Grandparents, parents (and their siblings), along with their kids and grandkids, (and sometimes with other assorted family members) are discovering an enriching way to spend time together during long holidays: multi-generational travel. It is a growing segment of travel that families seek despite the challenges of having members belonging to three (or even four) generations with varied needs and preferences. It has been in-trend since the baby boomers (born from 1946 to 1964) have entered their 50-ish and has maintained a good lead among travel types since last year; it still tops the list this 2015.
By virtue of their number, everything that the baby boomers touch turns into gold, multigenerational travel included. The article “The Hottest Trends In Boomer Travel” authored by Suzanne Gerber for Forbes – Next Avenue, has this to say about multi-generational travel:
“… the Preferred Hotel Group teamed up with Harrison Group, a marketing research firm, to learn more about boomers’ travel preferences.
“This generation is passionate about travel and want to have fun, says Lindsey Ueberroth, hotel group president. “And for professionals that are not focusing on this, it will be their mistake.”
While it’s hard to make generalizations about 78 million individuals (especially this trailblazing demographic), pundits do point to certain trends among boomer travelers… here are seven of the hottest trends …”
Multi-generational travel comes in as Number 4 in the list, preceded by ecotourism, adventure and medical tourism. Pursuing their interests and passions, fulfilling a bucket list and travels meant to find deeper meaning to life are the other reasons for their travel. The trend is confirmed by other researches. For instance, AAA Travel’s survey revealed that about 36 percent of the respondents intend to go on a multi-generational travel this 2015. Read about this in Renee Morad’s article “Multi-generational Travel Takes Off” published in Main Street.
“Many people are realizing that travel is a great way to form bonds with family members and spend quality time together,” said Heather Hunter, spokeswoman for AAA.
Being a complex type of travel with so many possible needs and preferences, success lies in picking a destination that has lots of promising potentials. This is why cruises and tour vacations are popular and fast growing.
Those playing a part in this type of travel need to heed the trend and the demand, if they are smart. It is time to come up with ideal trip packages that are hard to resist for multi-generational clans that offers fringe benefits including discounts. Take the leads of Club Med and Walt Disney World theme parks.
- Club Med’s resorts in Florida, Dominican Republic and Mexico recently launched a Family Reunion Package, offering up to 15% off for guests booking seven rooms or more. The deal also comes with a private cocktail party, which includes non-alcoholic beverages for kids.
The promotion provides access to Club Med’s Family Rooms and Family Suites, as well a variety of family-friendly sports events and activities, such as sailing, volleyball, fitness classes, golf and kite-surfing. The children’s program includes junior tennis, golf, circus school and Petit Chef cooking lessons…”
- “… Walt Disney World theme parks are currently offering a free additional day on each park ticket when you buy six or more four-day or longer Magic Your Way tickets…
Disney’s Group Getaways program also provides extra incentives to groups that book ten rooms or more. Special room rates at select Disney Resort hotels and “unique Disney experiences, such as behind-the-scenes tours or private theme park events…”
If you are not a baby boomer but you are amongst those who are keen to see the world, this is the best time to go globetrotting with your children and elderly parents. The industry will be thick with options at more affordable rates. This is another legacy of the boomers to travelers like you and to the next generation.
