WORDS BY RACHAEL DUPREE
The Ultimate
SKIP-GEN VACATION Create lasting memories with your grandchildren with a special vacation that emphasizes multi-generational bonding time. Bring on the fun!
As a grandparent, the bond you have with your grandchildren is one of the most cherished. However, many grandparents face the challenge of living far away from their grandchildren, and as a result, don’t get to nourish those relationships as often as they’d like. One way they’re aiming to bridge the distance gap is by going on vacation with their grandkids.
Make a Budget
According to the results of a “Grandparents Today” survey released by AARP in spring 2019, 40% of grandparents took trips with their grandkids in the past 12 months, and that number is expected to rise in the coming year. Known as skip-gen travel (grandparents and grandchildren traveling without the middle generation) or multi-generational travel (three or more generations traveling together), it’s a trend that Indy grandparents are hopping onto, as well.
Identify Your Goal
“We have noticed an increase in multi-generational travel among family groups,” says Alex Kutin, owner of Travel Leaders Indy (indytravelleaders. com), an Indianapolis-based travel agency. “Families, which are normally headed by the grandparents, are coming to us to book many aspects of travel. It is always fun and rewarding for our agents to work on these requests because we know that this is building memories for everyone.”
Planning a trip to an amusement park for those who don't like rides or a fishing trip for those bothered by mosquitoes could be a bust. Talk to your grandchildren about their interests before getting into the nitty-gritty details. Parents may also have varying degrees of comfort about suitable travel for their children, so touching base with them early about your plans will ensure they’re on board.
Although travel agencies like this are booking multigenerational trips to places like Disney, Mexico and Hawaii, trips don’t necessarily have to be big or expensive in order to connect with your grandchildren.
While it's possible to plan entire trips on your own online, it can quickly get overwhelming. Travel agents are skilled at helping you identify trips best suited to you and your travel partners, often at little extra cost.
“Everyone knows what their grandchildren are really capable of, keeping in mind their interests,” Kutin says. By keeping the basics at the forefront of your mind, trip-planning will be much easier and more fruitful for everyone.
20 Indy Grands
Spring/Summer 2020
According to AARP, grandparents spent an average of $1,746 on travel with grandchildren. This may be above or below what you are able to spend, but knowing your expected budget at the start of planning will help you identify your travel options.
Is your goal to share something special with a certain grandchild or plan a trip the whole family can enjoy? Knowing what you hope to achieve through travel will help you manage your expectations and make the trip as enjoyable as possible for everyone.
Understand Your Limitations
When in Doubt, Seek Help
Embrace Your Travel Style No two travelers are quite alike. By identifying the type of travel that makes you and your grandchildren happy, you can plan a trip full of the special memories you’re seeking. Here are some ideas to get you started:
