If there’s one holiday type that’s seen a huge rise in popularity in recent years, it’s the multigenerational holiday. The trip the WHOLE family can enjoy.
What’s not to love? A multigenerational holiday means having babysitters you can trust and a welcome extra pair of eyes or hands to share the care load. It means potentially splitting the cost of the trip, or if you’re really lucky, grandparents footing the bill! And practicality aside, there is of course the joy of creating shared memories that last a lifetime!
Tailor-made trips can ensure that all generations have the holiday of a lifetime
Our brand of tailor-made family travel means maximum flexibility; there’s the option of driver-guides but some destinations also offer self-drive. We can arrange all different accommodation, from cosmopolitan hotels to boutique boltholes and from luxury safari camps to laid-back beach bungalows. Likewise our bespoke itineraries mean activities can be shared, or dipped in or out of, depending on energy, enthusiasm, mobility or nap time – from toddlers or teens to parents and octogenarians!
Here’s which destinations are best suited to ‘the more the merrier’.
The most popular holidays with grandparents
1. African safaris
An African safari with grandparents is the dream multigenerational experience that works for all ages
As the quintessential, big-ticket, once-in-a-lifetime adventure, an African safari ticks all the boxes when it comes to entertaining every member of the family. Top destinations are Tanzania, Kenya, and South Africa, all of which have been offering world-class safaris for decades, as well as a host of other exciting activities to suit all ages. Being wowed by a herd of elephants or a pride of lions on a game drive doesn’t have an age limit and is a fun and memorable bonding experience the whole family can enjoy.
Kenya is ideal for a family-friendly safari that works for younger children and grandparents alike
What’s more, because our safari itineraries don’t just include the game drives but all kinds of other activities (cycling, swimming, learning to shoot a bow and arrow…), there are ample opportunities for different family members to do their own thing. Check out our top 10 family activities in Tanzania with Kids, Kenya with Kids, and our best family experiences in South Africa with Kids.
The East African coast is ideal for multigenerational R&R after a safari
2. Holidaying with grandparents in Oman
With careful planning, everyone can enjoy desert and mountain trips
An increasingly popular destination with maximum ‘exotic’ in less than eight hours from the UK, Oman truly does have something for every generation. Charming, well-developed, welcoming, and with fabulous (and luxurious!) accommodation, it offers everyone the opportunity to enjoy spectacular mountains and desert scenery and even to go looking for turtles. Take a look at our Oman with Kids Top 10 feature for what you could be doing, and choose from our Highlights of Oman sample itinerary or our Oman Short Break!
3. Costa Rica multigenerational holidays
Costa Rica is a breathtaking natural playground with a host of fun activities for all ages
Jungle zip-wiring in the Arenal Volcano National Park is just one of the things that might appeal to everyone from kids to ‘still got it’ Gramps, although those who don’t fancy that can see the same sights – smoking volcanoes, hot springs, crater lakes, and waterfalls cascading into natural pools – from a sky gondola or while hiking one of the mountain trails.
This hugely biodiverse but tiny Central American republic is a breathtaking natural playground, whether your taste runs to the pulse-racing (white-water rafting) or the relatively sedate (canopy walks or relaxing in hot springs ). Costa Rica’s wildlife is a thrill for all ages too – where else can you see sloths, vividly coloured frogs, jaguars, pumas, anteaters, tapirs, and crocodiles? The guides are superb and the road distances are small, whether you choose private transfers or self-drive. Take a peek at our Costa Rica itineraries, or be inspired by our Costa Rica with Kids blog.
4. Holidays with grandparents in ‘Indochina’
Multigeneration families will be spoilt for choice in South East Asia, with so many family-friendly options
For those grandparents who have grown up with exotic tales of ‘Indochina’ or whose children (us!) want to share their enthusiasm for backpacking days with their parents, but in far more comfort, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam work brilliantly well for multigenerational families. Be wowed by the karst scenery on a junk boat in Halong Bay! Take the train over the Bridge of the River Kwai! Wander along the banks of the Mekong! Explore Angkor Wat! Wherever you and your family want to go, allow us to tailor an itinerary to suit every member of the family. See our Asia Family Travel Guide for more in-depth info about this fun, family-friendly region.
5. A holiday in Iceland with all the family
Grandparents, too, will enjoy the fun of a snowmobile trip
It’s hard to think of many countries better suited to multi-generational adventures than Iceland. Just a 3 ½ hour flight from the UK, this relatively small and easy-to-drive-around gem is easy and inexpensive to get to. This means no uncomfortably long journeys but you’ll still be collectively wowed by whales, waterfalls, glaciers, active volcanoes, geysers, aurora borealis or hot spring lagoons. And whilst the whole family will need to rug up in the depths of winter, the country has year-round appeal – for all the family!
Take a look at our sample itineraries, Iceland in 7 days and Iceland in 10 days. For more on family-friendly activities, see our Iceland with Kids Top 10 feature.
6. A multigeneration holiday in India
Take in the timeless wonders of the Taj Mahal and the majestic Moghul forts of Rajasthan
Vast and beguiling, India needs to be consumed in manageable bites – which is why our sample itineraries focus on the Golden Triangle/Rajasthan area of the northwest, and then the family-friendly lush and green southern state of Kerala. On our Wonders of Rajasthan trip, all ages will be intoxicated by the ancient forts and shimmering lake palaces, and by the chance to spot Bengal tigers and other amazing wildlife in Ranthambore National Park. In contrast, our Kerala Family Holiday mixes it up with beautiful beaches and backwater boat rides.
The locals in India are more than friendly and most speak very good English. Many of the hotels have a colonial or even palatial charm and often have swimming pools for cooling off after taking in all those glorious sights. The travel if not always the most comfortable is exciting, especially the Jeep rides and the rickshaw and tuk-tuk journeys. Check out our India with Kids post and see customer photos of their trips to India with us.
7. Holiday with grandparents in Jordan
Grandpa’s time to shine at the awe-inspiring ‘lost’ city of Petra
From ancient Arab, Roman and Byzantine sites in the north and around Amman to the mind-blowing rock-cut Nabatean capital Petra (still far from fully excavated), the atmospheric desert camps of Wadi Rum, and the chance to float in the super-saline Dead Sea and then to snorkel or scuba-dive in the Red Sea… Jordan really is a whole world unto itself and a place that will change you all.
This is a place where you can ride horses, donkeys, and camels and immerse yourselves in both history and vast landscapes. And the hotels, lodges, and even the desert camps are lovely and very comfortable. The food is delicious, with plenty of child-friendly dishes including falafel and hummus, and the flights from the UK and the internal distances are reasonably short. To sum up, Jordan gives you a lot of adventure for your buck! See our Jordan itineraries, Jordan with Kids Top 10 feature, and our customer photos of Jordan, for more.
8. Argentina with grandparents
In the far northwest, find dramatic arid landscapes, Andean heritage and colonial architecture
Argentina is vast and whilst not as colossal as its northern Latin America counterpart, Brazil, it’s best to focus on certain areas according to activity levels and interest rather than explore the whole country. More active grandparents who thrill at mountain and glacier landscapes may prefer the pull of Patagonia (although 4WD options are available rather than hard-core hiking).
Alternatively, the central and northern belt of Argentina offers a more easy-going and cultural itinerary. You can take a road trip from Salta, for example, visiting estancias and wineries, perhaps a wetland wildlife safari or learning to dance the tango in uber cosmopolitan Buenos Aires. Take a look at our Argentina sample itineraries to see which suits best: Highlights of Northern Argentina, Argentina Christmas & Easter, which can include Patagonia or Iguazu Falls, or for more active adventure, combine Best of Argentina and Chile.
9. The ultimate multigenerational holiday – Antarctica!
Six-day expedition cruise in Antarctica
A trip to the Ends of the Earth has to surely be the ultimate bucket list trip to enjoy with children, parents and grandparents. And now with the new fly-cruise options you can even avoid the notorious two-day sea crossing of the Drake Passage and simply fly from Chile to your expedition vessel saving time (and motion sickness pills).
The new generation of vessels are stable and intimate thus allowing for small group landings to make the most of your time in this truly unique landscape. Grandparents can join a small RIB vessel cruising the iceberg-laden waters to spot whales and seals. Capable teens can head out on kayaks or snowshoes and the entire family can enjoy gentle hikes amongst the stunning mountains and glaciers. After 6 memorable days in Antarctica, you are ready to fly back to the mainland with a heap of incredible family memories. Ask us if you are interested in finding out more.
Smaller RIB vessels give a front-seat view of marine and bird life
Top tip – book far in advance as these cruises have limited space and sometimes there are early bird deals to be had. Combine it with a trip to Chile’s Torres del Paine, a stay in a remote Patagonia estancia, and a few days R&R at a gorgeous high-altitude vineyard. Perfect for all ages.
Find out more about multigenerational holidays with grandparents and extended family
While we’ve cherry-picked the most likely candidates when it comes to multi-generational holidays, it’s by no means an exhaustive list.
If you have both older and younger family members, you may be interested in our Under 5s & toddler-friendly holidays, as well as our holidays with teenagers feature. And you may also like to see our Family Summer Holidays and Christmas Family Holidays round-ups, as well as Family Road Trips, where you can travel at your own pace.
For even more ideas on the best holidays with grandparents and extended family members of all ages, do get in touch with us. We’d love to help. You can ring during office hours at 01728 752751, or use our website contact form.
Family-friendly Kenya welcomes all ages
