Family Friendly Destinations for Multigenerational Travel

Costa Rica

To kick off our list of the best multigenerational family vacations, we have Costa Rica in Central America. There are many reasons why Costa Rica joins our list of family-friendly destinations. For families traveling from the U.S., Costa Rica is easy to travel to and shares the same time zone with several areas of the country. Along with convenience, there are various types of itineraries based on activity level, such as:

• National parks: Costa Rica has focused on preserving some of its natural beauty through its national park system. Popular parks include Arenal Volcano National Park and Manuel Antonio National Park, where families can partake in ranger-led programs to learn about wildlife, geography and history.
• Adventures: Families can enjoy the pura vida way of life and participate in a wide range of exciting activities, such as zip-lining, snorkeling and wildlife viewing.
• Relaxation: Costa Rica is also known for its pristine beaches, where families can rest and relax while enjoying the sandy shores of crystal blue waters. One of the top travel tips for seniors is to budget time for rest and relaxation, and Costa Rica is the perfect spot. You can relax and unwind on white sand beaches like Playa Conchal, which is also perfect for children and adults who want to surf, snorkel or join a boat tour. Families can also visit the natural hot springs in Arenal or other wellness resorts along the coast to rejuvenate, especially after a day of activities.

Hawaiian Islands

Interested in the best easy travel for senior citizens? Look no further than the Hawaiian Islands. What makes Hawaii an excellent senior-friendly destination is its proximity to the contiguous states while offering stunning views and landscapes that seem otherworldly. Without the need for a passport and more affordable airfare than going abroad, the Hawaiian Islands make for excellent travel for seniors.

When it comes to multigenerational family travel, Hawaii offers something for everyone of nearly any age, from young children to grandparents. As one of the top vacation ideas for seniors, a trip to the Hawaiian Islands is the perfect way to bring families together and create lasting memories. To begin, Hawaii is known for its world-class beaches. Gentle beaches like Waikiki Beach and Hapuna Beach are excellent for children and grandparents to relax and play, while more adventurous family members can hit the waves to surf, snorkel or scuba dive.

The Hawaiian Islands also have countless cultural experiences that allow family members to learn something new and enjoy an immersive journey. Luaus and hula performances offer a glimpse into local traditions, while a visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center teaches visitors about Native culture. 

When it comes to travel for seniors tours, the Hawaiian Islands serve as an outdoor playground. Families can visit Volcanoes National Park to witness geothermal activity up close, hike the picturesque Diamond Head or take a scenic drive along the Road to Hana. After a long day of discovery, families can rest and rewind in world-class spas and wellness retreats that offer services like massages, facials and family friendly amenities like pools.

Other must-see attractions when exploring the Hawaiian Islands with your family include Pearl Harbor, which offers profound insights into America’s war efforts and the impact this invasion had on our country’s history and the rest of the world. Iolani Palace is another meaningful historic site that offers insights for children and adults alike about Hawaii’s last reigning monarchs.

One of the top travel tips for seniors interested in exploring the Hawaiian Islands is planning a group travel experience, where expert guides provide knowledge on wildlife, geography, history and more. At Road Scholar, consider our program: Best of Hawaii: Oahu, Big Island and Maui. This exciting adventure is perfect for families who want to learn about this region’s diverse ecosystem through excursions like snorkeling along vibrant reefs in Lanai or hiking Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

2. Italy

Multigenerational family travel to Italy is ripe with adventure. Exploring Italy with the family can bring you to a diverse range of destinations that cater to the varied interests and preferences of family members of all ages. To start, begin your adventure in the capital city of Rome, which is a treasure trove of ancient history, art, and culture. Families can tour iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Vatican City to learn about medieval art and architecture, religious history and more. Rome is also an excellent city in which to immerse yourself and your family in local culture through cuisine and by exploring vibrant neighborhoods like Trastevere.

Italy is one of the best multigenerational travel destinations because of its diverse landscapes and rich history spread throughout the country. After Rome, explore the Tuscan countryside, which is known for its picturesque landscapes, charming hilltop towns and cultural heritage. Cities like Florence, known for its art and architecture, and Siena, famous for its medieval streets, are top stops on any Italian adventure. 

Other key highlights include Sicily, which blends history, culture and natural beauty with ancient ruins like the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento and the Greek Theater in Taormina. The unrivaled beauty of the Amalfi Coast in places like Sorrento offers visitors time to rest and recharge while enjoying the sights of colorful villages and azure waters.

Families can also join immersive and traditional Italian activities, such as pizza-making classes in Naples or glass-blowing workshops in Murano. A trip to Italy isn’t complete without a mention of Venice. Families can hop aboard a gondola ride to navigate the city and explore iconic landmarks like St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. When it comes to travel for seniors and their families, Italy is a vibrant destination that’s sure to please everyone in your group. Explore Road Scholar’s collection of Italian programs today.

3. Japan

While Kyoto might not spring to the top of your mind as a family-friendly destination, it offers numerous opportunities for your family to bond and explore a new area of the world. Japan is known for its rich culture, safety, cleanliness and modernization. This island country is intricately connected through public transportation networks, such as high-speed trains. Kyoto serves as a great hub that’s centrally located for families to explore different regions.

Kyoto is known for its rich heritage, with many cultural attractions like temples, shrines and traditional tea houses. Attractions like Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) or Fushimi Inari Shrine are educational and awe-inspiring, making them an exceptional option for children, parents and grandparents to forge family memories while learning something new.

Kyoto is also surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, which is great for families who enjoy the outdoors and learning about the wildlife and geography of different regions of the world. From bamboo forests to mountains and rivers, families can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, cycling or picnicking. Overall, Kyoto is one of our top recommended multigenerational family vacations, as it has many family-friendly features like safety, transportation, cultural experiences and more.

Selecting Ideal Multigenerational Destinations

With so many multigenerational travel ideas to choose from, how do you pick? There are several factors to consider when choosing your destination to ensure everyone in your family attending the trip has a memorable experience. Here are some key tips on how to select  multigenerational family vacations:

• Budget: One of the top factors to consider when planning multigenerational travel is each family member’s budget. Starting with a budget will help inform the rest of your decisions when planning your family vacation, such as the destination, activities and lodging.
• Climate and Weather: Each family member will have their preference when it comes to climate and weather. Some might be interested in exploring wintry terrain, whereas other family members may want a tropical getaway. As you begin planning your trip, allow everyone to voice their opinions and preferences to reach an agreed-upon destination with a climate that works for everyone.
• Accessibility: A key consideration when choosing a destination is accessibility, as children and elderly grandparents may have mobility issues and need accommodations for transportation and lodging.
• Activity Level: When traveling in a group of individuals of different ages, it’s important to consider the preferred activity level of each member, as doing so can help you decide what adventures to book on your vacation. Start by filtering adventures by activity level to find mild, moderate and higher-paced activities that take accessibility into account.
• Safety: It’s also important for families to prioritize destinations based on their safety and security, especially when traveling with children and elderly family members. Research each destination’s safety record, health care facilities and emergency responses to ensure peace of mind during your adventures.

These are some of the key considerations to keep in mind when looking for a multigenerational travel destination. At Road Scholar, we have a wide range of educational tours for grandparents and grandchildren that blend exciting activities and learning opportunities with periods for rest to recharge.

Educational Tours for Grandparents and Grandchildren

Ready for multigenerational travel with the entire family? Look no further than our family-friendly adventures at Road Scholar. Our list of vacation ideas for seniors and grandchildren blend education with excitement and relaxation, ensuring all family members have something to enjoy on their travels. Exploring the world with your family is the perfect opportunity to create lifelong memories and familial bonds, passing down old traditions and forming new ones.

At Road Scholar, you and your family will join a diverse cohort of like-minded travelers eager to learn more about the world around them. Expert local guides are well-versed in the area’s history, culture, traditions and geography, offering an unrivaled learning experience that introduces you to something new. By the end, you’ll create lasting relationships with fellow travelers while strengthening those with the ones you love most. Explore our tours and find an adventure today to see where you and your family will end up next.