I Often Travel with My 80-Year-Old Mom and Teens—Here’s the One Thing I Always Do Differently 

Multigenerational travel is booming and my family is part of the movement. I prioritize traveling with my 12-year-old son, 16-year-old daughter and 80-year-old mom often. Since she lives in Chicago and we live in New York City, it’s incredibly important for me to plan trips for us to spend quality time together. 

I’m keenly aware that carving out time to bond and create lifelong memories is truly priceless—and meaningful for everyone involved. There’s something undeniably special, almost magical, about discovering a new place alongside your mom and your children.

Thankfully, we’ve been fortunate to share many unforgettable experiences together. From getting soaked in a torrential rainstorm and running for cover to singing in unison to Stevie Wonder’s “I Just Called to Say I Love You,” around the kitchen table, the memories and laughs we’ve made while traveling together are precious and irreplaceable. 

Now that I have a tween and teen, the way we travel has changed. While they’ve become more independent and self-sufficient, the opposite has become true for my mom. While she’s still energetic and always up for a fun adventure, her mobility has declined. So, we must plan accordingly to ensure that she still has a blast and doesn’t miss a beat while making sure the kids’ fun isn’t compromised.  

Here are 10 tips for traveling with seniors and teens to make your next multi-gen trip a success. 

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1. Pick a destination that everyone will enjoy

First thing’s first, choosing a place that everyone can agree on is the most crucial part of your trip. While it may create a lot of time, research, and energy, it requires everyone’s input. Plus, all the effort will pay off. No matter if you choose a balmy, beach destination or a cozy cabin in the woods, just make sure that everyone is excited and pleased with the selection before it’s set in stone. 

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2. Discuss the trip’s objective

Before hitting the road or booking a flight, it’s important to discuss the trip’s objective. Is the goal to take it easy and simply spend time together or get out and explore the destination? Getting everyone on the same page is paramount to ensuring everyone has a good time. Set those objectives before you get there and you’ll have a seamless experience. 

3. Stay in a multi-room villa or multi-room suite 

Whether you’re going to Orlando to hit the theme parks or want to escape to a Caribbean island, where you stay matters. Booking a multi-room villa like Evermore or multi-room suite is key for optimal comfort. Having more space sets the foundation for family fun where you can spread out and fully enjoy each other’s company. Plus, they typically offer full kitchens, which promote even more togetherness. Additionally, it’s often more cost-effective compared to multiple hotel rooms. 

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4. Bring snacks onboard

Tweens and teens are always hungry. It doesn’t matter if they’re sitting on the couch at home or cruising in a cabin at 30,000 feet, their seemingly bottomless stomachs never take a break. That’s why I always pack their favorite snacks whenever we travel. Candy bars, chips, and dried fruit are lifesavers—whether they sleep through the in-flight snack service or need something to tide them over at the hotel, where the pricey minibar treats aren’t an option. Plus, my mom is always looking for a sweet or savory nibble too. 

5. Take it easy the first day

Regardless of the distance, travel days are always exhausting. I tend to keep our itinerary free from any major activities or plans on the day of our arrival. That way, jet lag, crankiness, and just the stress from traveling can get out of everyone’s system so you can be fully recharged and ready to seize and maximize the second day. 

Related: This Bahamas Resort is Perfect for Over-50 Travelers—And Here’s Why

6. Pack a backpack

No matter where your trip takes you, bringing a backpack is always a good idea. I never travel without one simply because it can hold so many essentials. Whether you need to carry your teens’ trendy water bottles, pack your mom’s portable fan, or store a change of shoes, a trusty backpack comes in handy for hauling your stuff. Plus, it keeps you hands-free and gives your shoulders a break. 

7. Plan group and individual activities 

Families that travel together, don’t have to stay together (the entire time). Of course, group outings are a given, but there will be some things that won’t be feasible or appeal to certain members of your group. That’s why you’ll want to plan some individual activities to keep everyone happy. For example, when my kids and I visited Universal Studios, my mom stayed behind at our villa and spent the day lounging by the pool. She knew that visiting a theme park wasn’t of interest, so she enjoyed her privacy and indulged in some much-needed downtime. 

8. Keep mobility and physical limitations in mind  

Let’s face it, traveling with teens and seniors can be tricky. While most young people have the energy and speed of a hare, many elders’ pace is more on the tortoise side. Striking a balance is essential to ensuring everyone keeps up and nobody gets left behind. To keep things moving, rent, or bring the proper equipment for those who may need assistance with walking. Also, be mindful of the places you’re planning to visit and their accessibility. I always research the spots beforehand to ensure they’re fully accessible and can meet my mother’s needs. 

9. Manage expectations 

Whenever you’re traveling with a group, chances are someone will be disappointed at some point during the trip. While it isn’t completely unavoidable, you can keep the disappointment at bay by managing expectations. Let the group know upfront what they can expect from the trip, but express that there might be a change of plans or hiccups along the way. Stress the fact that things can happen that are outside of anyone’s control and that making the most of the trip is what matters. 

10. Capture the memories

No trip is complete without capturing the time spent together. Be sure to take tons of photos and videos so that you can look back and relive the moments that made your trip so special. Also, be sure to pack a portable tripod to take group shots with a wireless remote or set your smartphone’s camera to countdown for the perfect pic. 

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