It's getting closer to that time of year again when families come together for quality time, relaxation and lazy vacations. It can be a great opportunity to kick back, have fun, rest and sleep late. Unless you find yourself sharing a room with 7 young children.
That's exactly the dilemma one child-free couple is facing, after being allocated a basement bunk room with all the grandkids. The wife says her mother-in-law expects them to contribute $600 towards the lake house accommodation. But they're loathe to do it because all the other adults are paying the same while getting much better sleeping arrangements.
What was meant to be a relaxing Thanksgiving family vacation is turning into a glorified babysitting expedition
This child-free couple has been allocated a basement bunk room that they're expected to share with 7 young kids
How to survive multi-generational family vacations, according to travel experts
Traveling with extended family can be stressful enough without having to share a room with 7 young kids. But if you plan properly and play your cards right, you might just make it out alive.
According to Wanderlust magazine, multi-generational trips (three or more generations) are becoming quite common, and tour operators have reported that an increasing number of family groups are booking their trips. But with all those different ages, preferences, fitness levels and moods under one roof, it’s not always easy.
The trick, say experts, is to cater for everyone. And while that sounds easier said than done, it apparently is possible. The first trick is to plan way in advance, even from a year before departure. This will help to ensure everyone is available and can save if necessary.
“Get the whole family involved in the planning,” advises Simon McGrath, author of Camping With Kids. “Throw a nice big Sunday lunch for everyone and get chatting about where you want go and what you want to do. That builds up excitement.”
This helps to figure out everyone’s likes and dislikes, and combine all the ideas in order to come up with an inclusive itinerary. It might also be useful to do a mini weekend getaway together to test the waters before embarking on a massive holiday.
“You need to remember everyone’s different physical capabilities,” says Carmen Sognonvi, from Top Flight Family. “With your family ranging from young children to grandparents, it’s important to make sure there are activities they can all manage.”
It’s important for multi-gen families to remember to give each other some space. You do not have to spend every waking moment together.
“What’s worked for us is to be really relaxed about whether everyone joins in with things or not,” Jae Hopkins, a seasoned multi-gen family holidayer told Wanderlust. “As long as there’s no pressure on people, the trip feels seamless and easy.”
There's also less room for irritation and moodiness if people spend some time apart now and again.
And when it comes to kids, McGrath advises parents to plan day trips so that everyone can have some breathing space.
“Grandparents can act as babysitters too, if parents want some alone time,” adds the expert. Or in the case of the family going to the lake house, the child-free couple could begrudgingly take on that role.
Many people felt the couple should book a hotel room, but at least one didn't understand what the fuss was about
