Extended family getaways. It sounds like a dream come true. It is in theory.
Grandparents, parents, and children all under one roof. Sounds like heaven. Then reality sets in. Everyone is different. Schedules, bedtimes, and even preferences on what constitutes “fun” all clash.
That being said…
Extended family getaways can be magical with the right approach. You can also keep your sanity intact in the process. It’s all in the planning. Let’s dive into how to make family getaways with extended relatives work like a dream.
Topics:
- Why Multigenerational Travel Is Booming
- Choosing The Right Accommodation
- Keeping Everyone Entertained
- Managing Expectations Like A Pro
- Simple Tips For A Stress-Free Trip
Why Multigenerational Travel Is Booming
Extended family travel is very popular right now. 74% of parents embrace the idea of vacations involving extended family. So we know there is a big market for family getaways. But why the sudden interest?
The secret is simple. Families want to spend quality time together. But they want it to be real quality time. A chance to just enjoy each other’s company.
The trend of multigenerational trips illustrates this point. 47% of travelers now choose multigenerational trips, up from 34% the previous year. Grandparents seek more time with grandchildren. Parents need a hand juggling the kids and want quality time with their partners.
Extended family getaways are the perfect solution.
The problem with executing trips for large families is that they take time. Plus organization. There are more people to consult on plans, more budgets to plan, and more needs to meet.
So a word of advice…
Before you book that flight for the next extended family getaway, read through the rest of the list. We are going to dive into some tried-and-true tips for smooth multigenerational travel.
Choosing The Right Accommodation
First things first. This is where many extended family getaways fall flat.
Hotel rooms or Airbnbs for each part of the family sounds like a logistical nightmare. Traveling kids and parents running in all directions between rooms.
For sanity’s sake, the best solution is to look for luxury ranch accommodations that provide the space for all family members.
Vacation rentals, large villas, or even multigenerational friendly hostels can give you the space needed. For example, Cabo La Estancia Villa Rentals have properties designed with families in mind. Spacious living areas, multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, and often a private pool.
Why does space make such a difference?
The benefits of a vacation rental that provides space for everyone:
- Private bedrooms let grandparents nap undisturbed
- Common living areas bring everyone together for meals and family time
- Multiple bathrooms avoid rushed mornings
- Outdoor living spaces are crucial for keeping kids active
It’s a simple fact of human nature. A cramped vacation house or apartment puts stress on everyone. On the other hand, a spacious, well-equipped rental relieves pressure and tension.
Keeping Everyone Entertained
Alright. So we have the space sorted out. Now what?
The million-dollar question with family vacations is this. How do you ensure everyone is having a good time?
The thing is. They won’t all be interested in the same activities. Grandma wants to relax by the pool. The teenagers are keen for action. Meanwhile, the toddlers are just after food and attention.
You can’t (and don’t want to) do it all as one group. So how can you manage entertainment for a multigenerational extended family getaway?
Simple. You balance things up. Plan group activities for a portion of the day.
Then allow family members to split up and do their own thing. It is this combination of group and alone time that makes family getaways work.
Activities that everyone can enjoy together:
- Prepare a meal as a group
- Game nights with easy and old-school games
- Movie nights with popcorn
- Evening walks or easy hikes
- Swimming and pool time
Activities for different age groups:
Encourage the teens to split off and do their own thing. Allow some quiet reading time for grandparents to recharge. Set up a kids corner for crafts and games.
The goal is to have no-one feeling forced to participate in activities that don’t interest them. The worst is stuck with bored family members complaining all the time.
Managing Expectations Like A Pro
Ok. Ok. I’m sure you have noticed by now. There is no perfect family trip.
Everyone has different expectations and must communicate them in advance if you are to pull off extended family getaways.
Before the big day:
Have open and honest discussions about:
- The budget (Can everyone really afford this?)
- Schedules (Are you all morning people or night owls?)
- Meal planning (Food allergies or dietary restrictions?)
- Alone time (Who needs privacy?)
Make sure you have some loose plans for the day. Notice we said loose. Packing the days with activities too rigidly feels like a chore instead of a vacation.
A morning catch-up over coffee is a great way to lay out the day. It also lets people opt in or out of activities guilt-free.
Dividing Responsibilities Fairly
Family getaways are more fun when no one person feels they are doing all the work.
Rotating responsibilities helps balance the load. Nobody likes being the designated cook or babysitter the whole time.
A simple rotation schedule works for:
- Cooking and meal preparation
- Cleaning up
- Supervising kids when needed
- Grocery shopping and meal planning
- Planning family activities
It prevents resentment from building and gives people a chance to relax and enjoy themselves.
Pro tip: Base task rotations on personal preferences. Your foodie cousin should cook meals while you handle breakfast cleanup.
Creating Meaningful Moments
Family trips aren’t just about keeping the logistics of feeding and entertaining everyone. It is also about creating experiences.
Simple ways to create memories on a family trip:
- Take a family photo every evening
- Ask everyone to share their favorite moment of the day at dinner
- Make a group playlist that everyone adds songs to
- Start a trip journal that is passed around to write in
- Plan one activity as a group that everyone contributes to
Little things create memories. A shared laugh around the table. A grandchild learning to cook or play your favorite card game. Watching the sunset as a family.
The things families talk about for years after the trip.
Handling Conflicts Before They Escalate
Let’s face it. Extended family getaways mean multiple days and many personalities in one place. Someone will get on your nerves. Inevitably.
Old family dynamics will rear their head. You may have opposite parenting styles and different ideas of what is appropriate entertainment.
Prevention is better than cure with family dynamics.
- Take disagreements to private conversations and avoid airing them in front of others
- Look for solutions instead of arguments of who was right and wrong
- Be gracious to one another when tempers flare
- Remember what the reason for the trip is in the first place
Sometimes the best solution is a simple walk away to cool off. Build in alone time for everyone as part of the itinerary. It avoids the little annoyances turning into full-blown arguments.
Wrapping Things Up
Extended family getaways are a more significant undertaking than regular family vacations.
But the rewards are greater too. Cousins that become close friends. Extended families that bond in ways that are impossible otherwise.
Grandparents making memories with grandkids to talk about for decades after the trip.
The keys to making a family getaway with extended members work like a dream:
- Accommodation with enough space for everyone to breathe
- Mix group time and alone time
- Set and manage expectations before the trip
- Rotate responsibilities to share the load
- Create little moments that create family memories
- Deal with conflicts calmly and quickly
The secret to a stress-free extended family vacation is to balance everyone’s needs. Give space to everyone while also creating moments for connection.
Plan ahead. Stay flexible and remember that no vacation is perfect. Great vacations are.
