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The Savvy GrandTraveler: 12 Tips For Traveling With Grandchildren

By Nancy Schretter, Editor

Many seniors are seeking increased involvement and spiritual bonding with their grandchildren. It's no surprise, then, that multigenerational travel is one of the fastest growing segments of the leisure travel market. According to the Travel Industry Association of America, 30 percent of U.S. leisure travelers who are grandparents have taken at least one vacation with their grandchildren, and that number is expected to continue to skyrocket.

An increasing number of grandparents are taking multigenerational vacationing one step further by taking trips alone with their grandchildren. This type of vacation allows time for intense bonding with their grandchildren, creating memories that will last forever. Some grandparents plan these events to celebrate a special occasion, such as a graduation or birthday, while others start taking regular trips with their grandchildren once the kids reach eight or nine years of age.

Grandparents aren't the only ones who are interested in multigenerational travel. Grandchildren crave it, too. In fact, a 2003 survey conducted by Yesawich, Pepperdine, Brown & Russell showed that 56 percent of children between the ages of six and seventeen would "really like to" take a vacation with their grandparents.

If you are thinking about taking a vacation alone with your grandchildren, here are a few tips:

Have the grandchildren take turns. Many grandparents have found that traveling with one or two grandchildren at a time works out best. Taking two provides the grandchildren with companionship and entertainment, but double the pleasure may be difficult to handle. Traveling with one grandchild at a time may be less stressful, and it helps to create that special one-on-one bonding experience so valued by multigenerational travelers.
Do a test run. Start with a short trip together before traveling alone with your grandchildren for an extended vacation. Take an excursion to a zoo or museum, a day trip to a nearby lake or beach, or invite them to stay over at your home for the weekend. This will let you to see how you interact together and whether your grandchildren are ready to go with you on a longer journey away from home.
Talk with the parents. Creating successful trips with grandchildren depends on developing a good understanding of their interests, preferences, habits and personalities. Talk with your children about your grandtravel plans and ask for their advice on the length and type of trip. Parents can provide invaluable insights about their children's favorite activities, activity levels, needs for supervision and peer companionship, as well as sleeping and eating habits. Use this information to help design your trip.
Consider health, safety and personality issues. Plan a multigenerational vacation that will cater to both generations' needs rather than a journey primarily designed with the grandchildren in mind. Be honest about your own needs and limitations as well as those of the child, and keep in mind any activity, diet or health restrictions. If standing in long lines is not comfortable for you, think twice about going to a theme park. Likewise, if your grandchildren are accustomed to plenty of daily structured activities with kids their own age, you may wish to choose a cruise line, tour or resort that offers daily children's and teens' programs.
Brainstorm and plan the trip together. Travel experts have found that the most successful family vacations are those that involve both parents and children in identifying destination options and planning for their trip. The same is true for multigenerational travel. Talk with your grandchildren about their interests, activities, favorite sports and dream destinations. Tell them more about your goals for the trip, such as having fun and enjoying each other's company, experiencing new activities together, and learning about other cultures. Take time to share your own experiences and travel interests as well. Through these discussions, you will be able to find a range of destinations and shared activities that both of you can enjoy.
Look for agents and tour operators with experience in grandtravel. Multigenerational travel has grown in popularity over the last decade, and many travel agents are highly experienced in catering to the needs of this burgeoning market. Armed with the information you have gained from your discussions with your children and grandchildren, knowledgeable family travel specialists can point you to a variety of vacation destinations, tour companies, cruise lines, theme parks and resorts that will meet your unique needs. In addition, they can design a fun-filled itinerary that will allow you to achieve your goals and bond with your grandchildren in a way that is only possible through travel. If you are interested in a group travel experience, companies such as Grandtravel, Adventures by Disney, and Elderhostel Intergenerational Tours are highly experienced in multigenerational travel and offer a variety of trips from which to choose.
Set a budget and shop for savings. Successful trips with grandchildren do not have to be expensive ones. They are those that are simply designed with your personalities, needs and interests in mind. Decide on a comfortable budget for your trip and make sure to include such items as souvenirs, tips, and a few unexpected activities or necessities. To help stretch your budget dollars, make sure to look for discounts provided by membership organizations like AAA and AARP as well as special multigenerational travel promotions often offered by cruise lines, resorts, and tour operators. Search the Internet for deals and discounts, too. When plotting out your budget, however, be careful to consider the needs of your traveling companions and cut corners wisely. For example, even though on-property lodging may be more expensive at theme parks, it is often well worth the cost for easy proximity at naptime or to provide the chance for a relaxing afternoon swim.
Build in private time together as well as "down" or "apart" time. While the goal of your trip is to create shared memories, it is also important to remember that children need time to burn off energy and enjoy the company of kids their own age. Likewise, grandparents need quiet periods for rest and some adult company as well. Keep this in mind when sorting through your vacation options. Cruises and multigenerational tours are popular for this reason. They offer supervised activities and programs for children and teens, allowing grandparents to enjoy some time on their own. These itineraries typically also include blocks of time for shared activities, such as meals, tours, excursions to local attractions, entertainment, and group events. Stay flexible on your trip, as children's moods and interests can change constantly. If you and your grandchild find something you'd rather do, be spontaneous and go with the flow rather than sticking with the planned schedule.
Keep up the excitement. Travel plans are often made far in advance of the trip, but out of sight doesn't have to mean out of mind. Pick up some travel brochures and a guidebook and share them with your grandchild. Look for books that are set in your vacation destination and send them along in the mail. The Internet contains a panoply of websites with pictures of your destination and information on activities that can be easily shared via e-mail. As the date draws closer, send along a suggested packing list for the trip.
Be prepared and expect the unexpected. Make a list of items that you and your grandchildren will need to bring on your trip. These include identification, contact and health insurance information, a notarized letter empowering you to act in case of medical emergencies, recent photos, and medicines. In addition, check the latest federal requirements far in advance and bring the proper travel documents with you. If the child has any dietary needs or medication requirements, make sure to be aware of those and have a written record as well. In addition, bring along a notarized letter from the parents authorizing travel with the grandchildren if you will be traveling internationally. Some countries require this and rules vary, so it is better to be safe than sorry. Take a few additional items in your carry on luggage along with medicines and travel documents, such as a cell phone for emergencies, a change of clothes and bathing suit in case luggage is lost, and travel games and snacks for the trip. Think ahead and plan for occurrences such as air travel delays, illness, and homesickness. If unforeseen events happen, stay positive. Your grandchildren will learn important life lessons from watching you on this trip.
Make space for a few favorite items. Allow your grandchildren to bring along a few comfort items on the trip, such as a stuffed animal or blanket, books or a portable music source and headphones. If your grandchild usually sleeps with a night light, make sure to pack one for your room. Travel backpacks and activity kits can be a lifesaver on plane and car rides. Make one easily by filling a small backpack with items such as colored pencils, story books, activity books, magnetic games, card games, travel-size board games, hand held electronic games, sticker books, non-melting crayons, coloring books, Mad-Libs, paper dolls, magic slates, small cars, finger puppets, small action figures, felt books with stick-ons, sewing cards, puzzles, pipe cleaners, and origami paper.
Capture and preserve the memories of your trip. Consider giving each grandchild a journal and a disposable camera to bring along on your vacation. Kids love taking their own pictures and it is fascinating to see travel through their eyes. In addition, be sure to bring along plenty of digital memory cards or film to capture every moment of your trip. Pictures, postcards, and keepsakes can be put into a scrapbook after you return, providing a lasting momento of the special bond you forged on your travels together.