How to Plan a Multigenerational Vacation With Your Family
Increasingly, when it’s time to hit the road, it’s a family affair. Not just mom, dad and the kids, but grandparents, too.
In 2017, Travel Leaders Group reported that 91 percent of its more than 50,000 agents booked multigenerational family trips. The trend isn’t slowing. What better way to bond than by traveling?
But much planning is required before taking that dream vacay. Start the process here and get ideas about where to find your family’s happy place.
READY, SET, GO!
Choose a leader.
“They will be the point person regarding itinerary, reservations, transfers, insurance, etc.,” says Lauren Cagner, a luxury travel advisor at Protravel International in Westbury. “Consider working with a travel advisor to help streamline the itinerary and booking process.”
Be sensitive to everyone’s wishes, be it preference for where to go, distance to travel to meet up, and activities. Create a questionnaire to suss out who wants what. Use this as a starting point.
“Grandma may not want to participate in whitewater rafting, but is interested in a scenic float tour,” says Cagner.
Remember special needs like dietary restrictions or physical limitations.
“Arrange for wheelchair assistance and meet and greet at the airport, to and from the plane for elders,” says Shelia Korte, an accredited cruise specialist with Cruise Planners in Babylon.
Because all family members may not be in the same financial boat, present a range of affordable options. Planning early allows more time to save.
Have group discussions via phone, Skype or whatever works. Mostly, be flexible.
“It’s all about the memories you make as a family,” says Cagner.
WHERE TO GO
Ocean Club Resorts, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
Grace Bay Beach is one of the world’s best beaches. The Ocean Club Resorts in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, sits along those turquoise waters. The spacious suites are ideal for families. Take advantage of the kitchen, washer-dryer and porch. Enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, fishing, bike rentals, golf, tennis, and horseback riding. Seafari is an interactive environment exploration game where kids identify plants and species. They get bragging rights for completing the game and prizes.
Balmoral Resort, Haines City, Florida
This gated resort is 30 minutes to Disney World, and even closer to Legoland and Universal Studios. Three to six-bedroom homes have kitchens, laundry room, private screened pool, free Wi-Fi and are pet-friendly. There’s a concierge to help, be it getting park tickets or groceries delivered. The resort has a pool, waterpark, mini-golf course, sand volleyball court, catch-and-release fishing, arcade and more.
San Ignacio Resort, San Ignacio, Belize
River and Jungle View suites have large outdoor living spaces with lounge chairs and dining area. Absorb views of the Macal river and the rainforest. Have an iguana encounter via the Green Iguana Conservation Project on property. Visit a Maya Temple, birdwatch, take a guided rainforest hike, explore botanical gardens, or horseback ride. Adventurous? Rappel off a 300-feet cliff, zipline at Jaguar Paw. When ready, ask for an in-room spa treatment.
Maine Windjammer Association, Rockland, Maine
Everybody can have a good time windjamming on a historic sailing ship. Think of it as camping at sea. Spot wildlife, sleep under the stars if you like, share stories, comb beaches, roast marshmallows, and make ice cream during onshore lobster bakes. Indulge your inner sailor, help out on board tying knots or setting sails. Each day brings a new island or coastal town.
Barceló Maya Grand Resort, Riviera Maya, Mexico
The all-inclusive Barceló Maya Grand Resort aims to please all. There’s bowling, an 18-hole mini-golf course, ziplining, dancing at the One Disco Club for teens, more than 22 restaurants, 10 swimming pools, three on-site water parks, the FlowRider surf pool, a splash zone for children, and the Barcy Kids Club (ages 4 to 12). Barceló recently opened Ventura Fly & Ride Park. Chill at the U-Spa Wellness & Fitness Center, with its hydrotherapy circuit, saunas, and steam baths. There’s a U-Kids Spa featuring kid-themed treatments and hair braiding. Venture off to nearby Mayan ruins, swim in underground rivers, or experience a Mayan ritual ceremony.
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