America is a beautiful country, and from “sea to shining sea” there are so many amazing places to see! From bustling cities to quiet forests, from historical sites to the beauty of nature – the US offers something for every age, and every interest. It’s no wonder then, that American destinations are popular for multigenerational vacations – and I don’t mean just a week at the beach (not that there’s anything wrong with that!).
The US offers hundreds of incredible places that are perfect for families – from grandparents to grandchildren – to explore and you’ll find many of them in America’s national parks.
Here’s why you should consider visiting our national parks with your extended family – and what to think about as you plan your family’s American Adventure.
Experiences Matter, Especially Shared Ones – Studies consistently show that more people value experiences over things – because the memories that are created while on those experiences are often the ones that we carry with us the longest. As many adults will tell you, they remember their childhood vacations more than any one gift they ever received!
See the World Through Another’s Eyes – There is such joy from different ages enjoying time together in a new place, because everyone learns to “see” things through another’s eyes: Grandparents seeing the joy of little ones as they experience their first time in the ocean; older kids hearing grandparents tell stories of the time that they visited the Grand Canyon – as they all visit it together. We learn so much when we can experience something through the perspective of another!
Learning Together – and From Each Other – Traveling together can bring challenges, especially if exploring a new or unfamiliar area. There may be different customs or traditions, there may be traveling challenges, logistical challenges, technological challenges, and maybe even language challenges. But doing this all together with multiple generations provides the perfect teachable moments – for every age! Each age often has a unique opportunity to learn from – and teach – everyone else!
What You’ll Want to Think About – While planning travel for multiple families – especially with multiple ages – is more complicated than just for two people, it doesn’t have to be stressful – in fact, it can be fun! The key is knowing what you need to think about and plan for, communicate with everyone (which includes considering the needs of all ages!), choosing the best way to visit your planned destination(s) – and most importantly, having some expert help to guide you along the way.
Consider Needs and Priorities – Does anyone have mobility issues? Or significant health issues that would make certain kinds of travel a challenge (a family member who has difficulty walking for example probably won’t love a vacation that involves a lot of hiking over rough terrain). Are there any small children that will have their own specific needs or schedules to work around? Multiple ages will have multiple needs, so it is super important to take everyone’s needs into account.
Your Travel Agent Can Help – While putting together a trip for multiple families – with all different ages, and interests, and budgets – may sound daunting and a bit overwhelming to you, the fact is for your travel agent, this is what we DO! A travel specialist can guide you in planning, coordinate the logistics, and make everything for your family truly stress-free. Perhaps you want to visit a number of the breathtaking canyons in America’s Southwest – would a guided tour work best for your family? The ease of traveling – especially if it’s with a company that specializes in guided vacations with families and kids – is something that shouldn’t be overlooked. Or you may want to plan a trip where you stay in/near one national park and explore all that it offers. Whatever your preferences, your travel agent is ready to guide and help you to have a truly wonderful vacation.
America’s beautiful national parks are waiting for you to discover them – and what could be better than doing so with extended family, making memories that will last a lifetime!
Learn how the FREE services of a travel agent can make planning your vacation simple and STRESS FREE!
