Traveling with Grandparents: A Gift That Lasts a Lifetime
There’s something magical about seeing your kids experience the world with their grandparents (or special adults who play the role of grandparents!) by their side. Maybe it’s the way they light up hearing stories from “back in the day” as you explore a historic site, or the way their bond deepens over simple moments—like sharing an ice cream on a warm afternoon or holding hands on a walk through a new city.
Our family has been lucky to take several trips with grandparents, and each one has been filled with moments we’ll never forget. If you’re wondering whether traveling with grandparents is worth the effort, let me tell you—it absolutely is.
I’ll take just a moment to acknowledge that not all families are able to travel with grandparents or have grandparents in their lives. I believe that any other special adult can fill this role and provide an equally meaningful experience for kids!
Making Memories That Matter
We all know how quickly kids grow up, and the time they get to spend with their grandparents is precious. Traveling together allows for uninterrupted quality time—no distractions, no routines, just shared experiences that turn into lifelong memories. Whether it’s playing in the sand (a favorite with our Papa), exploring a new city, or simply enjoying breakfast together in a hotel, these moments are the ones kids (and grandparents) remember forever.
A New Way to Learn & Connect
Grandparents bring a unique perspective to travel. They might have a personal connection to a destination, sharing stories of when they visited decades ago. Or maybe they bring a different way of experiencing a place—slowing down, soaking in the details, and appreciating the history. Traveling together also gives kids the chance to see their grandparents in a new light—not just as “PapaMaw” (in our family) but as travelers, adventurers, and storytellers. My mom LOVES Hawaii and it’s rubbing off on the kids. They talk about visiting like Maw does and its so fun to hear them adopt her love for the place.
An Extra Set of Hands (and Hearts!)
Let’s be honest—traveling with kids is exhausting. Having grandparents along can make travel easier for parents, whether it’s entertaining little ones on a flight, giving you a break for a date night, or just sharing the workload. Plus, kids often behave better for grandparents (it’s like a secret superpower they have!), making travel days a little smoother.
Of course, it’s important to balance group time with downtime, ensuring everyone has space to recharge. But overall, having another set of loving hands makes family travel less stressful and more enjoyable for everyone.
Our first trip to Disneyland was with one 9 month old baby and 4 adults! We could trade off riding rides and even spending evenings in the park because there was someone to watch the babe for bedtime. It worked out well! Even as our kids have grown up a little, the extra hands are always a gift. Oftentimes, on our last night, the girls get to watch a movie in PapaMaw’s room while I get us packed. SO much quicker!
The Best Destinations for Multi-Generational Travel
While you can make almost any trip work, some destinations are particularly great for multi-generational travel:
- Cruises – A mix of activities for all ages, plus easy logistics.
- All-Inclusive Resorts – Something for everyone, from kids’ clubs to spa days.
- Beach Towns – Endless sand, cute towns and often fun vacation rentals that fit everyone.
- Big Cities – Museums, food experiences, and easy transportation options.
Choosing a destination that fits everyone’s interests and energy levels makes for a smoother, more enjoyable trip.
Tips for a Successful Grandparent-Grandchild Trip
- Plan with everyone’s needs in mind – Consider mobility, interests, and pace.
- Give everyone some solo time – A little break makes group time more enjoyable.
- Capture the memories – Take photos, record videos, or even create a small travel journal together.
Traveling with grandparents isn’t just about the places you go—it’s about the connections you build along the way. The gift of travel is one of the greatest gifts we can give our kids, and when shared with grandparents, it becomes even more special. That’s why we’re trying to make it at least a yearly tradition to take a big trip together. Hawaii 2026, here we come!
So, if you’ve been thinking about planning a multi-generational trip, consider this your sign to go for it. You’ll never regret the memories you make.
Have you traveled with grandparents? Share your favorite memory in the comments! Need help planning the perfect multi-generational trip? Let’s chat!
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