5 Tips on How to Survive Multigenerational Travel

Posted on Sep 29, 2015 | 0 comments

Traveling with the whole family is a great way to make memories and create bonds that will last a lifetime.

However, if you play the role of both parent and child on the trip, as I do, it can be quite tricky.

We have a trip to Palm Springs coming up with my parents. Everyone is really looking forward to it and I want it to go as smoothly as possible.

Thankfully, this is not my first multigenerational travel trip!

By following a few of these multigenerational travel tips that I have put together, we plan to have an amazing adventure – and you can too!

5 Tips on How to Survive Multigenerational Travel

Tip #1 on How to Survive Multigenerational Travel

Divide and Conquer! When on a trip with both your parents and your children, separate once in a while. Let your parents have some time alone. Let the kids have some time alone with your parents. Being together 24/7 is not good for anyone, so switch it up a bit. Make time for your parents to have a romantic evening out and likewise ask them to have a special night with just the kids so you and your mate can have a night off! Encourage your parents to pick something they would like to do alone and ask if there is anything special they want to do with just the kids. And if you are the leader of the crew, make sure to take some time for yourself. Book a spa treatment or go for a long swim alone and let them miss you for an hour or two – they will be ok!!

Tip #2 on How to Survive Multigenerational Travel

Make Plans! You don’t have to schedule every second, but put together a general itinerary of things you would like to do in a basic order and let all of the adults in on the plan. Pick and coordinate the restaurants and attractions you would like to visit ahead of time so you can figure out logistics, just leave off actual times to give you some room to just relax and play.

Travel Tip: However you are getting to the hotel, be sure to plan to meet up at the hotel, not the airport, train station or bus station. That way everyone will have their own car and no one will be stuck waiting around after a long travel day! Plus this will give everyone a certain degree of freedom…!!!

Tip #3 on How to Survive Multigenerational Travel

Bring Games! A great way to connect the generations is with games. There are so many great travel size games out there now that are great for the dinner table, for the down time and for a fun evening / rainy day activity. Whether it is a hot competition of Bananagrams, Travel Battleship, Hot Potato, or a card game, games can be the best (and easiest) form of entertainment for everyone to enjoy together.

Tip #4 on How to Survive Multigenerational Travel

Take the Blame! When things are going off, just take the blame and diffuse the situation. Nothing moves a situation forward like a simple “Ok, I’m sorry, things got messed up. But going forward, here is what I think we should do…. I love you guys and want to have a super fun trip so let’s move on.” At the end of the day, who cares? You are there to have a good time so CHOOSE to have a good time and help others to make the same choice by being calm and rational.

Tip #5 on How to Survive Multigenerational Travel

Give Love and Appreciate! Ending every argument, adventure and night with a family hug is one of the best parts of a family vacation. Make sure everyone gets kisses and hugs – because how often do you get to do that in a fun, vacation setting?! Appreciate how perfect your family is for you! And this trip is something you all will remember forever so choose to make it a happy memory!

What are your great tips on Multigenerational Travel?

Malibu Mama Loves Xx

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#ConsciousTravel