During London’s World Travel Market, talk of multi-generational and ‘generation gap’ trips was buzzing. This growing market is drawing larger family groups to things like cruises, resorts and group tours that offer things for people of all ages. More adult children are traveling with their parents. Destinations are catering to groups with young kids and retired customers all at once, providing a variety of options to some exciting, unique places. It’s a new era of inclusive, relaxing and ridiculously fun experiences for everyone involved.

Not to mention, families and groups of people are looking to indulge in a slower pace of travel. This means longer stays and more involvement of the local community. Things like apartment rentals and even house swapping, sharing and house sitting arrangements are on the rise.

When you think of a family travel vacation, what do you see? Maybe a mom, dad and a couple kids with Mickey ears on in front of Cinderella’s castle? Or two grumpy teens in the back of a minivan on a long summer road trip?

Pros of Genervacations and Travel

We’ve done these types of vacations, and they certainly can be great. A way to relax, bond and be somewhere new as a family is always a plus. Some broods will take it a step further and try some European adventures too, slow travel through the Caribbean islands or even become nomadic with their kids. All of these things are fantastic and we will continue to bring the best family travel experiences to all of you.

However.

I don’t talk too much about boring industry stuff, but the trends of multi-generational travel is huge. Like, really huge. The idea of grandparents taking their grandchildren on safari, or an aunt with nephews in Boston for a week, or even the whole family going to Greece together is something that happens more often than you’d think.

And where do these people turn to for travel advice? They almost have nowhere to go.

Well, besides to us of course. But families without the nuclear parents and kids are obviously also families and they want to explore the world too. In fact, like I’ve mentioned, my husband and I do not have children yet. But we love traveling with our older parents, our nephew, my husband’s youngest brother and our extended aunts, cousins and grandparents. These are special excursions we take with our family members that are becoming more popular as the world becomes more attainable for all.

Europeans and other countries worldwide have already embraced the idea culturally, which is filtering into the U.S. Kids can bee seen at cafes, in museums and in shops alongside their adult counterparts. They have a great time, and it’s not necessarily at a theme park. Behavior is learned so they stay calm (well, most of the time) and know how to act in environments where there’s all ages. If all else fails anyway, grandma and grandpa are along for the ride to give you a couple hours at the spa or at dinner with your partner. Doesn’t that sound wonderful?

Luckily, we at Pure Wander have some fantastic stuff on just that – cool trips that may or may not include just the kiddos, but welcome all families to experience global immersion.

Have you ever gone somewhere with your family members? Does your older parents take your kids on vacation? Do you tag team trips with your sister and her kids? Are you a clueless uncle who’d love to do something new with the little ones in your life? Let us know!