How to Nail Travel with Grandchildren: Our Insider Guide

As family travel demand remains unstoppable, so does interest in vacationing with grandkids. In fact, research shows that a quarter of all leisure travelers are grandparents, averaging four trips annually with more than a third of those including their beloved charges. Whether simple and local or adventurous and far-flung, these journeys promise profound memories for all. Yet travel with grandchildren means a different mindset and toolbox than trips with a spouse or friends — successful jaunts often require workarounds, gear shifting, careful prep and a dose of creativity.

Fortunately, the rewards are profound. As one grandmother explains, “We try to bring our five grandchildren and their parents together for a memory-building experience each summer. With any luck, the relationships they build with each other as cousins will last well into adulthood.”

Consider these strategies from today’s avid grandparent travelers.

Must-Know Tips for Travel with Grandchildren

Go With the Flow

Flexibility throughout the trip is key. “Don’t have expectations. Just go with the flow, all the while savoring the moment with these special littles,” says Trudy Dunaway, a Southern California resident and grandmother to 10, ranging in age from 13 to 3.

“Allow them to change their minds about an activity that they asked to do, but don’t want to when the time comes,” says Cecil Clifton, a North Carolina grandparent of four, ages 17 to 13. “You can always go back someplace after you get them home. So can they, if they miss something.”

Let Them Help Plan

Involve your grandchildren in trip planning. “Not air travel or hotels, per se, but query their ideas on what they‘d like to see and do,” advises Jennie Clifton, Cecil’s wife. The Cliftons have hosted nearly all of their grands on one-on-one trips to Europe as a special bonding experience and a way for them to see a country of their choice.

This collaboration can involve fun brainstorming and unexpected ideas, Jennie says. “On a recent trip to Italy, our granddaughter expressed interest in visiting a particular bookstore in Florence. She also wanted to do paper marbling, something I wouldn’t have thought of! But be sure to factor in certain ‘not to be missed’ visits or activities too. Although she didn’t mention it, we added stops at the Uffizi in Florence and the Colosseum and Pantheon in Rome.”

Leave Room for Free Time

Reserve at least a portion of each day for a bit of downtime if possible. “If you’re traveling with a teenager, allow for slow mornings so that they can sleep later if needed. Spoiler: it’s usually needed,” notes a grandmother of older grands.

But traveling with more mature kids has distinct rewards. “As opposed to past trips I did with my pre-kindergarten grands, recent travel with twentysomethings was more in-depth. I recommend carving out time throughout to talk and share, since we are approaching the experiences as equals,” says Amy Diamond, an extensive traveler in her own right and a grandmother to nine, ages 26 to 2.

Be Aware of Food Preferences and Allergies

“Keep food simple, carry snacks and be prepared to end your evenings early,” recommends Amy. Jennie Clifton agrees. “Traveling with a vegan or vegetarian will require checking menus before going to restaurants,” she adds. “If [they’re] teenagers, they probably won’t want to eat some of the native dishes you think they should try. They actually can live on french fries and burgers without vegetables!”

Agree on Rules with Parents in Advance

Although one of the best things about travel with grandchildren is indulging them, be sure you and the kids’ parents are on the same page about which rules are firm and which can be bent. For instance, they might give you free rein with sweet treats but ask that you stick to the usual bedtimes. Most parents will be OK letting the kids go a bit rogue for a few days — it’s part of the fun!

Take Moodiness and Homesickness in Stride

Staying on the go and filling in with creative outlets, games or movies during free time can help grandkids avoid rumination about home. Texts, video calls or phone calls home (during the day and not at bedtime) might help in a pinch, but know that as time goes on their loneliness should lessen. If possible, explore this issue ahead of time as a family, even pre-arranging a fun debriefing dinner for the grands’ return home. Tweens and teens will often want to stay connected with their friends, so let them text and interact on social media within reason.

Share Trip Details Ahead of Time

Pre-trip itinerary chats with grands can amp up excitement and lead to a deeper experience during travel. “If I had certain must-sees, like the whale at the New York Museum of Natural History, I talked it up a lot beforehand and shared books and articles about the great blue whale,” says Amy. Even with all that, she admits, ”The reaction was not as dramatic as I had anticipated. This is just fine, as the most important thing I’ve learned in the process is that it is really their trip.”

Factor in Surprises

Seeing delight on your grands’ faces is the ultimate travel reward, grandparents agree, and interjecting periodic surprises along the way can boost enjoyment even further. Consider setting up a special meal such as a catered picnic, a private guided adventure, unexpected entertainment or a bonus side trip in line with their interests.

TIP: Ciao Bambino’s expert Travel Advisors have local connections in destinations throughout the world — we can arrange one-of-a-kind activities and excursions that cater to any age. Connect with us to find out more about how we can help!

Relevant Links: 

Browse all destinations and ideas for multigenerational family vacations on Ciao Bambino

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Best U.S. hotels and resorts for a multigenerational family vacation

Best tips for a multigenerational family trip to Europe

Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.