With spring on the horizon, attention is turning towards making the most of the summer months, with ‘family holidays 2025’ seeing a search increase of 1,029%.
For those looking to get away this year, the idea of a multi generation holiday with kids and grandparents is an appealing option to maximise quality time and make memories as a family. But when travelling with different generations that have a wide range of interests and needs, it’s important to know what to consider when choosing a holiday destination that will be ideal for everyone in your group.
Below, Maria Hughes, travel expert at specialist travel insurance provider, Good To Go, shares her six step guide to booking a multi generational family holiday that will meet the needs of everyone involved.
- Save money by skipping summer
Maria explains: “When you first start planning your holiday, the time of year will be a significant factor in choosing the destination for your getaway. If you have school age children, you will be restricted by school holidays, including half term and end of term breaks.
“However, the summer holidays in particular can be expensive for a large group holiday, and high summer temperatures can pose health problems for the older and younger members of your group. Instead, consider booking a getaway during other school breaks, such as the autumn or Easter holidays, or May half term.”
- Consider avoiding hot climates
Maria shares: “Climate should be a factor when deciding on which destination to visit, for both the comfort and safety of all travellers in your group. High temperatures can pose a very real threat to our health, particularly for those who are younger, older, or living with certain pre-existing medical conditions. Consider the health and comfort requirements of everyone in your group before booking a destination prone to high temperatures.”
- Remember destination practicality
Maria says: “When you’re picking the destination for your holiday, there are considerations for a multi generational trip beyond simply where everyone wants to go. If you’re travelling with older relatives who have mobility limitations or health issues, or young children, it’s likely that you’ll need to pick a destination where travelling long distances on foot isn’t going to be a requirement. Think about how you’ll be getting around to avoid potential problems for members of your group.
“Flight time should be another consideration, as longer flights might be uncomfortable for older relatives or young children.”
- Accessible amenities are essential
Maria comments: “Accessibility will need to be a major consideration for you when booking your trip, especially in terms of accommodation. If you’re travelling with relatives who have accessibility requirements, you’ll need to make sure you book suitable accommodation, such as a ground floor apartment or hotel room, or ensure your building has lift access.
“Accessibility goes beyond the accommodation though, and also applies to the locations you stay in or visit, what methods of transport you use, and the activities you do whilst you’re there. Take all of this into account during the planning stage before booking to ensure there are no issues when you get out there.”
- Plan for everyone’s interests
Maria says: “It goes without saying that a group made up of multiple generations of people is likely to have different interests and activity requests from a holiday. Your family members may prefer to relax, explore the local culture, or fill the time with activities, but it’s unlikely that all of these interests will be shared by everyone travelling in your group.
“From an early stage in the planning process, make sure that you discuss everyone’s wants and needs from the holiday, and use this to narrow down your destinations. Make sure there are plenty of different activity options available at your resort, or choose a location with easy access to day trips that match your group’s interests. Alternatively, choose a holiday type which caters for all ages and interests, like a cruise.”
- Keep the cost down with destination dupes
Maria explains: “Travelling with a big group of people can be expensive, with the average cost of a holiday for a family of four alone is £4,792, and spending an average of £227 per person, per week whilst abroad 2.
“If you’re budgeting, you can find similar destinations to tourist hotspots with a lower price tag. Sun seekers can consider Montenegro, Bulgaria or the Albanian riviera as a lower cost alternative to Spain or Croatia. Similarly, if you have your heart set on a particular country, consider cheaper destinations in the same nation. Sicily for example is a cheaper alternative to the Cinque Terre for families hoping to visit Italy.
“If you prioritise culture over sun, Eastern and Central Europe are home to cultural gems like Prague, Krakow and Budapest which are notably cheaper than comparable destinations in Western Europe.”
For more information about Good to Go travel insurance, including cover for pre- existing medical conditions and over 60’s, please visit: https://www.goodtogoinsurance.com/travel-insurance-pre-existing-medical-conditions
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