Family Vacation Planning Tips - Travel Tips Family

How to Plan a Stress-Free Multigenerational Vacation

Retying the Ties That Bind

Ask everyone for a vacation wish list (as long as the younger children understand they’re not in charge of decisions). Accommodating everyone may be simpler than you think. In any event, it’s worth a discussion so that all generations feel they have a stake in planning a good time.

Poll the Group

Chances are not everyone can afford to spend the same amount, so sort out ahead of time who will pay what. Research the costs of big-ticket items such as flights, lodgings and car rentals. Then check the costs for separate items such as restaurants and activities, and determine a reasonable daily budget for everyone.

Settle on a Budget

Cruises and can level the financial playing field. Think about a ski resort for a winter vacation. You can spot the family-friendly ones by checking out lift ticket prices: Look for a high maximum age for kids’ passes and a low starting age for senior passes. You can go on a cruise just about anywhere, but think about river voyages — greatfor families since the boat always docks next to shore, and easy to get into town for sightseeing.

Don t Crowd the Guest List

As soon as you start to move as a herd, stress starts to mount. So avoid places with important tourist sites (Rome, for example) you’d feel frustrated about missing. A good place for a multigenerational vacation is a city such as San Diego, where you’ll find Sea World, the famed zoo, Legoland, surfing, museums, theaters and beaches — but nothing you absolutely can’t do without.

Think About All-Inclusive Vacations

Big group houses are fun, and a big kitchen with a full fridge and a common room can lead to lots of good times. On the other hand, individual condo units keep crying babies and late-night partyers from bothering each other and also can limit scrutiny of family members’ unique habits.

Take Weather Into Account

Make sure a group photo is taken to preserve this great moment in your family’s history. (You can even book a professional photographer.) Then create an .

Not Too Much Sightseeing

Staying in a Hotel

Condominiums or Group House

It IS Vacation but Don t Forget Routine

Get a Group Shot With Everyone

Also of Interest

How long has it been since multiple generations of your family have connected for some much-needed getting-to-know-you-again time? If organizing such a vacation fills you with dread, relax! Here’s how to plan and have a fabulous time together. AARP Travel Center Call: 1.800.675.4318 Search Flights Enter a valid location Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Enter a valid date Child under 2 must either sit in laps or in seats: search Enter a valid location Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Child under 2 must either sit in laps or in seats: search Enter a valid location Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Child under 2 must either sit in laps or in seats: Flight 2 Enter a valid location Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Flight 3 Enter a valid location Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Flight 4 Enter a valid location Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Flight 5 Enter a valid location Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Add Another Flight search Search Hotels Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Enter a valid date Room 1 Room 2 Room 3 Room 4 Room 5 Room 6 Room 7 Room 8 search Search Packages Enter a valid location Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Enter a valid date You didn't specify child's age Child under 2 must either sit in laps or in seats: Room 1 There are children in rooms without an adult You didn't specify child's age You didn't specify child's age Room 2 There are children in rooms without an adult You didn't specify child's age You didn't specify child's age Room 3 There are children in rooms without an adult You didn't specify child's age You didn't specify child's age Room 4 There are children in rooms without an adult You didn't specify child's age You didn't specify child's age Room 5 There are children in rooms without an adult You didn't specify child's age You didn't specify child's age You have more than 6 people total Please select a trip duration less than 28 days search Search Cars Enter a valid location Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Enter a valid date search Search Cruises Select a valid location Select a month search Search Things to Do Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Enter a valid date search × Let's Go Reset Featured AARP Member Benefits See more Car Rentals offers > See more Travel offers > See more Hotels & Resorts offers > See more Gas & Auto Services offers > Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures

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