How To Go On a Multi-Generational Vacation That Makes Ah Ma and the Kids Happy
Going on a multi-generational vacation can be great fun, and might also teach you a thing or two about the true meaning of family.
But it can also be logistically complicated! Will you be able to keep the kids entertained without tiring out your elderly parents, all while ensuring that you and your partner enjoy your holiday without getting too stressed out about keeping everyone happy?
Set yourself up for success by planning a vacation that caters to the unique needs of a multi-generational group. That means keeping the logistics simple, picking a relaxing destination, and concentrating on enjoying your time together, rather than ticking off long lists of sights.
Before leaving on your trip, make sure every member of your family is protected by travel insurance. Depending on the composition of your group, it might be worth it to opt for a family or group travel insurance plan.
Here are some of our top tips for a wonderful multi-generational overseas holiday with your loved ones, as well as suggestions on where to go.
Choose a relaxing destination
There are many exciting destinations in the world, full of sights to see and experiences to soak in. But not all of them will be suitable for a multi-generational family trip.
As your group will be composed of people of varying ages, needs, attention spans and physical fitness levels, a busy trip filled with intense days of sightseeing will probably not be suitable. An overly ambitious schedule can get derailed by tired or misbehaving children, while older members of the group might struggle to keep up.
Conversely, when you set the intention to focus on relaxing and enjoying each other’s company, you’ll find new inspiration for travel destinations that could better suit your family. Instead of busy destinations packed with major sights, opt for locations with a more peaceful setting, where you can share sumptuous meals and enjoy beautiful scenery with your loved ones.
Need ideas? Here are some of our top picks.
- Skip the urban jungle of Taipei and head instead to Jiufen, an idyllic seaside town in northeastern Taiwan that served as the inspiration behind the anime film Spirited Away, a fact which will surely excite your kids if they’ve seen the film. Your family can take long walks on the beach and tuck into local cuisine at the many eateries and traditional teahouses.
- Malaysia’s Tioman Island is a tranquil location for a lazy family vacation in a beautiful setting. The more physically active members of the family can enjoy swimming and snorkelling in the sea, while older members can enjoy the sea from the veranda of a beachside bungalow, such as at The Boathouse Tioman.
- If you’re looking to visit a city with a calm, relaxed vibe, Christchurch on New Zealand’s South Island is a good option. The city has a slow pace of life and a pleasant climate, yet you won’t have trouble finding restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy family meals, as well as kid-friendly attractions such as Orana Park and the International Antarctic Centre. A cable car ride on the Christchurch Gondola is suitable for passengers of all ages and offers scenic views of the city and the ocean beyond.
Pick all-inclusive accommodation for easy logistics
Free and easy backpacking trips might be exciting with friends or a partner, but when children and elderly people are involved, all-inclusive accommodation can be a lifesaver.
With all meals included and an array of recreational options for adults and kids at your disposal, you’ll be free from having to make decisions at every turn, and can concentrate on spending time together.
Cruises are a family holiday staple, simply because everything is taken care of on board, from sumptuous meals around the clock to entertainment options that can include anything from Broadway-style shows and casinos to ziplines, indoor skydiving and tennis courts. The possibilities are endless!
All-inclusive resorts are another good choice. You can have all your meals at the resort, and also gain access to entertainment and recreational activities, all while enjoying luxurious accommodation in a scenic setting.
Where to go:
- At Amari Vogue Krabi, you’ll get to enjoy the sandy beaches and limestone cliff-studded coast of southern Thailand from the comfort of the resort. All meals can be enjoyed at the resort, which is also home to three swimming pools, a fitness centre and a spa. You can opt for a two-bedroom pool villa that accommodates up to three adults and two children, or five adults.
- Royal Caribbean offers two-night weekend getaway cruises departing from Singapore. The ship features a rock climbing wall, FlowRider surf simulator, swimming pool, whirlpool, solarium, pickleball court, ice skating rink, mini golf course and laser tag centre, just to name a few, as well as an array of restaurants, bars and lounges. There are also various programmes for children and toddlers.
- A farm stay in Australia is the ultimate getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. The kids will love being in the company of farm animals, while the adults will be able to enjoy the fresh air of the Australian countryside. At Ferguson Farmstay, located a half-hour drive from Bunbury and less than two hours’ drive from Perth, you can participate in farm activities such as feeding animals and tractor rides. The property also houses a big playground, trampolines, a tennis court and a basketball court, which are sure to keep the kids busy.
Include kid- and senior-friendly activities in your itinerary
Even if an all-inclusive vacation isn’t for you, visiting a destination with an abundance of activities for kids and adults alike will ensure you never run out of things to do.
Theme parks are an excellent choice for families, as they can occupy an entire day and are great fun for children and even adults, limiting the need for planning. Theme parks also tend to offer a wider range of food and shopping options.
Zoos and parks can also be ideal for multi-generational families. The kids will be able to expend their boundless energy outdoors, while the adults can explore at their own pace and relax at on-site cafes and restaurants.
Unless you are planning to split into smaller groups during the trip, you might want to avoid places and activities that could be boring for children, such as lengthy visits to art museums or galleries, religious or cultural sites with strict rules on behaviour, such as churches, as well as long shopping sessions.
It would also be wise to avoid activities that might be too physically strenuous for older family members. For instance, long, difficult hikes over uneven terrain or adventure activities such as bungee jumping might not be appropriate. When in doubt, check with your family members about their fitness and comfort levels.
Here are our suggestions:
- Tokyo Disneyland is a dream-come-true for many children… and a good number of adults, too! There are rides and attractions for people of any age, from serene to hair-raising. Posing for photos with the many Disney mascots roaming around the park is fun for the entire family, including grandparents. For added convenience, you can also choose to dine at the park and stay at one of the Tokyo Disney Resort hotels.
- Hyde Park in London is a breath of fresh air, no matter your age. It is home not only to iconic sights such as the Serpentine Lake and the Diana Memorial Fountain, but also a large children’s playground and a Senior Playground equipped with exercise machines for those aged over 50.
- Taronga Zoo in Sydney is one of Australia’s most well-known zoos, and also offers on-site accommodation, including a plush eco-retreat and a safari-style hotel. Children and adults alike will enjoy viewing the park’s animal inhabitants, as well as shows featuring birds, seals and their keepers.
