Forget spending long hours packed in the car with a never ending chorus of “Are we there yet?” coming from the back seat. Traveling with the family has a whole world of options now that will keep every member engaged and entertained while you strengthen your family bonds. These days, family travel is not limited to just Mom, Dad and the kids. Grandparents like to share in the fun too and are often happy to help with the budget, so be sure to include them in your next family vacation.

The joys of traveling together as a family are stuff memories are made of. The trick is to plan a trip that has something of interest for all ages. Combine the joy of seeing, doing and learning as a family with ample opportunity for just plain family fun and you have the recipe for a successful multi-generational vacation that will be remembered and discussed for years. The good news is that there are lots of great vacations that offer activities and learning opportunities that are fun and interesting for a wide age range. Here are four tried and true vacations that are sure to please every member of your family.

The Galapagos Islands will enchant nature lovers with the rich animal life both above and below the water. Adventures by Disney offers a seven night land and cruise trip that begins in Quito, Ecuador with three nights on a 17^th century Andean estate. Enjoy folk dance performances, learn weaving techniques at a renowned cultural center and shop for native crafts at the Otavalo Market. Have a fun family cooking lesson to learn how to make Ecuadorian treats like empanadas and fried bananas, and visit the enormous sundial that sits right on the equator. Then board the Galapagos Explorer II for a four night cruise to the Archipelago where days are spent hiking and snorkeling and nights are spent stargazing and storytelling. See blue-footed boobies, iguanas, giant tortoises and pink flamingos on land and the magnificent array of exotic life underwater.

If sun and fun are your family’s hot buttons, you can’t miss with a villa rental in the Caribbean. Families with young children will particularly find a beach villa vacation to be a relaxing way to enjoy each other’s company while soaking up the Caribbean sun. Villas come in all sizes so you can choose the number of bedrooms to accommodate your family size. Living space lets you gather together and kitchens give you the option of cooking meals. Spend the days swimming, shopping, sightseeing or just lounging together.

A perfect introduction to Europe is the Tauck Bridges week long Castles & Kings escorted tour from London to Paris. History comes alive for everyone from school-aged children to grandparents as your tour director shares fascinating insights as you visit the Tower of London, Windsor Castle, the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral and Versailles. Ride the London Eye, see the hit revival of Oliver! in London’s West End and take a private dinner cruise on the River Seine. 

An Alaska cruise tour is a fun and fascinating way for families to explore the glacial majesty of the Inside Passage and the expansive grandeur of the 50^th state. Royal Caribbean Cruise Line is especially tuned in to the interests and budgets of multi-generational families. They offer exciting shore options appropriate for all ages such as the Klondike gold fields, the action-packed Great American Lumberjack Show in Ketchikan or a trip to Mendenhall Glacier and a salmon hatchery. Witness wildlife in their natural habitat in Denali National Park and take a scenic dome-topped train through the wilderness. On board, Royal Caribbean has excellent kid’s programs, a plethora of dining options to suit every taste, and outstanding nightly entertainment.

These trips are just a taste of the many vacations that multi-generational families can enjoy together. Some other ideas are:

• Hawaii beaches and culture
• Dude ranches
• Disney World and Disneyland
• National Parks of the American west
• Eco-tours of Costa Rica
• A crewed yacht charter in the Caribbean
• Family friendly Beaches Resorts
• Washington DC museums and government

And the list goes on! Consider including the whole family on your next vacation and strengthen your bonds by sharing enriching and fun experiences. Please contact the family travel specialists at Covington Travel to plan your multi-generational holiday.