There is no better feeling than stepping into a new destination with your family by your side. During family vacations, memories are made from the little things: early mornings in the airport, laughing during dinners, and inevitably forming a list of inside jokes that you will repeat for months following. These golden moments create togetherness you’ll feel forever, no matter how near or how far your people
may be.
Whether it be a reunion, celebration, or just-because; you may feel pressure to make everything perfect. Hoping everyone enjoys themselves, keeping the kids (and adults) entertained, maintaining a budget, and ensuring quality time all at once can feel like spinning plates.
A tropical escape, immersive land tour, even a luxury cruise; these destinations are rated E for everyone. Not to mention, booking large groups comes with perks. Most tour companies, resort groups, and cruise lines offer group rates and deals for parties over a certain number.
So, pack your bags and call up your loved ones, because we have quality-assured ways to get the family traveling in 2023 – the whole family.
Need help planning your trip? Click here to find a MAST Travel Advisor near you. MAST Travel advisors are here to help with all your travel plans and needs.
What is Multi Generational Travel?
Travel is considered multigenerational when the trip includes those of multiple age ranges or generations. For instance, if grandma and grandpa travel with both their children as well as their children’s children, they are considered a multigenerational group. The ages and number of age groups may vary from family to family, so multigenerational travel can look slightly different to everyone.
Rest & Relaxation – Multi Generational
Family Cruises
Sailing to destinations worldwide, a cruise is a perfect family-friendly vacation option offering everyone something different to satisfy their needs. Booking a cruise means you only need to unpack one time: no transfers and no hassle. Plus, you get the benefit of being able to explore a different place almost every day, with the same mostly inclusive attributes a resort would offer. The variation of destinations makes a cruise perfect for families who can’t seem to agree on a location; Sarah wants to take Instagrammable pictures in Venice, Tyler wants to get his Game of Thrones on in Dubrovnik, and Mary so desperately wants to enjoy the old-time feel of Kotor.
Cruises provide quality dining and a safe environment, not to mention interesting family friendly shore excursions in a wide variety of immersive locations.
On a Disney Cruise, all ages will be pleased. The kiddos can hug Goofy and Pluto, watch their favorite Disney classic, or attend a themed character party complete with dress up. The older kids can partake in waterslides, themed dance parties, karaoke, and contests. The whole family will enjoy the nightly live entertainment, which is a perfect way to come together as a group after your day’s excursions or fun-filled day at sea and complete the night with a fireworks display to please all! As for dining, the food is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eater (of any age).
Multi Generational Family River Cruises
If you and your family wanted to opt for something that feels more intimate, river cruising is another viable option. River cruise ships are smaller, have fewer passengers, are slower paced, and offer a lot of inclusions and amenities such as e-bikes and guided shore excursions. However, you may want to wait until the young ones are a bit older, most river cruise companies have age restrictions and less to do for young children.
For the first time in its history Emerald Cruises is offering two dedicated family river sailings on its most popular river itineraries. Departing in July of 2023, the two cruises have been designed with guests ages 10 to 18 in mind. Families who need two adjacent cabins can save 50% on the second cabin.
According to the line, the addition of the two cruises is in response to increasing guest demand for multi-generational travel to Europe during the summer months. Onboard, kids can look forward to dedicated pool activities with the ship’s wellness coach, wheelhouse tours with the captain, a selection of kid-friendly movies in the ship’s cinema, cooking demos with the chef, and mocktail lessons with the
bar team.
Relaxing Resorts for Multi Generational Families
If your heart is set on a certain destination, booking a resort would be your go-to option. All-inclusive resorts combine the benefit of only having to unpack once with the simplicity of included dining, beverages, fun activities, and more at cost effective rates. It’s easy, it’s organized, and its sure to make you feel pampered.
Sandals is offering multigenerational vacations through their Beaches properties, all including the most diverse options for dining and activities. For instance, Beaches properties include land and water sports (did someone say surf simulation?), gourmet dining at over 20 specialty restaurants, luxurious family friendly suites, water parks, kid’s camps, live entertainment, and even special events like Caribbean Adventures with Sesame Street.
Enthralling Exploration – Land Tours for Multi Generational Families
If you don’t have your sea legs and still want to see multiple spots, you can always opt for a land tour. Explore world renown travel landmarks: the Grand Canyon, Stonehenge, the Arc de Triomphe, the Great Wall of China, you name it. Bring learning to life with the experiences to teach culture and history in a way that’s breathtaking, and most importantly, fun! On a land tour, you can see and experience how others around the world go about their days, try their cuisine, and participate in their traditions and customs. Cultural exchange and interaction can benefit those of any age, creating a wealth of knowledge simultaneous with great family quality time.
Globus offers escorted, private, and large group tours – anywhere in the world!
Heritage Tours for Multi Generational Families
Every family has a story. Kensington Tours and Ancestry.com have paired up to provide you and your family with a customized vacation experience that enriches you in your heritage and cultural background, Personal Heritage Journeys. These unique, private-guided travel experiences are expertly crafted around the most meaningful places and moments in your family’s past. Walk the same roads as your ancestors, hear the stories, and lose yourself in the culture. You can teach the youngsters about the history enveloping these places and may end up feeling a connection stronger than you may expect. (Kensington)
Active Adventure – Snow-Capped Escapades
Can’t take the heat? If you prefer a cooler adventure, this mountainous thrill may be right up your ally. Not all vacations need to be tropical. Swap the sand for snow with an affordable ski vacation that will never be forgotten.
Bundle up, because this all-inclusive ski-trip can take care of everything, including lessons. Club Med provides more than 20 ski resorts all over the world, from the Canadian Rockies to the French Alps. A cold weather getaway is sometimes just what the doctor ordered, and these Club Med packages wellness offerings to warm your muscles and gourmet dining to warm your heart. Take on the slopes and cheers with everyone as you breath in the fresh mountain air.
Can’t take the heat? If you prefer a cooler adventure, this mountainous thrill may be right up your ally. Not all vacations need to be tropical. Swap the sand for snow with an affordable ski vacation that will never be forgotten.
Bundle up, because this all-inclusive ski-trip can take care of everything, including lessons. Club Med provides more than 20 ski resorts all over the world, from the Canadian Rockies to the French Alps. A cold weather getaway is sometimes just what the doctor ordered, and these Club Med packages wellness offerings to warm your muscles and gourmet dining to warm your heart. Take on the slopes and cheers with everyone as you breath in the fresh mountain air.
Outdoor Exploration
Does your family enjoy wilderness, culture, and history? Is your favorite TV channel The History Channel? Animal Planet? What about National Geographic?
Look no further than the brand-new partnership between National Geographic and G Adventures, National Geographic Family Journeys with G Adventures. The program of 12 trips is now on sale globally and features unique National Geographic-inspired experiences for children and adults to connect as a family when they travel together.
The trips visit 12 countries on five continents and range from eight to 13 days in length, with reduced pricing available to children ages 12 and under. Each small-group tour will be led by two specially trained Chief Experience Officers, who will deliver one-of-a-kind itineraries and activities to best meet children’s and adults’ interests. Each activity was designed around one of four guiding National Geographic themes: photography and storytelling, history and culture, wildlife and conservation, and exploration. (National Geographic)
Family Friendly Safaris
Lions, and giraffes, and zebras, oh my! The love for animals certainly extends past children to the entire family! In a once and a lifetime opportunity, cross Africa off your bucket list with this trip. Engulf yourself in nature, the animal kingdom surrounding you as you bask in the natural beauty of Africa. Educational & experiential, an African safari provides it all. Plus, your family is bound to have a laugh while comparing wild lions to your house cat Sassy.
Mayflower Cruises & Tours offers pre-planned 13-day South and East African Safaris that cover everything from game-sighting, wine tasting, waterfall chasing, and local culture immersion. Recommended for older teens and adult children, this trip is both educational and eye opening to the beauty surrounding African wildlife and culture.
Family Friendly Fun
Multi Generational travel means more time with your loved ones, more memories with your favorite people, and something to look forward to and remember forever!
To book a multigenerational trip, contact a travel advisor near you. They will handle the nitty gritty while you focus on getting prepared for the experience of a lifetime.
Suggested Travel-Related Gifts
Rolling Duffel Bag
Craft Cocktail Kit
Disposable 35mm Cameras
Collapsible Water Bottle
Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones
