I have a travel bucket list; it’s true. There are places that I’ve yet to visit and I know that I’ll eventually get there. But in the meantime, I have a more pressing need – and it’s not a place, it’s a scenario. It’s a multigenerational family vacation; the chance to have my sons experience a holiday with their grandparents. Truly, nothing would make me happier.
Multigenerational travel is becoming more and more popular as families try to carve out quality time together. Especially around the holidays, as families gather and enjoy each other’s company, it’s only natural to want to extend those feelings of happiness and discuss a family vacation.
However, most often these trips can be decided rather spontaneously (sometimes, after copious amounts of food and drink) and there is a lack of communication through the planning process. If you’re planning a multigenerational family vacation, here are my top tips to ensure that everyone in the family, from young to young-at-heart – has a great time!
1. Make sure to clearly outline expectations when it comes to who’s paying, and what they’re paying for.
Occasionally, the grandparents will say “We’ll pay for the family vacation!” – but they’ll fail to define what that includes. For example, when travelling to an all-inclusive resort, that may include flights and accommodations. But what happens when dear daughter-in-law wants to visit the hotel spa? Get together those travelling and be upfront about financial responsibilities. Often, the easiest way is for everyone to pay their way separately, but if one person wants to play Santa, set clear expectations for what will be covered.
(Also, no IOU’s! If you can’t afford to make the family vacay, stay drama-free by staying home.)
2. Decide on a destination that is comfortable and convenient for everyone.
We love Kissimmee, Florida and it’s always at the top of my list for extended family vacations. Importantly, it’s only 15 minutes from the Orlando airport and is actually the vacation home rental capital of the world! In fact, there are over 22,000 properties available for short- and long-term rentals.
Here’s why renting a Kissimmee vacation home is perfect for multigenerational travel:
– Vacation homes can accommodate everyone from small families to big, boisterous crews. Finding a Kissimmee rental home that fits your family and budget is so simple!
– In most vacation homes there are common living and dining areas, which means more time spent together on vacation in a truly comfortable setting. On the other hand, finding a block of hotel rooms next to one another is nearly impossible unless you pay for connecting rooms; the vacation home solves this problem almost seamlessly.
– Vacation homes are almost always more cost-effective than booking nightly hotel rooms, which means your vacation dollar goes much further.
– In Kissimmee, most vacation homes are within minutes from grocery stores and big box retailers, giving you all the comforts of home conveniently and affordably.
3. When planning the vacation, make sure that the daily agenda involves something exciting, relaxing or invigorating for every member of the family.
What can you do in Kissimmee? Because it’s only minutes away from Orlando’s most popular attractions, you can make the most of your Florida vacation! Visit Universal Orlando Resort or Walt Disney World Resort for a fun day at the theme parks.
You can also take an airboat ride at Wild Florida for a chance to watch and learn about gators in their natural habitat, or visit Old Town Kissimmee where you can troll through 18-acres of beautiful, tree-lined brick streets and discover over 70 unique shops and restaurants.
Click here for a list of things to do in Kissimmee.
Of course, contrary to popular notion, grandparents are not brought along to be free babysitters! Make sure that everyone has equal say in planning the itinerary, and that all needs are addressed – from afternoon naps to queuing for the most thrilling roller coaster to lazy mornings by the pool. And if the grandparents do volunteer their babysitting services? Make sure mom and dad pop out for a date night at one of Orlando’s incredible hot spots.
If you’re ready to plan your mutigenerational vacation, visit www.experiencekissimmee.com for sales and promos exclusively for Canadian visitors. Have fun and remember, family first!
oh yes another family fun vacation :D