time is important, yes—but so is “me time”! If you’re traveling with aunts, cousins, grandparents, etc., consider property styles that allow different family units to have their own space—with central spaces where you can all gather together.
You’ll also want to keep in mind tweens and teens who crave a bit more independence. That’s hard to give them on, say, a guided tour through Morocco—but cruises with kids/teens clubs or villas with room to spread out may be a better bet.
The fifth question is the hardest question of all, and it’s about MONEY.
It’s awkward. It’s uncomfortable. But If you dream of taking a big multigenerational family trip, you have to talk money. Before you depart! Otherwise, you’ll be left trying to manage vastly different expectations—and possibly a very big bill.
The “money question” is actually several questions … really, it’s a discussion.
So, here are a few cash related questions to get straight on before the trip:
>> What’s the budget—how much can everyone afford?
>> Who is paying? Sometimes, grandparents or other family members will chip in to cover more of the cost. That’s important to figure out upfront.
>> What level of accommodations will satisfy everyone? If you’ve got 5-star folks and happy campers in the family, you may need to compromise.
>> What’s the actual trip cost? It goes beyond flights and accommodations—excursions, meals, and tickets add up!
>> What’s included in the trip—and what will each family/traveler pay for on their own? This could be a good way to manage differing budgets. Not everyone has to participate in the super awesome (but expensive) truffle hunt or VIP museum visit!
Sorting out the money question is too important to shy away from if you want your big family trip to go smoothly (and who doesn’t want that?).
There’s a lot to consider when you’re planning a multigenerational family escape, but when you’re relaxing all together, totally at ease and full of laughter and stories, you’ll know all the planning up front was worth it.
Because every good story starts with an adventure.
Janine Queenin is the owner of Storied Adventures travel. She believes it’s never too soon to show children the world. Whenever possible, she travels near and far with her own kids. Do you want to plan a family getaway, but you’re not sure which vacation will work for the whole gang? Take Janine’s 60-second quiz to find out.
