Multigenerational Travel: Tips and Tricks for Planning a Memorable Family Trip

Planning a trip that caters to different generations can be like trying to prepare a meal for a group of people that includes vegans, carnivores and some that are allergic to gluten.

With varying interests, energy levels, and preferences, considering and catering to everyone’s needs is always going to be difficult. However, a wise person once said, there is no reward without risk and if you get it right multigenerational trips can be truly memorable. These hacks will help it go off without a hitch. 

Knowledge isn’t just power, it saves you time and money:

Research and book flights well in advance to secure the best deals and get the most out of your itinerary. This will also give you a chance to suss out who is keen on what activities and cater to them. For instance, by travelling during off-peak seasons you’ll also find tourist attractions less crowded.

If you don’t know where to look, travel comparison websites are some of the best ways to find affordable accommodations that offer family-friendly amenities and deals. Be warned though, while online travel agencies may be great comparison tools, it is always a good idea to make sure you book directly with the hotel you choose via their website to unlock better deals. 

Kevin Mandlokuwa, Customer Success Manager at the hotel technology platform, Profitroom says, “Booking directly through a hotel is one of the easiest ways to get great deals and gather the information you need to be able to choose an option that suits everyone in your travelling party. It allows you to make an informed decision. Hotel websites will often also use systems like Profitroom to make sure that they have more personalised offers and packages and to secure guests cool add ons and extras during their stay.”

Timing is Everything:

The age and preferences of your family members will influence when you decide to go. School holidays, concerts and even the prospect of upcoming bingo tournaments should all factor into your thinking when planning a multigenerational trip. You will want to visit at a time when the weather is agreeable to the widest cross section of people as older family members may react poorly to extreme weather. Booking directly with hotels gives visitors more options. For example, by using Profitroom tools, many hotels will never have zero room availability. Instead, if you find the date you had your eye on fully booked, the website will suggest alternate dates. That way you will always take the holiday that works best for you. 

Building an itinerary that suits everyone from Boomers to Gen-Zs:

Get everyone together and involve them in the planning process to ensure that the activities appeal to everyone involved. That means balancing sightseeing with relaxation, adventure, and nightlife to give everyone a chance to enjoy themselves. Remember to create a flexible itinerary that allows for spontaneous detours and adjustments along the way. Have a backup plan for days when the weather doesn't co-operate, or unexpected closures occur and consider planning separate activities for different age groups to accommodate everyone's preferences. Also remember that the hotel’s website is like a digital noticeboard and will often recommend activities in and around the hotel and area you are staying in.

Picking the perfect hotel:

Your accommodation is central to your holiday. A bad hotel will ruin your experience while a good one will help foster a beautiful sense of togetherness. So, take care to pick a good one. Keep an eye out for family suites or interconnected rooms in hotels to provide both privacy and togetherness. Alternatively, consider booking self-catering accommodation with kitchenette facilities to save on dining costs and cater to specific dietary needs and research hotels with on-site activities and entertainment options suitable for different generations.

“Remember to prioritise hotels with a range of amenities, options and packages. Read customer reviews as these will tell you a lot about what to expect. Hotel room descriptions are also an easy way to find out what you are getting yourself into,” said Mandlokuwa.

Planning a multigenerational trip requires consideration and a touch of creativity. By following these tips and tricks, you'll be well on your way to crafting a memorable vacation that caters to each family member's needs and interests. The beauty of the digital era that we live in is that we have a wealth of information at our fingertips. Something as simple as opening up a hotel website can give you access to a smorgasbord of information that can help you tailor you holiday to everyone’s needs. From saving time and money to finding the perfect hotel and planning alternate activities, your trip will be an unforgettable experience for everyone involved. So, gather your loved ones, start planning, and get ready to embark on an incredible adventure together!