YOUR GETAWAY GURU
By Kathy Yarian
Multigenerational trips are becoming the fastest-growing type of travel in the United States. Cruise lines and all-inclusive resorts have responded with options aimed at keeping each member of the family happy and entertained, regardless of their age.
Where to Start?
When I get a call from a client who wants to take their adult children and grandchildren on a trip, I ask these questions:
- What are the ages?
- Does anyone have mobility or health concerns?
- What types of activities do you enjoy?
- How many days are you interested in getting away?
- Do you have passports, or can you legally obtain them? Interesting side note: If you owe over $2,500 in child support, you cannot get a passport. Also, if you have a DUI or are a convicted felon, many countries will deny you entry.
- My final question: What’s your budget? This can make the difference between renting a house at Sleeping Bear Dunes in Michigan or cruising the Mediterranean. Both will offer what the client is looking for — quality family time.
There are many options for multi-generational travel destinations. At the top of the list is Alaska, specifically an Alaskan cruise. Two of my favorites are Princess and Holland America. Both cruise lines have multiple ships in Alaska. Summertime is the season for Alaska, but it’s a short one that coincides with most school vacations. As a bonus, Princess and Holland America own several lodges in the Denali National Park area, as well as tour buses and the dome train cars for excursions.
If you are limited on time, a round-trip Seattle cruise would take you along the coast of Alaska through the inside passage, a seven-night trip. If you have more time, you can add a trip through the interior to Anchorage, Denali, Mt. McKinley and Fairbanks — all can’t-miss destinations.
I like Alaska for multi-gen trips because the dramatic scenery and animals — whales, seals, eagles, moose and bear — appeal to most ages.
Princess and Holland America have great activities on board as well as multi-gen based excursions off the ship, plus kids’ clubs for most age groups, family dining time, kid-friendly entertainment, pools and hot tubs.
If animals and icebergs aren’t your thing, cruising will take you anywhere in the world: Exploring the islands of Greece, feeding stingrays in Grand Cayman or researching your family heritage in Ireland. Cruises are a hassle-free, one-stop shop for exploring the world with your family.
More of a beach kinda person? How about an all-inclusive package in Mexico or the Caribbean? Food and drinks are included. No cooking, no cleaning up. Chicken nuggets at 3 p.m. by the pool? Sure. Mimosas for breakfast? Why not?
Many all-inclusive resorts have family villas that share a living space but have several bedrooms and a private pool. Another option is that everyone gets their own room or suite. After all, too much family time may be… too much.
Resorts offer children’s activity directors to keep the kids occupied with pool and beach games and more. The on-site tour manager can set up family excursions. An all-inclusive resort in Mexico or the Caribbean is far cheaper than a beach resort in Florida. Your money goes a long way out of the country, with the added benefit of paying one up-front price, plus a few tips along the way.
If your budget allows, I’ll always recommend a cruise or an all-inclusive resort for a carefree and relaxing family vacation that spans generations. The best part? Plenty of time to spend with your family making memories, because isn’t that what it’s all about, no matter how or where you make them?
