Multi-generational travel is one of the fastest-growing travel trends. Instead of traveling with just your kids, why not include grandparents or cousins, or your favorite aunt?
Traveling as an extended family is the best way I know to strengthen family bonds with people you might only see once a year, but it's not always the easiest thing to do when you have people with differing personalities and vacation preferences.
So let's take this as a warning: it can be challenging to find a resort that caters to both the youngest and oldest members of the family, but it's worth it to create those wonderful family memories.
Why Choose a Multi-Generational Resort Vacation?
The most valuable souvenirs from travel aren't the items you pick up on your journeys, but the shared experiences and memories.
Georgia Konidari, a travel writer on World Wide Schooling, said, “We went to Corfu with my son, who was a toddler, and my parents. Having their help with everything made the trip so much easier, from wrangling a stroller on cobbled streets to entertaining the little one at dinner. But more than that, watching my parents enjoy every moment and bond with their grandson was priceless. “Â
However, to have a shared family experience, you will probably need a spot to call home base. That is where resorts can come in. As more and more resorts are creating spaces that cater to multi-generational travel, it's important to remember that not every resort will be the right spot for your group. It's time to stray away from party resorts and focus on places that will help you generate lifelong memories.
Caribbean Gems for Every Generation
My first recommendation is the Radisson Blu Aruba, which is a fabulous spot for multi-generational travel. Their rooms all have three-bedroom suites that allow families to have communal living areas and private retreats. The resort's tiered pool has shallow areas for toddlers alongside deeper sections for adults and an adults-only pool on the rooftop.Â
Plus, the proximity to the infamous Palm Beach might make it even more appealing for the whole family. There are gentle waves and soft sand for family beach days, with optional water sports for more adventurous family members.
Next, we have the Harbour Village Beach Club on the island of Bonaire, which is also a special place for a multi-generational family vacation. In fact, it is the type of place that families visit year after year. If your family loves underwater adventures like diving and snorkeling, this is the spot for you. Children aged eight and up can take diving classes on-site; meanwhile, adults can take advantage of dive boats that depart daily to the island's best spots.
Or if diving isn’t your thing, you can still rent snorkel gear at the hotel and see amazing coral reefs just steps off the beach. For an active, multigenerational family that wants to be one with the ocean, this is the perfect place to visit.
All-Inclusive Ease for Family Groups
Let's stay in the Caribbean for a little bit, but let's head north to Mexico. AVA Cancun eliminates the stress of vacation planning with its truly all-inclusive resort for multi-generational groups. The resort's seven restaurants are kid-friendly, and if you want something to snack on throughout the day, the two food courts are open all day, as well as an amazing taco bar and ice cream station.
The resort features 11 suites that accommodate 6-12 guests, each with four large bedrooms. It allows you to spend time together in the suite, but you can also retreat to your room for some quiet time.
Your family can lounge at the enormous AVA bay or take the kids to a water playground. And when parents and grandparents need some time to themselves, the kids and teens can head to the enormous kids' club and teen lounge. I can honestly speak from my own experience that AVA Cancun excels at multi-generational trips.
Theme Park Convenience Without the Chaos
Margaritaville Resort Orlando in Kissimmee offers the perfect balance of excitement and relaxation, just minutes from the theme parks, providing families with proximity to Orlando's famous attractions without the constant go-go-go pace.
The property's cottage-style accommodations include full kitchens and multiple bedrooms, allowing for family meals "at home" between park days, which can be a significant cost-saving measure for large groups. Plus, you can save even more money by staying at the resort for a few days and cutting out traveling to the beach altogether by just staying there. The resort features a great pool with sand, making it feel like you're having a beach vacation, along with its parks.
Making It Work: Practical Tips
To maximize your multi-generational resort experience:
- Book four to six months in advance to secure connecting rooms or multi-bedroom suites
- Schedule daily "together time" while allowing for separate activities based on interests and energy levels
- Consider resorts with meal plans to simplify budgeting for large groups
- Look for properties with transportation options for family members with mobility differences
- Choose accommodations with communal spaces for gathering and private areas for downtime
Whether you're celebrating a milestone birthday, planning a family reunion, or simply wanting quality time together, these multi-generational resorts offer the space, amenities, and activities to create unforgettable moments for everyone from toddlers to grandparents, proving that the best vacation souvenir is indeed time spent together.
