Multi-Generational Family Travel

Let’s talk about family…I have a HUGE one. We love to travel and spend a lot of time together, often four generations at a time. Until I entered the travel industry I didn’t know there was a word for this . It’s called multi-generational (multi-gen) family travel.

My half of the family is loud and rowdy. Often talking (screaming) over each other late into the night. The other half of our family is on the quieter side and heads to bed early. We all meet in the daytime for hikes and outdoor activities and hang around a night with our musical family members serenading us.

With group travel there are often different personalities, budgets and interests.

I love the puzzle pieces that come together to figure out the best location, activities and room configuration for grandparents, parents and grandkids.

I can help you plan a family reunion, find the perfect villa for your family vacation, or help narrow down the best family-friendly hotels and locations that suit everyone’s needs. We’ll map out how everyone can get there with the best flight routes. We’ll make sure there are cribs for the babies, double queen rooms/ bunk beds for the cousins sharing a room, and a big King Bed for the parents. We’ll help arrange special dinners and fun activities together.

I am a Family Travel Specialist and have access to some of the best family tour operators, hotels, and villas worldwide.

TRIP IDEAS (babies)

Anywhere with a beach or mountains! At this age babies don’t need a ton of activities, but I realize the adults will.

Cabo– plenty of stunning resorts with activities like golf, boat rides, market visits, whale watching and more. Check out our kid-friendly Cabo resorts post.

California– Adults can enjoy the beautiful scenery and the Orange County resorts (Pelican Hill, Montage Laguna Beach, Ritz Laguna Niguel) beach butlers will set up your beach chairs and bring over your drink. They have all the gear needed for little ones like cribs, diaper pails, and beach toys, so pack lightly. You can go hiking one day, play golf on one of the top courses, enjoy fun dinners out, or take a boat ride. Each resort has a list of local sitters! Other family favorites are Ojai Valley Inn with a day trip to Santa Barbara and Carmel Valley Ranch with day trip to Big Sur.

Maui – such a perfect island to fly and flop! You can do as much or as little as you want. If you prefer to leave the resort, there are beautiful scenic drives, you can bike, and enjoy several fun local restaurants. I love Four Seasons Maui!

TRIP IDEAS (5-12)

Montana and Wyoming Ranches– they are all-inclusive and a recommended stay is one week. Perfect for spring break, or over the summer holidays. It’s like a grown-up summer camp, you can do archery, go horseback riding, fly fishing, and sit by the campfire at night. So many fun bonding moments with the whole family! Ranch at Rock Creek and Paws Up are two favorites.

Ski Trips – kids are finally big enough to hit the slopes, or start ski school. I love Snowmass, just outside Aspen, it’s super kid-friendly. Another family-favorite is Montage Deer Valley- there is an alpine roller coaster and a Veuve Cliquot Yurt and massive spa for the parents. Beaver Creek and Vail are also top on my list for kiddos!

Florida & the Caribbean– hello, kids clubs!! Many don’t start until age 5. Some favorite spots are Aqualina, EAU Palm Beach in Florida. My favorite Caribbean kid spots are Turks & Caicos, Bahamas, Antigua, Jamaica .

Disney Resorts – Princesses and Harry Potter! This is a family favorite for everyone. Obviously the kids (of all ages) are into being at a theme park. Let me help you choose the right one based on your interests. In between visits to the park, adults can enjoy the amazing restaurants, spa and pools at the resorts.

Belize & Costa Rica– pair the jungle with the beach for a fun outdoors adventure! If you want off-the-beaten path, consider one of these two locations. Really fun wildlife encounters, beautiful beaches.

African Safari– starting as young as 5 is a great time for game drives at safari lodges. Tanzania and Kenya are great introductions to a true sense of Africa with visits from local Masai Warriors, trips to the Ngorongoro Crater, and much more!

Europe – introduce your kids to history, in a fun way, with my partner who sets up scavenger hunts, high teas for kids, and truffle hunting with dogs. I love Italy, France, Spain for first timers with kids! My family did a combo trip to France & Spain when we were 9, 13, and 17. It was amazing to stay in castles, hike parts of the Alps, and explore coastal villas.