Need some inspiration for a family getaway? Our top 10 multi generational family travel ideas take you from Cuba to Croatia, from cycling in Africa to swimming with dolphins in the Azores, and more laidback trips to Greece and Andalucía. Sociable small group tours bring you together with likeminded families, while tailor made trips let you shape the activities to suit your family’s interests.
When it comes to family vacations, we firmly subscribe to the view that adventure has no age limits, and comes in all shapes and sizes too. That’s why when you browse our top 10 multi generational family travel ideas, you’ll find that whether they’re small group trips or tailor made, they tend to be packed with activities from watersports to mountain biking or wildlife safaris. But these activities are always optional, and if you’re not sure that the more challenging stuff will appeal to every family member, rest assured they can either have a day to relax on their own timetable, or our expert vacation partners will be happy to arrange an alternative more to their interests.
1. Cuba tour
Cuba is a firm favourite for these types of family vacations. There is masses to do, from tours of Havana by classic car, to swimming beneath waterfalls. But because you can opt for a tailor made trip, there’s no obligation to all stick together every day. Families can split up and reunite depending on their fitness or interests, ensuring that everyone is satisfied throughout.
A 10-day adventure snorkeling, kayaking, hiking and biking around the islands, with plenty of space between the activities so everyone can relax. This small group vacation is a very sociable affair, ideal for kids aged over 10, but if you have younger children fascinated by wildlife, they will get a lot from it too. The Galapagos Islands are a bucket-list destination for many families and reliably easy to travel whatever your age.
Perfect for families looking to take it easy in sun-drenched style, this Ionian villa on Ithaca has a real Elysium feel to it. You’ll be surrounded by nature, with hammocks swinging by the infinity pool, massages in the pavilion, herb and flower gardens to wander and homemade olive oil on tap. Horse-riding, yacht excursions and snorkeling are among the activities available, if you can tear yourselves away from the villa.
It’s hard to imagine a more idyllic setting for multi generational families wanting to really get away from it all than this off-grid eco hotel surrounded by spectacular Andalusian landscapes of mountains, forests and lake. Here you can go rafting, kayaking and gorge walking, or visit a Bronze Age settlement, perhaps try a flamenco dance class, if that’s more your thing, regrouping on the terrace every evening for dinner and star-gazing.
Croatia is one of our top family vacation destinations in Europe, and a big part of the reason is our partners, who instinctively know what families are looking for and serve it up in abundance. Dividing your time between the Split Riviera and the island of Brac, this two-week odyssey is packed with thrilling water- and land-based activities led by professional guides that you can join in with or sit out as desired. Dedicated teenage departures are available too.
Peru is a fantastic destination for multi generational family vacations, as tailor made itineraries such as this one can be slowed down and adjusted to accommodate your specific needs. For instance you can add on a trek up the iconic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, stay longer to relax around Lake Titicaca, or include a memorable excursion into the Amazon from Cusco. And of course there are just as many cultural activities available here as there are adventurous.
Cycling is a superb way to give children an immersion into African landscapes and culture, with Kenya and Tanzania easy, welcoming and offering scope to escape the main tourist routes. From wildlife safaris to visiting local schools and walking with Maasai guides, this trip doesn’t spend all its time in the saddle. And while daily distances are very forgiving, if you are feeling out of puff there’s always a support vehicle in which you can take a rest.
Swimming with dolphins is near the top of many bucket lists, and the thought of getting in the water with these beautiful, intelligent and playful creatures is entrancing whatever your age. A small group tour in the Azores allows you to mingle with likeminded families across other (optional) activities too, such as whale-watching tours, kayaking, swimming in natural thermal pools and an introduction to life as a marine biologist.
This week-long multi activity vacation in Ecrins National Park is a perfect idea for summer vacations, with no minimum age for kids. Activities are based on a points system, so that every group member can decide what to use their points for, including paragliding and mountain biking. Self guided hiking is naturally always available too. You can also choose a style of accommodation that suits your family, from camping to self catering and hotels.
With Durmitor National Park, a stunning natural playground, right on your doorstep, this Montenegro multi activity vacation promises spellbinding adventures every day. Although it’s a small group trip, your family can pick out individual activities however you wish, spending the odd morning relaxing around the shared barn, or wandering the cafes and restaurants of the nearby town.
Our family travel guide conjures up what we rate and what we don’t as well as an awesome section entitled 'out of the mouths of babes' which gives you a family vacations travel guide from the mind set of eight to fifteen year olds.