I'm writing an article on multi-generational travel. Would any of you like to share tips from a baby boomer perspective?

Thanks.

WOW we did this many times when our kids were younger, we'd cruise with them, us and one or the other of our parents, probably did that three or four times. What sort of things are you looking for and do you think anything we knew then would apply now?

Donna - off the top of my head:

Younger kids expect structured activities. Choose a destination where that's available to them and ideally offer supervision so their parents can have a few hours to themselves. Ski school group classes for kids is an excellent example.

We find multigenerational travel only works periodically. Grandkids aged between 3-6 make it easiest for a trip, as school schedules do not impact on vacation availability. Smaller kids, school aged kids active in sports and parents who are switching jobs or at the point in their career where they need to put in extra time are not conducive to multigenerational travel.

Some trips are best with one child and their family rather than finding a vacation destination that suits all children and their families. For example, one loves the beach and dislikes cold weather. Skiing or winter sports are not ideal for this child to participate.

If it's a four generation trip, gauge the oldest person's energy level and think through physical restrictions, if any. They may well want to go, but find they cannot keep up with the younger group once they are there. Their diet may require special meals rather than dining out.

Identify diverse interests to provide something for everyone. Most, but not all, of us downhill ski. We gear a ski destination towards a town with other winter activities for the non-skiers, rather than the best location for downhill skiing.

Reservations - ask about family friendly restaurants and book ahead. Size the number and kind of rental cars needed, consistent with the accommodation arrangements.

People are flying in? Expect delays or other problems. If the accommodations are far from the airport, what's the back-up plan for lost or delayed luggage?

Accommodations - generally easier if there are kitchen facilities so some meals can be eaten without leaving the premises. Going out for a group breakfast can be a real headache if not everyone gets up around the same time.

Extras - agree on who will pay for what.

Lodging for everyone under one roof or not? If that's a requirement, start looking early for best selection.

Expect some in the party may have schedule restrictions. If that's the case, keep it comfortable for those who can make part, but not all, of the vacation time. For example, a weeklong golf school doesn't work well if one or more can only come for a long weekend.

Cheers, Anne

Donna, I have a very big family and we have travelled together a number of times. We range in age from 60ish to 11, with every age covered in between.
Rule #1: You Gotta Have a Plan. If you try to manage ad hoc, no one except the most demanding of the group will enjoy the trip. This is why cruising in my opinion is uniquely and totally well- suited to multi generational travel. We went on Disney cruiselines with 35 family members and everyone had a blast because each could do what suited them during the day and we all had dinner together each night to swap stories about what we had done.
Rule #2: Someone has to be in charge of creating Rule #1!
We have found it to be a wonderful way to stay together and in touch even though we live on both coasts.
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Helen

Thanks for all the info. I really appreciate it.
Actually, I should clarify. I'll be writing about multi-generational travel related to traveling with a tour company or guided service. A cruise certainly comes to mind.

We've done several trips with kids and grandkids, but nothing guided except one disastrous RCCL cruise. We have been the senior members of the group, and the youngest kid was Sarah at 20 months to WDW. Our ratio was 7 adults to 3 kids, and it worked well.

Donna - it will be fun for me to read suggestions - we've tried, past 6 yrs, to get the 4 adult kids and their kids to agree on a vacation BUT they never can agree!!!! Water vs snow vs Europe vs islands vs cruise so I end up saying... Fuggeddaboudit..so now I take the teen girls to NYC and I MAKE all the plans! To the others who cannot agree ..Fuggeddaboudit

Pam and Joanna thanks for your responses. I can see that I'm going to gather enough material for more than one article. Yeah! I appreciate your information. Keep the good ideas coming. I appreciate it.

The most enjoyable trips we have taken with our group of 12 are to a dude ranch in Utah and a 7 day Disney cruise. We have also rented houseboats but being taken care of at my stage of life is a lot more enjoyable.

Donna, I wish I could help you, but I have no family to travel with. If you ever do an article about cruising as a single I have lots of experience, with groups of people I don't know, or just going by myself and meeting lots of interesting people of all ages.
Lynn

Donna,
We have done several cruises as a three generational group - ages 75 to 5. Oddly enough all on lux cruise lines which really are great for a smaller child. If we meet up at breakfast or lunch time fine but unless it's related to going on shore we don't plan it. It works out to 4 family units more or less, and we do meet up for dinner each night - other than one "date night" for each of the younger family units just in case they want a romantic non-family evening. We don't all take the same shore excursions though we try to ensure someone always goes with Dad as a courtesy. When we do shore excursions together we look at the oldest and youngest and plan accordingly for rest breaks and non structured play breaks. Now that Pierce is older we are going to look for cruises with children's programs which will take us out of the luxury market, but we'll look to travel in suites that provide similar amenities and pick smaller ships. Alaska and the Caribbean are the easiest - looking for bears and running on beaches are always winners! Don't know if this helps - but we've done 5 as the larger group. Oh - and with small children you can always get protective glass or netting for the balcony - a little peace of mind

Donna, we've done several trips with our whole family (13 of us). Cruising works well. Not luxury, we save those for just us. :) Larger ships also do offer more to every age group. I agree with others that it is best if everyone is encouraged to do their own thing each day and for dinner to be the "family time".

The best thing about family cruising is there is something for everyone. There is no decisions to make about where to go for dinner or transportation there. And best of all, everyone has their own space. That works for us!

Donna, our multi-generational trips have also been non-tour land-based. Rented large beach house through ResortQuest and did all the planning ourselves - mostly by me with input from DH, DS & his family & DD. They have worked out so well we repeat them every few years. When you get ready to do that type of article let me know.

Right now I'm handicapped typing all with one hand with left arm in sling & resting on a pillow. I just had a arthroscopic rotator cuff repair done yesterday.

Kathy, I'm so sorry about your surgery. Hope the healing process is swift and as painless as possible.

I'll keep your information in mind for another multigenerational article. This time, the slant focused on multigenerational tours. Article is done so now I'm working on the next one.

Thanks to all for your thoughts. The information you provided was helpful.

Donna - Not trying to hijack this thread - simply writing while I still remember what I wanted to say!

Kathy - glad to hear you are over the surgery successfully and on your way. Gary had the rotator cuff surgery five years ago with terrific results.

For what it is worth - stick to EXACTLY what the doctor and physical therapist tell you. No more, no less, and no change in sequence. IF it's 10 minutes of heat and/or ice, make it 10 minutes. You'll need Bill's help on some things for the next few weeks, I'm guessing. It takes time - nearly a year in Gary's case to be fully up and running with tennis - but the long term resuls have been fantastic.

Progress can be a bit back and forth with these surgeries - and it's so easy to feel discouraged if, despite great compliance, you find yourself taking a step backwards. If you get sudden restrictions in range of motion or pain, call them right away to get your program adjusted.

We're pulling for you!

Cheers, Anne

Kathy, I can tell you Anne and Gary know of what they speak. She held my hand (and I held his good one) with fantastic results. She is right. Yes, the lazy boy chair in my bedroom with him sleeping on his back (snooring...) was not the time of my life, but the end result was worth it. He is golfing, and this minute building a wine cellar in the basement. Anyone surprised?

Again, not trying to hijack this thread, but it can be a difficult surgery, and it is so worthwhile. When we met Anne and Gary, I couldn't believe their success, but wow, follow it to the letter, they will be at the golf course in no time :)

listen to the pros!

Donna, of course your article will be brilliant!!!!

I asked the question, you gave the answers, here's the article:

http://www.iexplore.com/articles/2009/06/multigenerational-travel.jhtml

Please be aware that the site hired me to write for them, which meant I had to follow their guidelines when writing.

All of your insights helped. Thanks! I'll probably be asking your advice again. I'm now the baby boomer travel columnist for iExplore.

Lovely article.

Well done, Donna!!

I enjoyed your article Donna!!!!

Donna, you are so gifted as a writer! Keep up the good work.

Great article Donna!

Thanks to all for reading. I've been working REALLY hard.

Nicely done Donna, enjoyed reading your article.

Donna, your hard work shows, great article!!

Donna, I just got back on here this morning. (Typing with two hands with surgeon's blessing-so long as I keep my left arm tucked by my side.) I throughly enjoyed reading your article. Your are such an excellent writer with your ability to paint word pictures.

Thank you Donna, Anne & Cindy for your well wishes. I am doing remarkably well. The sutures were removed June 3 and now I just have 3 small steri-strips. PT will start 4 weeks post-op. Until then no driving for me. Once the PT starts with working on range of motion Bill can take me to a nearly empty parking lot and let me get behind the wheel to see if I am ready to drive. He doesn't like my driving to begin with - let's hope he gives his approval soon once I feel I'm ready to handle it :D