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How to Plan for Multigenerational Family Trips and Travel With Aging Parents in Mind
Date Updated: November 15, 2025
Written by:
Mikeie Reiland is a writer from Nashville. He has published magazine journalism in the Oxford American, Bitter Southerner, Gravy, and SB Nation, among other outlets. He has also ghostwritten biographies for chefs, CEOs, and former NFL players. He's passionate about using storytelling to explain the world to wide audiences.
Mikeie has a master's degree in narrative nonfiction from the University of Georgia and a bachelor's degree in French and Francophone Studies from Davidson College. When not writing, he enjoys playing and coaching Ultimate Frisbee.
Senior Living Advisor
Caring
When traveling as a family, it can be tricky to make sure that everyone gets the trip they want.
If you're planning a multigenerational family trip, make sure you start planning six months ahead. When choosing a destination, consider your senior loved one's physical limitations and health needs.
You might also think about planning both individual activities and group activities that are easy for everyone to do together, like family dinners at restaurants.
Key Takeaways
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The Benefits of Multigenerational Travel
In 2025, a growing number of families are choosing to travel together across generations. Squaremouth, a travel insurance company, polled approximately 1,000 travel insurance customers and found that 47% opted for multigenerational trips, a 17% increase from their 2024 study.
Moreover, family travel can offer several benefits for each generation involved.
According to the Family Travel Association's 2023 U.S. Family Travel Survey, in which the association polled more than 3,300 travelers, 84% of parents said that multigenerational travel helped their kids develop adaptability and openness to new experiences. Nearly two-thirds of respondents said that multigenerational travel provided their children with a more positive outlook on life and improved social skills.
Moreover, for seniors, multigenerational travel can help combat loneliness and isolation. According to our most recent senior mental health survey, conducted in April 2025 with 4,000 respondents, nearly one in three seniors has a clinical diagnosis of anxiety or depression. Traveling with loved ones and fostering a sense of love and connection can help alleviate some symptoms.
Nevertheless, planning a trip that includes multiple generations can be a challenge. We explore some of those key considerations in the following section.
Planning Travel With Aging Parents in Mind
Multigenerational travel requires considering the needs of each generation, particularly those of your senior family members. Here are four things to note when planning your trip:
- Plan for Family Members’ Physical Limitations: Before the trip, talk with each family member about what's comfortable for them, both physically and mentally. Make sure to note accessibility issues senior travelers may have — for example, ensuring accommodations have step-in showers rather than bathtubs. Families may also need to request airport wheelchair access and plan for accessible airport transfers.
- Consider Health and Medical Needs: Make sure that you stay up to date on your senior loved one's health needs when traveling. A little planning can make dietary restrictions, medication times, blood pressure checks, and blood draws fit easier into your itinerary. Because of needs like these, you may want to avoid planning all-day group activities.
- Find Activities for Everyone: No matter where you go, make sure that group activities are at a suitable pace and style for everyone. Many families find success in planning both individual and group activities, often specific meals or events that bring the whole family together.
- Decide How Much Privacy and Price Matter: If cost is a key consideration, renting a large vacation house with enough rooms for everyone will likely offer the best deal. Other families may prioritize privacy or alone time without having to share public spaces; in such cases, opting for separate rooms in a hotel or resort may be worth the higher cost.
Next Steps
Once you've factored in the information above and planned your trip, make sure that you communicate everyone's needs to each participant. This proactivity helps set expectations for the trip and ensures that each generation feels included in the experience.
For more information, check out our travel tips for seniors. Among other important considerations, ensure you arrive at the airport earlier than usual, pack for emergencies, and use assistive services once you arrive at the airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
- Boyington, Amy. (2025). Senior mental health survey: anxiety and depression in Americans over 65. Caring
- Weed, Julie. (2023). 9 ways to bring every generation but leave the family drama at home. New York Times
- The 2023 Family Travel Association (FTA) annual Family Travel Survey highlights post-pandemic trends, positive attitudes, and opportunities for growth. (2023). NYU School of Professional Studies
- 2025 travel trends: Family vacations and bucket list trips top travelers' priorities. (2024). GlobeNewsWire