5 great reasons kids and grandparents should travel together

Thinking about traveling with your kids and the grandparents in tow? If your extended family is separated by distance, a trip together is an especially delightful way to connect. Whether you choose to hit the road together or fly, stay at an all-inclusive or take a cruise, here’s why multi-generational travel should be on your bucket list!

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1. Discover a destination through their eyes

There’s nothing quite like the experience of seeing a destination through the wonder of a child’s eyes. Whether it’s having a blast in Orlando, exploring a mega-size cruise ship or climbing up the Statue of Liberty, discovering new experiences together as a family will rank high on your list of memorable trips.

“There’s no greater pleasure than my husband and I getting to travel with our son, daughter-in-law and grandson,” says Saralee Rosenberg of Dix Hills, New York. “Recently, we took him to the Kennedy Space Center, the Everglades and a Mets Spring Training game in Florida. His smile said it all: ‘I have the coolest grandparents.’ The days go quickly, but the memories last a lifetime.”

2. Share memorable experiences

“Orlando is the perfect destination for multi-generational travel because it offers many opportunities for quality family time,” said Kirsten Maxwell of Lake Forest, Illinois who visited with her husband, parents and three kids. “It was wonderful to have extra sets of hands everywhere we went. Whether we were exploring the theme parks, swimming or making dinner in our apartment, there was always someone making a special memory with the children,” she says. “When the grandkids took their grandparents down the Ripsaw Falls water ride at Universal Studios, I don’t think my parents knew what they were in for. Everyone came away drenched. They never laughed so hard, and none of them will ever forget it!”

3. Create long-lasting bonds

Nature is the perfect bonding experience. Watch turtles come to nest in Florida, go whale watching in the Caribbean or swim with the dolphins in Mexico. Memories like these will strengthen the bonds between the generations and give children a new appreciation for their grandparents’ wisdom and insights. When Elise Frost of Highland Park, Illinois took a Princess cruise to Alaska with her parents, siblings and cousins, her favorite excursion was the float plane ride. “We all donned headphones and flew across wilderness and glaciers to Taku Lodge for a feast of fresh-caught salmon. The views were exquisite and years later, my kids still talk about it.”

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4. Cruise together

A cruise offers the best value because meals and activities are all included. On bigger ships, there are plenty of things to do like bowling, ice skating, ropes courses and bumper cars, not to mention exhilarating water parks with huge slides and tunnels you can enjoy together. But it’s the quiet moments, too, when you can play a board game, stroll around the ship or participate in a family game show. Cruising truly caters to all the generations. If you want to enjoy part of the day independently, there are Kids Clubs for the younger set as well as fitness classes and art auctions for the adults. Meet up for dinner—it’s a win-win!

5. Discover great destinations

Of course, the king of multi-generation travel is any Disney property, whether you opt for Florida or California. So whether you want to wander through the Magic Kingdom or California Adventure Park, explore EPCOT or splash around Blizzard Beach, add your extended family to the fun. Check out other popular destinations such as the National Parks of the West, dude ranches, Mexican all-inclusive resorts or the Dominican Republic, and start creating your own magical memories.

Tagged: California, Florida