With busy schedules for many, and for families living far away from each other (older children may be away at university, grandparents in another town and extended family abroad) it seems there is little chance of spending some quality time together as a family, other than main events such as weddings and funerals.
In order to make some special family time – and this can involve extended family and friends – more and more people are choosing multi-generational travel. Taking a holiday together allows the family to re-connect and enjoy each other’s company without the demands of daily life, and spending time on neutral territory can be more relaxing for everybody, as well as inspiring. It can also mean that you get to know each other better.
Travelling together as different ages and generations makes you see things differently and everyone can be spurred on to try new activities leading to (sometimes unexpected) adventures! There is variety and fun and you learn to appreciate all aspects of what a holiday means to someone, no matter their age.
In the words of one university student,
“You learn a lot about a person when travelling with them and being able to travel with different generations means there is a massive variety of stories and conversations flowing. Whilst we would often be split throughout parts of the day, we would all come together in the evening and share what we’d done and our experiences. It’s a great way to get to know people better and appreciate different generations.”
Combine different elements in your holiday to ensure there is something for everyone to enjoy.
This is easily arranged in any of our destinations which offer so many different landscapes and experiences. Your visit might include spotting birds and wildlife in one of the National Parks or exploring ancient temples and monuments where knowledge and thoughts can be shared. Perhaps a cycling tour through local villages and markets, or hikes and treks in the Himalayan foothills for the more active; riverboat expeditions or a special train journey; amazing and glorious hotels, home stays and places to stay.
You might enjoy learning to cook with spices and fresh produce from the garden or market, with the obvious reward of eating your dishes together afterwards – or simply time on stunning beaches or by the poolside.
Long distance travel now seems easier, perhaps with the help of in-flight entertainment.
Extended family long-haul trips are often planned to coincide with a special occasion – perhaps an anniversary, milestone birthday or wedding. This is where our detailed knowledge of our destinations is invaluable. We know and can recommend special hotels and restaurants; experiences and excursions. Often it is the extra details and local advice that make a holiday unforgettable.
But you don’t need to have a special occasion to celebrate. The Easter, Christmas or October and February half term holidays are also perfect times to get away together – and the warmth and sunshine in India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Bhutan during these times of the year are also a big draw.
Your visit might also coincide with a festival such as Holi, the festival of colours!
In recent years we’ve seen a move away from acquiring goods and possessions to an emphasis on sharing experiences and creating memories. A multi-generational trip can be a fantastic way for a family to spend quality, unhurried time together. There are many shared stories and adventures to reminisce about after, and photos to treasure.
Last year we spent Christmas in Kerala – a group of family and friends of three generations – and we all loved having a different Christmas together in beautiful surroundings. There’s no need for presents when such a holiday is present itself!
We like this quote, which seems to sum up the wonderful experience of sharing a holiday with loved ones and close family and friends:
“Fill your life with adventures, not things. Have stories to tell not stuff to show.”
Tips for multi-generational travel
Involve everyone in the planning stages. Teenagers can be great at researching interesting activities, and let everybody input ideas for what they’d like the holiday to involve.
Be aware of everyone’s budget and accommodation preferences. Whilst young children may find staying in a tree house exhilarating, it may not be Grandpa’s idea of a good night’s sleep. Or perhaps it might be the other way around!
Factor in the needs of the youngest and oldest members of the group. If they are content, the chances are that everyone else will be too.
Have time for everyone to have some independent time, and to do different things.
Relax and enjoy being away together. Be prepared to adapt to other’s schedules and preferences and make the most of spending time together.
If you’d like to discuss a multi-generational holiday to any of our destinations in more detail, please contact Amanda Kay by email amanda@travelmaxwellscott.com or by telephone on 01937 520677.