Multigenerational travel is having a major moment in 2025 — and it’s not just parents and kids anymore. For the first time, seven generations are packing their bags together, from the tiniest Generation Beta babies to the wise Silent Generation elders.
A recent Beaches Resorts survey reveals that half of parents now prioritize traveling with extended family, and 76% say it’s the ultimate way to make memories. But let’s be real — pulling off a trip with grandparents, great-grandparents, teens, toddlers and everything in between takes more than good intentions.
Want to actually enjoy it? You’ll need smart planning, clear communication and lots of flexibility. Here’s your no-stress guide to making seven-generation travel not just doable, but unforgettable.
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Align on a vision and purpose for the trip for multigenerational travel
With seven generations in tow, everyone must align on a shared vision for the trip. Is this a laid-back, all-inclusive beach vacation where no one has to lift a finger? Or is this an adventure-filled trip where you pack in as much as possible in your short time? Get a sense of everyone’s wishes and vision to prevent disappointment and spark important conversations before it’s too late to make a change.
In addition to establishing a vision, ask yourself, “Why is this important?” By repeating this question at least three times, you dig down to identify your motivations for the trip. This technique, from “The Art of Gathering” by Priya Parker, helps you make trade-offs by focusing the excursion around a single goal.
This exercise moves you from planning the same beach vacation because that is what you always do to something more meaningful. Maybe you want to create space for a new generation to absorb family history from the elder generations. Or perhaps the purpose is to welcome a new member of the family and introduce them to the traditions and values of their new group. When you get clear on your purpose, the logistics of your trip become easier to plan, and the overall experience is more memorable.
Talk about money up front
Before you book anything, discuss the budget. If money is a tricky topic in your family, use a free tool like Google Forms to gather input with an anonymous survey. Discuss a comfortable budget for transportation, lodging, activities and food.
More importantly, talk about each person’s spending priorities. Foodies may want to splurge on nice restaurants, while others may prioritize a luxurious hotel room or a private tour. You can plan a trip that accommodates what each person cares about most by knowing the motivation behind each family’s budget.
If you plan to split expenses during the trip, choose an app like Splitwise to keep track of costs in real time. At restaurants, take the itemized receipt and jot down everyone’s name next to their items so you don’t have to work from memory later.
Allow for alone time
A successful family trip is not one where you spend every minute together. Agree as a group on which activities and meals you will spend together. Consider the rule of thirds — one-third of the time you spend together on organized activities, one-third on leisure time but still together as a group and one-third on leisure time on your own.
Maximize your options
Choose a destination or resort that offers lots of options. A cruise is an easy multigenerational trip because its variety means there is something for everyone. Cruises also provide another hidden benefit for large groups — lodging at different price points.
If you wish to stay on land, choose a resort or destination with different programming and activities that appeal to all ages. Live entertainment like a sporting event or theater is perfect for a multigenerational group, offering an immersive experience that’s not physically taxing. Cities like Las Vegas are great for family groups, with support for older travelers as well as family-friendly shows and activities.
Amanda Luhn, travel planner at Simply Awesome Trips, says the secret to successful multigenerational trips is giving people options and meeting up at the end of the day. “The best trips have been where we had a fantastic house and things to do nearby so people could split into smaller groups to go where they wanted during the day, like an amusement park, beach, shopping or museums. It leads to a lot less arguing and a lot more fun for everyone!”
Rely on reservations
A large group can’t expect to travel comfortably without reservations for restaurants and activities. If your group is larger than six people, book ahead to make sure you can be seated together without a wait. Or take advantage of your size. For some tours and activities, a private tour may be cheaper than booking each ticket individually. Ask about private group options, which will also give you more flexibility with your start time and allow you to customize the sights and activities included.
Build in buffer time
Getting a large group out the door at the same time is always difficult, but it can feel impossible if you factor in the needs of the very young and very old. Leave yourselves plenty of time to get from one location to another, and don’t overschedule the itinerary. A large family trip is not the time to plan activities for which you can’t be late.
“We’ve learned to plan a loose itinerary with plenty of downtime,” says Bella Bucchuiotti, travel writer at xoxoBella. “The key is setting expectations early and leaving room for flexibility, and the occasional solo coffee run for sanity!”
The secret to success
Multigenerational travel is popular and growing, with more generations about to travel together than ever before. To plan a successful trip, align on a vision and discuss finances up front. Choose a location that supports the needs of different family members and don’t expect to spend every minute together. Set expectations about when the group will come together, and leave plenty of time in the schedule so you aren’t rushed.
Ashley Wali is a travel writer and photographer. She is the founder of Wanderlux, a luxury family travel blog that provides insider tips, practical guides and stress-free family trip inspiration.
This article originally appeared in Food Drink Life.
