Travel Tips & Trends

Generational travel

When three generations travel

An increasing number of American households include three generations. As a result, many families face the challenge of finding a vacation that is suitable for everyone from toddlers to grandparents.

Multigenerational travel is fueled by America's large aging population and an increased separation anxiety among family members scattered nationwide. Family reunions are another factor driving the trend. Independent numbers from the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA) state that 34% of all adults have traveled to a family reunion in the past three years. With 52% of reunions being held in someone's home, 48% are selecting alternative destinations.

An important consideration in putting together a multigenerational vacation is accommodating everyone's needs. Remember that the whole group does not need to spend the entire time together. Schedule mini-adventures along the way so grandparents, parents and children can share activities with each other in different combinations.

Choosing the right accommodations is crucial. One alternative to booking multiple hotel rooms is to look for a vacation rental home. These can be found in many sizes, locations and levels of luxury, and provide the necessary sense of togetherness combined with privacy for individuals and couples.

A vacation rental home can also help save on food costs during the trip by reducing the number of times the family dines out. This is especially useful as grandparents and grandchildren often have different meal schedules, and visiting restaurants can be difficult with young children.

Destinations which combine educational aspects with family entertainment are popular—for example, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C. or Mount Rushmore. A multigenerational vacation provides a unique opportunity to spend time with each other outside of the pressures of daily life, while creating family memories to last a lifetime.