Plan a Trip With Your Children and Grandchildren

When my son was five years old, my parents invited us on a cruise. We lived on opposite ends of the country, so we met in Florida and spent a wonderful week in the Caribbean together. My parents really enjoyed having exclusive access to their grandson, and we all loved the fabulous food, fun shipboard activities and shore excursions we chose together.

We've taken our children on several trips with my parents, and I think one of the secrets to our success is good planning. We choose hotels with kitchenettes and free breakfast. We plan "down time" so that parents and grandparents can nap, read or hit the exercise room. We talk about our plans before we leave and while we're on the trip.

Of course, there are many great tour operators out there, like Generations Touring Company, Grandtravel, Rascals in Paradise and Elderhostel, that specialize in planning trips for grandparents and their grandchildren. If you'd prefer to plan your own trip, our intergenerational travel tips can help you plan the perfect vacation with your grandkids.

Photo © Angie Draiville