The popularity of multi-generational or 3G holidays – as they’re increasingly being referred to have exploded in the last decade. But what is it really like going on a multi-generational holiday? It’s a question I get asked a lot. It’s definitely not always a walk in the park but I think going on holiday with your parents gets a bad rap. Here’s our experience of multi-generational holidays…
From city breaks to cruises and everything in-between, we’ve done it all – and my advice would be to test the waters (and each other’s limits) with a short break before you take the plunge with a longer holiday.
For me, it’s never been about an extra set of hands, but more so an extra set of memories – Boo is one incredibly well-travelled child but ask her and she’ll still say that going shelling along the shoreline with Grandma is up there with some of the best days of her life. And that’s something that is priceless when it comes to travelling with extended generations. I remember the joy of British summer holidays with my Mum, sister and grandparents – FYI sand infested sandwiches were a thing. I think the rise in multi-generational travel is just an evolution of this trend.
Some people assume that 3G travel comes out of necessity cost-wise, especially for single parents like myself and it’s not hard to see the financial incentive when travelling without a second adult can often be cost prohibitive. However, for us, it was more about experiencing new adventures together and exploring the new dynamic of three generations travelling together. It’s amazing how much fun you have with your mum on holiday once you’re on holiday and am no longer an annoying teenager, ha! Let the record state that I inherit my love of Campari and Tonic from my mum!
Of course, there are some potential pitfalls when travelling as a multi-generational family. The biggest pre-departure obstacle we’ve found is settling on a destination/resort that suits all three of us. This is where my love for planning and research comes into its own. Simply put there is no perfect destination for everyone, it does take considerable time to find a holiday that ticks the boxes of a woman in her 60s, a woman in her 30s and a Boo but it can be done; from experience, we’ve found both big (I’m talking Royal Caribbean big) and small (hello lovely little resort in Crete) can be just the ticket and offer something for everyone without substantial compromise.
I won’t lie – there are moments during our trip when we’ve fallen back into mother/daughter roles – let’s just say I still like to take long showers and my Mum’s indecision can make me a little angsty. Think of Christmas day stress but less intense; if you can do Christmas with your parents that you can do a multi-generational holiday.
Here’s the snap that sums up a multi-generational holiday for me – heading off to dinner in the shadow of two of my favourite people who are absorbed in each other plotting and planning their swimming pool activities for the following day.
The reality is multi-generational holidays are a really rounded experience with both good and bad but on balance, a positive impact on the trip and it’s an opportunity that I’m glad to be able to take advantage of out of choice – bring on more trips for me, Boo and Grandma too.
