3 Simple Tips For Planning A Family Trip

Multi-generational, whole-family vacations can be one of the best ways to get everyone together without distractions. Unfortunately, keeping everyone happy when there’s such a variety of travellers on board can often feel like an impossible task.

After all, while older travellers may prefer to kick back by the pool, the youngsters in your group are always going to desire something more thrilling. Failing to acknowledge that will inevitably lead to in-trip rifts and an experience that’s not great for anyone. But, what if we were to tell you that it is still possible to plan a trip that genuinely keeps everyone happy? To do so, you simply need to think outside of the box in the following ways.

# 1 - Give everyone an equal say in the planning

One person’s idea of a great resort or a fantastic itinerary will very rarely extend to everyone in a part of this size. For this reason, planning a trip that truly keeps everyone happy should mean getting the whole family involved in this process, even the kids! Of course, it isn’t always going to be possible to agree on everything, but taking things like votes on destinations, planned activities, and so on can at least ensure that everyone feels included, and are thus more likely to jump on board with things that the whole family has actively voted for. 

# 2 - Accept that you may need to spend time apart
You’ve come on this trip as a family because you want to spend time together, but it may also help to accept that you’ll need to spend some time apart. After all, even the best-laid plans could be a step too far for some people – and that’s fine. To remove at least some of the compromise involved, you can just set aside, say, two or three days, or perhaps even longer, where you do different stuff. It may be, for instance, that you pack the kids off on adventure holidays nearby while you adults get stuck into relaxing. As long as you all come back together some of the time, or for something like an evening meal, then you’re still spending quality time together but in a way that works for all.

# 3 - Pick your destination wisely

It’s also worth noting how much of an impact your destination choice will have on enjoyment, specifically when it comes to ensuring something with wide appeal. For instance, as great as a trip here may seem, a visit to a luxury island will almost always appeal most to adults wanting to take it easy. Meanwhile, a trip to somewhere like Ibiza could be great for the kids, but not so much for the older members of your party. Instead, it’s always worth considering destinations like Singapore, Sri Lanka, or Australia, which are famously kid-friendly, but which also offer plenty of adult appeal. 

Providing something for everyone on your next family vacation will never be easy, but you can at least simplify the process with the help of these pointers. 

Cover photo by Timon Studler on Unsplash