Multi-generational family trips, also known as intergenerational travelling have become increasingly popular, and for good reason. These trips often include grandparents joining parents and their kids on vacation. But why and where to go for multi-generational family trips if you’re looking to go on one?
Well, our travel advisors are here to help you plan the best trip possible.
WHY YOU SHOULD GO FOR MULTI-GENERATIONAL FAMILY TRIPS?
Let’s start by discussing why multi-generational family trips are great.
An obvious answer is that it’s perfect for helping create core memories within generations. By going on a trip as a wider family, you’ll give your kids and parents the opportunity to reconnect amid their different lifestyles. Along the way, you’ll discover that these trips are learning opportunities for the little ones to respect the elders. What’s more, the seniors may even pick up a tip or two to survive this fast-changing world.
Multi-generational family trips are also great for the health of senior family members – both mentally and physically. It keeps their minds sharp as they broaden their horizons to excursions they may have never thought to go on before. Frequent exploration also means opportunities to walk more, helping them stay agile and fit.
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For parents, having the seniors around when you’re travelling with little children means extra helping hands. This allows you to take some time off for yourselves as well. Most grandparents also find this a great moment to share generational stories with their grandkids – making it a win-win for all.
Going on multi-generational family trips can also be cost-effective. For example, opting for shared villas or apartment homes can be easier on the wallet than renting out hotel rooms. However, be sure to seek out homes with multiple rooms so everyone has a safe space to retreat and recharge by the end of the day. These breathing pockets ensure that you’ll continue to enjoy a trip together without feeling overly trapped with one another.
Want to try every dish on the menu? Going on a multi-generational family trip is a great opportunity for this to happen. Having more people on vacation often means you can order more food to share, so everyone gets a bite of a local dish without feeling too full. For the little ones, this is the moment that you can expand their palates, making them more open to try exotic tastes they may otherwise never encounter.
TIPS ON PLANNING YOUR MULTI-GENERATIONAL FAMILY TRIPS
Before we explore where you should go, let’s examine how to plan for your multi-generational family trips. Because these trips often cover family members of all ages, it’s important to have the basics covered.
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Where should you stay during multi-generational family trips?
Depending on your destination, booking hotels that are near shopping districts and tourist attractions can be helpful. Whether it’s buying a last-minute necessity or knowing your place to rest after a long day of exploring, having your accommodation close can be helpful especially when you’re on multi-generational family trips.
Optionally, you could also consider renting an entire apartment. This keeps everyone under one roof and makes it convenient when you’re planning to head out for the day. It could also be fun to spend evenings together to reminisce the day that had just gone or plan for the next day. Be sure to read the reviews ahead of time and research the locations to know you’re booking the best place for your family stay.
How do you want to get around?
When exploring modern cities, exploring through their public transportation can be a great way to soak in some extra culture. However, you’ll want to consider if this is the best way to get around when you’re on multi-generational family trips. Do you have little ones who rely on strollers? Or maybe an elderly parent who can’t climb as many steps to reach the station – these are all key to making your holiday a lot more pleasant.
Renting a car to drive yourself is also a great option for getting around during multi-generational family trips. This allows you extra time to spend with each other and allows you to take as many breaks as necessary. However, it’s important to read up on the rules and regulations of your holiday destination to avoid unwanted fines.
What’s on the itinerary?
When planning multi-generational family trips, making an itinerary that fits everyone’s interests and health concerns can be tricky. For example, travelling too far can be strenuous for the little ones and seniors, so consider spots that are easier to reach. This applies whether you’re taking public transport, driving yourselves, or even on foot.
While looking over a city from high places such as mountain tops can be beautiful, taking long hikes may also be inappropriate for everyone in your party. Thankfully, many travel destinations offer great rooftop excursions so you get the same great view with way less effort.
WHERE TO GO FOR MULTI-GENERATIONAL FAMILY TRIPS?
Finally, the last piece of the puzzle in making multi-generational family trips happen is deciding where to go. By including everyone in the decision-making process, you can make this a more exciting experience. To help you pick out the best spot, here are our recommendations on where to go for multi-generational family trips.
Start small with a weekend escape to Singapore
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If this is your first time on a vacation as a multi-generation family, why not start small by visiting Singapore? As one of the world’s safest and cleanest countries, Singapore may be small but big with experiences for the whole family.
Thanks to their top-notch public transportation, many of Singapore’s iconic spots are easily reachable. Experiences such as the light show at Gardens by the Bay or visiting the Singapore Zoo for their Night Safari rides are some of our highly recommended activities. For those looking for more exhilarating adventures, Singapore is home to Universal Studios Singapore, where you’ll find shows and movie-themed park rides.
Hopping away from the bustling city centre is also easy, with Sentosa Island being just a short train ride away. Activities on the island include drop-ins to the Adventure Cove waterpark where you can experience Asia’s first hydro-magnetic coaster, Riptide Rocket. The Singapore Cable Car Sky Network is another great way to enter Sentosa Island via Mount Faber. Here, you’ll get a clear view of the island and the activities it offers through its specially designed SkyOrb cabin with a clear glass floor.
Flying into Singapore Changi Airport from Kuala Lumpur only takes an hour, making for a great long weekend escape.
Soak in the culture that Japan has to offer
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Known for its rich heritage and culture, Japan is another one of our most recommended destinations for multi-generational family trips. With over 47 prefectures, you’re never short of things to do with a trip to the Land of the Rising Sun.
Popular spots include the larger cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto but did you know that you can easily reach gems like Yokohama and Nagoya on just a quick train ride? Each of these cities offers its own charm, so you’ll be spoiled for things to do – be it dressing up in traditional clothing and walking down the streets of Japan or visiting more modern experiences such as the TeamLab galleries.
Winter sports fans may consider prefectures like Hokkaido where you’ll find perfectly light and fluffy powder snow for all skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. On the flip side, visiting places such as Okinawa will give you some of the best beach escapes with unforgettable views.
With nonstop flights running daily between Kuala Lumpur to Tokyo and Osaka or a single-stop flight to Hokkaido with JAL, you and your family could be on your way to explore Japan in just as little as 6 hours.
Explore the mix of modern and traditional for the whole family in China
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Rising in popularity for multi-generational family trips is China – a country where modern meets traditional and aims to wow. Where China truly shines is how there’s always something for everyone of every generation to enjoy, with high-speed rail connections taking you from one city to another in a matter of hours.
Beijing is a great start for any family visiting China. From here, seniors often enjoy a trip out of the city centre to see the Great Wall of China. Meanwhile, younger generations would marvel at climbing one of the world’s seven wonders. As you make your way back into the city, you’ll also want to check out the Bird’s Nest Stadium which was home to the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
For those looking to explore China’s take on a modern metropolis, we recommend going to Shanghai. Here, you can stroll down The Bund, where you’ll see the gorgeous city along the Huang Pu River. Special light shows can be expected around 6 PM every evening, with every building lit in different colours for an unmissable spectacle. Shanghai is also home to Disneyland Shanghai where you can grab exclusive merchandise to add to your favourite collections.
Other cities such as Xi’An, Chengdu, and even Xiamen are worthy of mention when it comes to planning multi-generational family trips to China. Holiday Tours offers a variety of pre-packaged itineraries to China to suit all travel types, or you can always reach out to our travel advisors to customize a trip that suits your heart.
Stroll through Europe in its jolly cheer
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From its unique cobblestone streets to breathtaking architecture, it’s easy to fall in love with Europe as a family vacation destination. But how can you turn it into an even more unforgettable experience? Simple – travel to Europe at Christmas! With decorative lights and Christmas cheer coming to life, you can experience this regardless of the country you pick.
The sun also sets much earlier in winter, allowing you to catch glimpses of the cities in different light sooner. Our tip is to start your days early and experience the best that every destination has to offer. Then, pop back into your accommodation for a quick break and exit again as the dark sets in. This allows everyone from your travel party to freshen up and take in Europe’s beauty stress-free.
To make the most out of your trip, be sure to drop by the various Christmas markets where you can try local delicacies that are only available in this season. Munich and Salzburg are both really popular for these trips. Gluhwein or mulled wines are a must, while little ones may enjoy a hot chocolate treat with a spritz of whipped cream. In some Christmas markets, you may even find handmade trinkets or hop on pay-per-ride carnival attractions – great to keep the little ones entertained.
If you’re looking for seamless travel plans, Trafalgar’s carefully curated European itinerary includes both cities in a single visit. This saves you the hassle of figuring out where to go and more time to enjoy.
All aboard with a variety of cruise offerings from Holiday Tours
With activities from day till dark to keep everyone entertained, cruise packages are perfect for multi-generational family trips.
Magical excursions on The Disney Adventure, the first Disney Cruise Line ship to homeport in Asia, are great for families with little ones. On this cruise, you can expect shows, themed play areas, and even meet some of your favourite Disney characters on board. Their world-class Disney service and hospitality remain an icon on these ships, while the signature Disney dining keeps everyone full across its 3- or 4-day voyage.
For our Muslim travellers, you’ll be glad to know that Halal cruises are also available with our partners such as Genting Dream, Royal Caribbean, and Uniworld. Home to the world’s first Halal-certified kitchen on board, the Genting Dream Cruises also offers special Prayer Rooms in Deck 5 so you can observe daily prayers even when you’re having fun. Prefer to pray in the privacy of your own room with your family? You can request prayer mats, Quran, and a compass from the crew onboard absolutely free.
If you’re ready to make 2025 the first of your multi-generational family trips but don’t know where to start, don’t hesitate to contact Holiday Tours. Just tell us what you’re looking for, and our travel experts will be glad to help plan the perfect escape for the whole family.