Recent Articles Intergenerational Travel
Intergenerational Travel
By Kathy Harmon
April, 2009
www.ErikHastings.com
How about taking Grandma Minnie along on your next cruise to the Bahamas? Would Uncle Ernie like to go along on your family's Trans Canada Rail Adventure? Even better, could that six-bedroom condo you've rented for the family trip in Orlando squeeze in Minnie, Ernie and maybe even Cousin Margo?
What are we talking about? It's intergenerational family travel, one of the fastest-growing segments of the travel industry. While the traditional family group--mom, dad and the kids--still vacations together, now they're starting to bring the grandparents, siblings, favorite aunts and uncles, cousins and more.
It's a Boomer thing. It's been this way their whole lives: Baby Boomers have changed American society ever since the first of them were born in the mid-1940s. Boomers have changed the way we look at aging. Who do you think coined the phrase, “60 is the new 40”? No longer content with an annual casino bus tour, Boomers explore new places, have new adventures, learn new things--and they want their extended family to come along for the ride. It's traveling in "packs," two or more generations jetting, cruising, or even driving someplace, then either staying together in the pack or hunting, singly or in smaller groups once they get there.
Erik Hastings is right: travel is good for you, it's good for our economy, so it's really your patriotic duty, in these dreary economic times. It sharpens our minds, broadens our world view, and in the case of intergenerational travel, it helps us to reconnect with our cherished family members. It can also be a disaster. Here are my best pieces of advice. Start by circulating a general invitation, gather ideas, get together for planning sessions personally, by conference call, a social network or email.
- The goal is a good time for all. Spend time on research - ask each traveler questions like: “If you could do anything on this vacation, what would it be?” And follow by asking, “Why?”
- Identify any troublesome family dynamics. You know, your sister Dot, the control freak, who can turn a simple getaway into the Bataan Death march by scheduling every activity and posting daily agendas for the group to follow. Gently setting rules (below) can temper her behavior.
- Recognize that pack members have different levels of stamina and risk tolerance. Seniors may be more fearful of foreign travel, language barriers and have dietary issues. Babies and granddad may need naps, while teenagers revel in skydiving, rugged hikes and mountain bike adventures. Recognize, appreciate and make allowances for everyone involved. But don’t assume! Grandma might be the first in line for Zipline tickets through the rain forest canopy.
- Establish a few rules for the pack. For example, every member should plan at least one activity, all activities are optional and no grumbling is allowed.
- The anticipation is part of the fun. So start a countdown – 281 days and a wake-up!
To share your experiences or for advice on a specific topic write to Kathy.
