By Sarah Henshall
Just like many of you, I am planning a family vacation this year. My family expanded recently with two new members, as both of my sons got married. Our lives are hectic and it’s hard to find time with aunts and uncles, grandparents and even in-laws. A family vacation is the perfect way to reconnect.

Last year more than 5 million family vacations included three generations, according to the Travel Industry Association.

Known as multigenerational travel, this trend emerges as grandparents are more active than in the past and want to deepen the relationship with their children and grandchildren through “spiritual bonding.”

Traveling offers a chance to explore the world and when families experience this together, a shared memory is created.

“The smiles on the children’s faces when they first saw the characters were worth every penny we spent,” said Kathy Phillips, of Fountain Inn, SC, a AAA member since 2004 and a AAA Vacations client who went to Disney World recently with her son’s family.

“It was everything we could have hoped for, and as soon as my daughter and her husband decide to have little ones, we’ll definitely do this again,” she added.

The travel industry now offers cruises with expanded areas for children, tours combining bus rides with hiking for different physical abilities, and Disney packages cater to a wide age range.

When planning for different ages, there are many things to consider. Most important is time. Family trips are generally planned a year or more in advance.

Here are some tips:

Everyone Has An Opinion
These trips require careful planning and brainstorming. The whole family should voice their opinion on destination and dates, taking into account schedules, desires and economic feasibility. Once a destination is chosen, it is best to select a trip planner within the family who will organize the package.

Travel agents at AAA have experience with multigenerational travel and can answer the multitude of questions that will arise. It is important everyone’s vacation expectations are considered. Some may want to golf or visit a national park, while others may be interested in snorkeling or shopping. It is crucial to select a location easy for everyone to reach to avoid travel frustration. A travel agent provides the knowledge to combine as many of the characteristics as possible to suggest the ideal destination.

All-Inclusive Destinations
It is easiest to do an all-inclusive vacation, such as a package that includes meals, accommodations and some activities. The cost per person is known beforehand and leads to fewer financial surprises on the trip. Cruises are a popular option for families with wide-ranging ages.

Many escorted tours offer options where groups can enjoy multiple destinations together without worrying about the details. Everyone can plan their day differently and later spend quality time together over dinner. Cruises and tours occasionally offer discounts for larger groups, making them ideal choices for family reunions.

The budget is an important aspect to consider. Feelings of jealousy and guilt can arise if some are uncomfortable with the cost or unable to enjoy activities with the rest of the family for financial reasons. This can create a divide instead of the desired bond that multigenerational travel should provide. Families can save considerable amounts of money traveling in a large group. Depending on everyone’s preferences, vacation rentals also provide a lot of space and a sense of togetherness. Be sure this option allows enough privacy. If not, a hotel may be a better option.

Togetherness AND Privacy
The final step is to discuss expectations among all family members. This vacation is designed to bring everyone closer together but should include alone time as well. Many families break off into smaller groups for daytime activities and link up at meal times to share experiences. The key is for the three or four generations to relax, have fun and enjoy themselves through personal contact and shared experiences. Multigenerational travel can be an incredible vacation and many families have turned these trips into treasured memories and yearly traditions.

Sarah Henshall is Vice President of Travel and Branch Operations at AAA Carolinas. For the hottest deals, call AAA Vacations at 1-800-398-0379, visit your nearest AAA branch or visit AAA.com/travel.