Best Destinations For Multi-Generational Travel
As family groups blend into friend groups, multi-generational travel has become increasingly popular over the past few years, with three, sometimes four, generations all going on holiday together. It’s a great way to make memories, but there can be much to consider when planning a multi-generational trip.
For starters, keeping three or four generations happy in one place at the same time is a tall order. Just how do you entertain kids while ensuring older parents are comfortable and content? And that’s before we’ve added sulky teenagers into the mix! It’s a challenge, but there are some destinations that manage to do this effortlessly.
To help you plan your multi-generational holiday, here are our favourite destinations that have something for everyone.
Vienna, Austria
Full of art and culture – it was home to Klimt, Beethoven and Mozart after all – it’s warming to see that many of Vienna’s galleries and museums have workshops and interactive elements to keep kids engaged while adults roam around. Or for a bit of urban nature, head to the Butterfly House. Older generations will love the tranquillity and beauty, while younger generations get to learn about these fascinating insects.
Probably the best thing about Vienna for a multi-generational trip is the mobility access. Despite the fact its attractions are often found in historical buildings (which means it can circumvent accessibility laws), most have ramp access and lifts as standard, making it perfect for wheelchairs and buggies alike.
Florida, USA
Yes, Florida is Disney and Disney is fantastic for kids, but it also has plenty to keep grandparents and parents happy too. Families can spend some days of the trip enjoying the thrills and spills of its world famous theme parks, and other days on more relaxed activities. When the older generation want to take it easy, Florida has some beautiful courses for a few rounds of golf. Or if everyone’s game, the whole family can play mini golf together. Florida has some fantastic beaches and waterways too. Teens can go canoeing, and everyone will enjoy swimming with manatees.
Normandy, France
One of the considerations when planning a multi-generational trip is the travel time. Far-flung places are exciting, but older grandparents or young babies might struggle with a long-haul flight. So consider Normandy: it’s really close, yet has the different landscapes, culture and currency that make holidays a change from the norm. Book into a campsite and you will have the perfect budget multi-generational holiday. You’ll find a strong outdoor living vibe with tennis courts, swimming pools, barbeques, and bike hire. Many are similar to holiday resorts, so expect to find restaurants and bars on site too. Best of all, in Normandy they’re often located by the beach, so the kids can play on the sand while the adults relax.
Masai Mara, Kenya
If you’re in a position to travel a little further, experiencing The Great Migration is a spectacular way to bring the whole family together. In this annual event, over two million wildebeest, zebra and other wild animals trek from the southern Serengeti to the Masai Mara. The best time to see the spectacle is between July and October. While it’s not a holiday for small children, because you often need to be still or quiet while around wild animals, tweens and teens will love it. Grandparents and grandkids can brush up on their photography skills as they get up close, or you can even have a go at painting the wildlife. Stay altogether in canvas lodges within the nature reserve, or book into a hotel a little further out.
Florence, Italy
As a nation, Italians love kids, so if you’re taking young children you’ll get a warm welcome. There’s enough to do in any area of Italy to keep the adults happy, from wine tasting and galleries to shopping. In Florence, you can capture all of these in one place. The pace of life is whatever you want it to be, so you can spend hours people-watching in its squares and parks, or hire a bike and sightsee as much as possible. But one of the best things about Florence for multi-generational travel is the food. Even the fussiest kids love pasta, pizza and ice cream. Adults can indulge too, or go for more refined options like the regional specialty of Bistecca Fiorentina: dry-aged Tuscan steak cooked to perfection. Pair it with a bold Tuscan red wine, and you’ll have the makings of a meal to remember.
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