Families often have a small window of time when adult offspring have children, and still have active parents. Multi-generational travel is a sweet opportunity to capitalize on memory-making during this floating period. We have so many reasons to love multi-generational travel!

My first international, multi-generational trip was 10 years ago. My family came to visit for two months while I was living in Germany. Well, half of the family just linked up again to explore Guatemala together.  There’s a certain magic when a family of Baby-boomers, Millennials, and Gen Zs decides to explore the world together. These are my top five reasons to love multi-generational travel.

Multi-Generational Travel Establishes and Continues Family Traditions & Values

There are certain idiosyncrasies families have. Long before my niece was born, my family established its inside jokes, energy, and styles of communicating. But by the time she came around, I was off, serving with the military. So, she didn’t get to witness how we all interacted with one another. She didn’t know about our road trip sing-a-longs on the way to Grandma’s house. Our two-month-long summer vacation in Germany is where she became one of us. She learned the stories and references that happened before she was born. And now she speaks of them as if she was there when they happened. She was able to contribute to new family inside jokes.

Multi-Generational Travel Feeds Two Birds with One Seed

Three generations traveling together combines my two favorite pastimes —vacation time and family. If you’re going to spend time together anyway, why not do it in an incredible destination?

When everyone is away from the monotony of daily life, the quality of your quality time improves. My family spends most of the time geographically separated. Sure, I can go home to Kentucky to visit my family. However, when we’re in Kentucky, my dad is going to be cutting the grass for a few hours. My mom is going to be in the dining room talking to her house plants. In my childhood bedroom, my nephew will be playing tank war, legos, or videos. Lil’ sis will likely be working. IDK what my niece does — maybe ask people to take her shopping or to her friend’s house. 

On vacation, you’re not focused on daily obligations and routines. With all the responsibilities removed, you have time to focus on each other. If you’re going to spend time together, Why not spend it in an idyllic location?

Multi-Generational Travel Offers Multiple Generational Travel Perspectives

Sure, even when you travel with people in the same generation, you’ll all explore with a unique set of lenses. However, it’s doubtful you’ll rank order your favorite European countries based on the quality of the playground. BTW, according to my 5-year-old niece, Prague has the best playground, thus, the Czech Republic is the best country in Europe.

There were things I forgot we saw, heard, or happened. But, for my five-year-old niece, they were red-letter events. What a child remembers and values from a trip will differ from an adult, but is just as valid. 

Like my niece’s favorite German word (Ausfahrt). Or her, seeing the Mona Lisa on a billboard advertisement, “that girl is the Louv-er-ra.” Since she remembered those details, they are part of the collective recollection of the trip.

Make Family Memories Together

As Kay from The Mom Trotter says, it’s ok that your kid might not remember the trip, but you will, and your memories are just as important. 

Instead of making travel memories individually and then reiterating the highlights to those who stayed behind, you’re right there, experiencing it together.

The morning we went to Disney Paris, my mom hinted to my niece that we were going to a magical place. My niece scrunched her face trying to figure out what my mom could possibly mean by that. We spent the day standing in lines, watching shows, and screaming from the Tower of Terror! After the close of business firework spectacular, when the droves of guests corralled to the metro, my niece casually reflected on the day. In her sweet, little pre-school voice she said, “I guess this was a magical place after all.”  

My mom and I made eye contact with each other as our hearts melted at the tiny, astute observation. To this day, I’m the only one who remembers that moment. But it’s a memory I cherish above all the souvenirs.

Travel Showcases Who You Really are to Your Family Rather Than Telling 

I recognize there are varying truths to what I’m about to say but…everyone is the best version of themselves while on vacation. Without the daily stressors and expectations, people can be their relaxed selves. That way, you really get to know your relatives. You get to see a different version of them rather than who you always see. Instead of getting verbal updates on the things each other likes to do, you actually get to witness them in action. 

It’s one thing to hear that my niece excels in AP Spanish (as a sophomore…proud tía moment, let me flex). It’s completely different to watch her hold conversations with Guatemalans and hear native speakers compliment her pronunciation. 

Sure, I may notice my mom has filled both the living and dining rooms with plants. But understanding her love for plants takes another form when I watch her identify all these species of tropical plants growing in the wild and discuss them with local gardeners. 

My mom’s perspective of my living situation changed. For some reason, she had in her mind that I was just sitting around Guatemala all sad and lonely. Even though I told her I’m doing just fine, actually witnessing me exchanging hugs, making coffee plans, and running into friends and neighbors on the streets gave her peace of mind. “Oh… you have friends here,” she said as if she was surprised and relieved (which cracks me up cause this has never been a problem). 

Take the Plunge

Multi-generational travel is only available to families for a short while. You don’t have to be a parent to participate! With so many reasons to love multi-generational travel, and such a short window to experience it, I encourage everyone to grasp and cherish this growing travel trend while there’s still time.

If you’ve traveled with 3 or more generations, let me know what you loved about it in the comments.