Tips for the perfect family vacation

Over the past few years we have seen more and more extended families traveling together. In fact, multi-generational trips constitute nearly half of all family travel. You should use an expert to plan a trip that will be a hit with the whole family even when a wide range of ages and tastes are in the mix. Here are some of our tips to consider when choosing a multi-generational holiday from family friendly accommodations and dining options to activities boasting broad appeal.

BRING HISTORY TO LIFE

Travel takes you beyond the books, making learning a journey of discovery through the eyes of local experts. Trails of Liberty, follows the footsteps of our U.S. forefathers visiting the first permanent English colony, Jamestown, and taking you behind the enemy lines on the Civil War battlefield in Gettysburg. Experience Gladiators, Gondolas and Gold, when you stand in the center of Rome’s Coliseum to understand the fierce competition. Hear tales of windmill battling Don Quixote and stroll the grounds of the famed Alhambra palace during the Spanish Salsa holiday in Spain.

MAKE CONNECTIONS WITH THE LOCAL CULTURES

Nothing beats travel for up close interactions with different cultures. Whether you learn about Amish traditions in Lancaster County, or participate in a Djembe drumming session during your African adventure, the experience will help foster understanding and curiosity of all ages

SHARE MEALS AND MAKE MEMORIES.

This is a chance for your family to dine together and discover new foods. The trick is to select destinations that readily provide options for all appetites from finicky eaters to food aficionados. In Italy, children will love making their own pizza in Rome, and scooping gelato in Florence while the sophisticated palates can also sample olive oils at a Tuscan estate.

LET IMAGINATION RUN WILD.

Most children are naturals when it comes to make believe. On a dude ranch during the Wild West, Cowboys and Buffalos trip, grab your cowboy hat and ride, or fish for rainbow trout, spend an evening around the campfire telling stories, or even attend a local rodeo. Learn to hula dance in Hawaii, or learn to be a gladiator in Rome, lots to learn about a new destination

One I always chuckle at is the crowd of Harry Potter fans queuing up in Kings Cross Station, London, Platform 9.3/4 to have their photo taken pushing the luggage chart which has half of it disappeared thru the wall.

CHOOSE YOUR OWN ACTION AND ADVENTURE

You can get a thrill from an air boat adventure in the Everglades, and two days of theme park excitement in Orlando. All our staff are Walt Disney experts. Visit the Grand Tetons with a raft trip on the Snake River, or visit the Costa Rica rainforest.

DELVE INTO NATURE

Children love animal encounters and number 1 on the list has to be an African Adventure.

Your travel professional can tailor your holiday with your family’s range of ages and personal interested in mind. Tour operators sometimes offer a 10% discount on ages 5-17 and paired with their family and friend experience and advice; you are guaranteed a great vacation value and fun for everyone. There are a lot of options; charter a boat for a cruise, a carriage for a train trip, a motor coach with tour guide and driver, or an entire house in many parts of the world complete with a collection of staff. It’s no holiday for Mum if she has to cook.

There is a great financial advantage to taking a group on a trip since you get discounts and sometimes with a number of booking the organizer can qualify for a free journey! The free journey varies from company to company, perhaps it is one free for ten travelers, or one free for fifteen. The value added items vary around the world. There are a thousand hotels around the world that are part of an agency amenity program where travelers can get early check in, and late checkout when possible, free breakfast, free upgrades, and other items which vary from hotel to hotel. One amenity my clients love is the free spa treatment. In many hotels, children eat free. All these items add up to a considerable amount of savings when Granny is paying the bill.

Many grandparents have told me, they want to travel with their family while they are still able and in good health, and spend money now. It is a good idea for the grandparents to choose the destination and dates, and give everyone an invitation, perhaps as a Christmas present. If you try and get a lot of people involved, nothing gets done because they all can’t agree.

Maureen Jones is president of All Horizons Travel at 160 Main Street. Members of her staff are experts in business travel, cruises, and all types of leisure.