Family Friendly Destinations for Multigenerational Travel

1. Costa Rica

To kick off our list of the best multigenerational family vacations, we have Costa Rica in Central America. There are many reasons why Costa Rica joins our list of family friendly destinations. For families traveling from the U.S., Costa Rica is easy to travel to and shares the same time zone with several areas of the country. Along with convenience, there are various types of itineraries based on activity level, such as:

National parks: Costa Rica has focused on preserving some of its natural beauty through its national park system. Popular parks include Arenal Volcano National Park and Manuel Antonio National Park, where families can partake in ranger-led programs to learn about wildlife, geography and history.
Adventures: Families can enjoy the pura vida way of life and participate in a wide range of exciting activities, such as zip-lining, snorkeling and wildlife viewing.
Relaxation: Costa Rica is also known for its pristine beaches, where families can rest and relax while enjoying the sandy shores of crystal blue waters.

2. Italy

Multigenerational family travel to Italy is ripe with adventure. Exploring Italy with the family can bring you to a diverse range of destinations that cater to the varied interests and preferences of family members of all ages. To start, begin your adventure in the capital city of Rome, which is a treasure trove of ancient history, art, and culture. Families can tour iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Vatican City to learn about medieval art and architecture, religious history, and more. Rome is also an excellent city in which to immerse yourself and your family in local culture through cuisine and by exploring vibrant neighborhoods like Trastevere.

Italy is one of the best multigenerational travel destinations because of its diverse landscapes and rich history spread throughout the country. After Rome, explore the Tuscan countryside, which is known for its picturesque landscapes, charming hilltop towns, and cultural heritage. Cities like Florence, known for its art and architecture, and Siena, famous for its medieval streets, are top stops on any Italian adventure. 

Other key highlights include Sicily, which blends history, culture, and natural beauty with ancient ruins like the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento and the Greek Theater in Taormina. The unrivaled beauty of the Amalfi Coast in places like Sorrento offers visitors time to rest and recharge while enjoying the sights of colorful villages and azure waters.

3. Japan

While Kyoto might not spring to the top of your mind as a family friendly destination, it offers numerous opportunities for your family to bond and explore a new area of the world. Japan is known for its rich culture, safety, cleanliness and modernization. This island country is intricately connected through public transportation networks, such as high-speed trains. Kyoto serves as a great hub that’s centrally located for families to explore different regions.

Kyoto is known for its rich heritage, with many cultural attractions like temples, shrines and traditional tea houses. Attractions like Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) or Fushimi Inari Shrine are educational and awe-inspiring, making them an exceptional option for children, parents and grandparents to forge new memories while learning something new.

Kyoto is also surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, which is great for families who enjoy the outdoors and learning about the wildlife and geography of different regions of the world. From bamboo forests to mountains and rivers, families can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, cycling or picnicking. Overall, Kyoto is one of our top recommended multigenerational family vacations, as it has many family friendly features like safety, transportation, cultural experiences and more.

Selecting Ideal Multigenerational Destinations

With so many multigenerational travel ideas to choose from, how do you pick? There are several factors to consider when choosing your destination to ensure everyone in your family attending the trip has a memorable experience. Here are some key tips on how to select  multigenerational family vacations:

• Budget: One of the top factors to consider when planning multigenerational travel is each family member’s budget. Starting with a budget will help inform the rest of your decisions when planning your family vacation, such as the destination, activities and lodging.

• Climate and Weather: Each family member will have their preference when it comes to climate and weather. Some might be interested in exploring wintry terrain, whereas other family members may want a tropical getaway. As you begin planning your trip, allow everyone to voice their opinions and preferences to reach an agreed-upon destination with a climate that works for everyone.

• Accessibility: A key consideration when choosing a destination is accessibility, as children and elderly grandparents may have mobility issues and need accommodations for transportation and lodging.

• Activity Level: When traveling in a group of individuals of different ages, it’s important to consider the preferred activity level of each member, as doing so can help you decide what adventures to book on your vacation. Start by filtering adventures by activity level to find mild, moderate and higher-paced activities that take accessibility into account.

• Safety: It’s also important for families to prioritize destinations based on their safety and security, especially when traveling with children and elderly family members. Research each destination’s safety record, healthcare facilities and emergency responses to ensure peace of mind during your adventures.

These are some of the key considerations to keep in mind when looking for a multigenerational travel destination. At Road Scholar, we have a wide range of educational tours for grandparents and grandchildren that blend exciting activities and learning opportunities with periods for rest to recharge. Find an adventure today to see where you and your family will end up next.