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6 STRATEGIES FOR GETTING THE MOST OUT OF MULTIGENERATIONAL GETAWAYS

HOW TO TRAVEL WITH EXTENDED FAMILY

Multi-generational travel is more popular than ever—but there can be challenges when traveling as an extended family. There are likely varying ages and interests, and there can even be mobility considerations. So, whether it’s a getaway to the beach, a ski trip, an RV adventure, or a Caribbean cruise, here are 6 expert tips to help ensure everyone has a fun and memorable trip.

family taking photo in front of London phone booth with Big Ben in the background

INCLUDE INPUT FROM ALL WHO ARE GOING
Planning a vacation for an extended family should begin with gathering feedback from everyone who is traveling. This process should include asking about each person's expectations and what they are hoping to do while on vacation.

“Involve family for their input on a destination and their personal interest,” says Patricia Parsons, travel advisor with AAA in Flemington, New Jersey. “Once you have enough input, ‘connect the dots’ to narrow down these lists.”

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USE A TRAVEL PROFESSIONAL
If you need some destination suggestions, a professional viewpoint can help select an ideal fit for your travel party. Parsons says whether you’re looking for a dude ranch, a cruise that offers activities for all, or an all-inclusive resort on a beautiful Caribbean island, a travel professional is a valuable resource. “It’s also important to acknowledge everyone’s pace and time for R & R,” she says.Z How do you begin? “AAA travel advisors are experienced in both groups and multigenerational travel, and will guide you to the best pricing, while adding AAA discounts or benefits that add value,” Parsons says.

family sight-seeing

DESIGNATE A POINT PERSON
An extended family, which oftentimes is a large travel group, has a lot of moving parts. So, it's a smart idea to have one person in charge of coordinating with your travel advisor, or managing tours and restaurants. “It’s best to assign a leader so things do get done, and that leader can always delegate,” says Sue Martinez, travel advisor with AAA in Dayton, Ohio.

DISCUSS COSTS AND BUDGETS
In the planning stages, discuss trip costs and family budgets. “Talk about budget with everyone and the expectations of who is paying for what,” says Martinez. “Sometimes the parents pay for everyone and sometimes they don’t,” adds Martinez. All families are different, so discussing financial expectations and limitations helps to ensure a fun experience for everyone.

family at dinner

MAKE DINING RESERVATIONS IN ADVANCE
It’s not easy to make a last-minute reservation for a large party, so planning is key. “Depending on where you are, check out the various restaurant options and plan some meals in advance so you’re not saying, 'where should we go eat?' Make reservations whenever possible so you aren’t waiting, especially if little ones are traveling,” Martinez continues.

SELECT ACCOMMODATIONS THAT CATERS TO A RANGE OF AGES
If your extended family includes youngsters, it’s a good idea to pick a hotel with a kid’s club. One standout is The Loews Miami Beach Hotel, an oceanfront resort that offers year-round programming for families. The kids club is called SoBe Kids Club, and for an added fee, parents can enroll their children for half and full-day sessions. While children are at the club, parents and grandparents can enjoy the pool, beach and cabanas, or go to the on-site spa.

For an all-in family experience, splurge for one of the SOAK Cabanas. These are fully enclosed, two-story cabanas with rooftop sundecks, climate control, full bathrooms, safes, flat screen TVs, butler service, full food and beverage menus, and other luxury perks.

This is ideal for families, since the hotel can place a crib in the air-conditioned space for the little ones, and other family members can do their own thing and have a home base while at the hotel.