5 Reasons Why Multi-generational Travel is Good for Families
By聽Jaclyn Leibl-Cote, President of
Growing up, travel was always a significant part of my life. And that鈥檚 not just because it was the family business. I came to understand that travel was one of the ways that my family could be together to make memories, share stories and laughs, and to reflect. Being connected to this industry both as a professional and a traveler over the course of my life, here are the top reasons why I believe multi-generational travel is good for families.
1. Traveling unites families
People鈥檚 lives are busy, and sometimes we unintentionally lose sight of what鈥檚 important. My parents also knew this, and I think that was why they made it a tradition to plan a family trip at least once a year. And every time we鈥檝e come together for those vacations over the years 鈥� whether it was to Ireland or Scotland or the national parks 鈥� I鈥檝e been reminded of my roots and what really matters in life. That鈥檚 why I鈥檓 such a big proponent of multigenerational travel. It gives you an opportunity to push pause and appreciate the world around you with the ones you love.
2.听Traveling with family is more economical
Guided travel 鈥� whether it鈥檚 multigenerational 颅or not鈥� isn鈥檛 just cost effective, it鈥檚 time effective, too. Trying to coordinate everyone鈥檚 schedules for something as simple as a family dinner is often a feat in itself. Planning a trip takes a lot of time, and that鈥檚 a precious commodity when you have a bigger family like I do. That鈥檚 why guided travel makes so much sense. All the logistics are taken care of for you and your family. You have a tour manager by your side who can be that destination expert for you. Plus, when you go on a guided tour, you get special access to sites because you鈥檙e in a group. All of those factors add to the value of guided travel.
3.听Travel forges lasting memories
My first international trip to Germany with my family is one of my fondest travel memories. We were on a guided tour, taking the bus with Collette guests. I remember we actually sang for the passengers, which I鈥檓 sure was a treat for them! On the trip, we spent a day exploring the salt mines in the Bavarian Alps, traveling deep underground through what seemed like never-ending tunnels. We also attended the Oberammergau Passion Play, a once-in-a-decade performance put on by all the villagers in this tiny Bavarian hamlet. That was my first memory of really getting out there and seeing the world, and I鈥檒l never forget it.
4.Travel helps you bond with people you don鈥檛 get a chance to see on a daily basis
My kids are finally getting to an age where it鈥檚 easier to take them to places other than Disney. This year, we鈥檒l be going to some of the Christmas markets in Europe and maybe the Canadian Rockies, too. It will be a great opportunity for my kids to see how people live in other parts of the world. If my parents decide to come along, they鈥檒l get some extra special time with their grandchildren. In the end, it鈥檚 all about being with family and sharing those special travel moments 鈥� together.
5.听Traveling with family allows you to see the world through the eyes of others
In each period of your life, you see the world through your own unique lens. Being fortunate enough to travel as a child, teen, and now an adult 鈥� I鈥檓 able to look back and reflect on how those travels shaped my view of the world. And now, as a parent, I鈥檓 given the opportunity to help my children experience traveling to new destinations for the first time. 聽The innocence that kids have is inspiring, and being able to introduce them to new parts of the world is an invaluable gift.
Jaclyn Leibl-Cote is the President of and has close to 15 years of experience in the travel industry. Jaclyn spent many years designing product and managing tours in regions including the United States and Australia. She loves taking trips with her husband and three children, combining her two greatest passions.
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