This blog was guest written by Shannon Leyerle, a local mom and owner of Vacations by Shannon.
Since getting lost at Disneyland at age seven, Shannon hasn’t stopped creating new adventures. Shannon is a graduate of Baylor University and taught school in Cy-Fair I.S.D. and Tomball I.S.D. before retiring to stay home with her kids. She loved planning vacations as they grew up (see her family travel photos next to each recommended vacation 🤍), and now she loves helping other families have great experiences. As a professional travel advisor, she enjoys finding just the right ingredients to plan amazing vacations for her clients at Vacations by Shannon.
Planning the Perfect Multi-Generational Vacation
Famiy vacations provide a wonderful opportunity to share new places and new experiences with your children. Adding grandparents and extended family to your trip requires extra planning but can result in closer relationships and special memories.
So which vacations work best as multi-generational trips? Here are four trips that I recommend:
1. Hawaii, with its unbelievable beauty and endless variety of experiences, is a great choice for an extended family trip. There are many activities that work well for all ages, and with a larger group, a private tour can be arranged at a more affordable cost. Watching the sunrise at the crater of the volcano at Haleakala National Park in Maui is an unforgettable experience. Checking out Pearl Harbor in Oahu allows the older generation to share their thoughts on the first attack on American soil. And of course, all ages will enjoy the food and entertainment at a luau!
2. Disney World allows parents and grandparents – and aunts and uncles – to see the magic through the eyes of children. Disney resorts cover all price points, and the included park transportation makes it easy to get a large group to and from the parks. I can take care of restaurant reservations to ensure that everyone enjoys meals together, and my custom itineraries take into account the ages and mobility of the group. With Disney World celebrating its 50th anniversary, there’s even more pixie dust to enjoy.
3. Cruises are a great choice for large family groups. There are on-board activities to appeal to all ages and children’s programs so that the adults can have time together. Teenagers have the freedom to hang out with their age group while parents and grandparents enjoy activities geared to them. Mealtime allows everyone to gather together to eat and share their experiences from the day and then enjoy the nightly entertainment, and I can arrange for excursions for the family to enjoy at each port. On the last cruise I took, an Alaskan cruise, I met a couple celebrating their 50th anniversary surrounded by sixty of their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
4. You might be surprised to think of Europe as a top multi-generational and extended family destination, but an international tour is an amazing vacation option. This trip requires very careful planning, but the end result is an incredible experience for all ages. Check out the Tower of London, dine at a sidewalk café in Paris, or tour the Colosseum in Rome. Adventures by Disney is a great way for all ages to travel the world. There’s no Mickey Mouse, but stellar Disney service, VIP access, and special activities for “Junior Adventurers” ensure that everyone has a wonderful trip.
When you’re ready to start planning your vacation, let Vacations by Shannon take care of every detail and coordinate plans for everyone in the family.
For more travel tips or to book a vacation, make sure to follow Vacations by Shannon on social media & check out her website:
Website: https://www.vacationsbyshannon.com/
Instagram: @shannonleyerle
Facebook: @vacationsbyshannon