Tips and Trends for the Traveling Senior GrandTravel Paves the Way for Togetherness Helena Koenig, 77, feels strongly about spending leisure time with her family, and she recognized the learning opportunities for grandparents traveling with their grandchildren. “Travel is our best hope for a peaceful world and the chance to learn that we are all different, but the same,” Koenig said. For more budget-conscious trips, investigate the travel company Road Scholar, which welcomes seniors toting their grandchildren along. Road Scholar lists dozens of imaginative grandparent/grandchild touring opportunities throughout the United States and abroad. On these adventurous mini-vacations, generations explore various topics, such as zoology, religious heritage, geology and Native American culture. After researching Road Scholar, lifelong learners may eagerly recruit their grandkids to join them.

Hot Trend in Travel: Intergenerational Trips One hot trend in tourism is the intergenerational excursion. Intergenerational refers to events involving or affecting people of two or more generations. The tour business recognizes different generations of families want to travel together, so they are learning to cater to those customers. Cruises designed to please all ages are multiplying. Families on the road, seeking comfortable accommodations, choose hotels such as Marriott’s Residence Inn. These hotels offer a variety of sleeping arrangements and kitchen facilities. Tour companies like Smithsonian Journeys, college alumni groups and Tauck Bridges dedicate divisions to family travel. The Cruise Line Industry research shows currently, only one in four passengers is a retiree. Generations Touring Co. encourages families to bring travelers of all ages, especially adults traveling with the elderly who are still physically able. Inclusive resorts at dude ranches, Caribbean islands or ski lodges offer optimal situations for families with a variety of interests and needs. While relaxing in one location for several days, tourists enjoy a variety of activities; usually kids clubs, evening entertainment and even fitness or spa programs for boredom-prone teens. Generations gather for meals or sightseeing. Often, there are babysitting services for adult evenings out. A visit to the Internet uncovers dozens of family vacation ideas. AARP  is great resource for travel advice. Environmental groups, including the Sierra Club, design outings in nature’s most beautiful locations. Upscale trips, like BackRoads feature dream destinations for families who love doing biking, hiking and other sports together. Consider a family fishing expedition in the Chesapeake Bay or Florida. For details, check out http://www.takemefishing.org. Think of something you love to do, and chances are there are tourist services ready to help you plan it.

Safeguarding Your Vacation Many experienced travelers subscribe to AAA to receive travel information and discounts. AAA has comprehensive services ranging from planning a vacation for the family to helping with travel insurance. When planning for expensive vacations, it makes sense to pay for travel insurance. Between unexpected illness and surprise scheduling conflicts, travel insurance can save you thousands after you’ve paid up front to reserve your accommodations.

Make it a Magical Gathering A perennial favorite for grandparents with children (and parents, too) are the Disney Parks. Disney resorts attempt to please discriminating travelers, and they cater to kids better than any locale. Younger children, who aren’t ready for long hikes or city traffic, will find all the stimulation they need. Disney is mindful of people with disabilities, and the Parks are designed to accommodate strollers. Their website advertises a “Magical Gathering” program for family reunions. To avoid the inevitable crowds, Disney Cruises are another option for multiple generations; you still meet the characters, see the shows and enjoy that Disney hospitality. The cruises are growing in popularity, as they voyage to the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Mexican Riviera. Now Disney has expanded into touring; http://www.adventuredisney.com has destinations throughout the world.

Close to Home but Worlds Away For driving distance vacations, luxury resorts such as Nemacolin Woodlands in Pennsylvania, the Homestead in Virginia, and Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia are geared toward accommodating everyone, from golfers to toddlers. All three resorts furnish families’ time to play together in warm pools, dine in a variety of restaurants and explore new hobbies. These upscale village hotels offer children’s clubs and baby-sitting. They have specialty activities; like Nemacolin’s cooking classes, horseback riding, rope climbing and seasonal sports. The Homestead boasts “learning made fun” with literary courses and biology studies, or for less intellectual pursuits, bowling and ice skating. The Greenbrier features a “creative curriculum” that includes entertainment like puppet shows and carriage rides. Spirited families might enjoy traveling in a recreational vehicle, offering freedom to stop whenever and wherever they want. They always have a place to sleep and cook. RV rentals range in cost and rental time. Another guaranteed hit for families are the local beach towns. Gatherings are simple to organize in the DelMarva Peninsula or the Outer Banks. Just rent a house, or ask for a group rate at a motel, and voila, you have a family getaway full of sun, fun and multiple bathrooms!

Finding a Bargain The USA Today website publishes the top five bargain destinations like Whistler, Canada or Philadelphia and observes that baby boomers receive less discounting today than in the past. Many Colorado ski resorts elevated the “70s ski free” policy to 80 years old. The best bargains are off-season travel, and most retirees have that option. School-age children may be unable to accompany them, but younger children and graduates can often join in anytime. Kevin Geiger, 21, of Reston, enjoyed traveling to Alaska with his parents and grandparents a few years ago. “My twin brother and I were teenagers. It was tremendous fun. I love being with my grandparents, and my grandfather is like a second father to me. Having them around gave me an out. I could ask them anything.” Grandparents are known to indulge grandkids. Wherever you plan to go, make sure you prepare yourself and the children. Research and explain to your family what to expect. Read about your destination or search the Internet. Putting a camera in hand quiets the most active child. Make sure you’re carrying the needed items, such as water, snacks, books, and pencil and paper for restaurant waits. Fortunately, grandchildren usually behave better with you than their own parents.

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