What to Consider Before Taking Your Family on an Intergenerational Trip

Travel industry trends suggest that multigenerational trips are growing in popularity. Whether you see your family regularly or you live thousands of miles apart, a family vacation is a great way to bring everyone together and explore something new, says Kelsey Knoedler Perri of Road Scholar, an education-focused tour group that offers intergenerational trips. 

While travel can be a great way to connect, Knoedler Perri notes there are a few considerations you should take before hitting the road.

Communicate clearly and set expectations 

First things first: Be clear about who’s footing the bill. Whether you want to cover the entire trip from top to bottom, split costs evenly among adults, or something in between, communicate clearly up front. The last thing you want is for conflicts over money to eclipse your enjoyment of one another or the destination.

It’s also a good idea to get on the same page about screen time. “[Phones and tablets] can be great on the airplane or for long car rides, but you don’t want anyone on their phones the whole time,” Knoedler Perri says. Agreed-upon boundaries for phone use ahead of your trip can prevent hard feelings. 

To keep kids engaged, Knoedler Perri suggests buying a digital or disposable camera for the trip. This lets everyone seize photo opps without the distractions that come with their phones. Bringing a camera can be equally fun for grownups — afterall, we have trouble putting down our phones too.

Knoedler Perri also recommends involving grandkids in trip planning. It gives them a sense of ownership, teaches them useful research skills, and gives them something to look forward to when you arrive at your destination.

Take mobility into account 

Before booking accommodations or activities, have a plan for different ability levels. Even if you’re just sightseeing on foot, factors like hills, elevation, and cobblestone streets can present challenges.