Pippa’s Top Tips for Multi-Generational Holidays
Multi-generational holidays can be absolutely brilliant… but they can also become quite a lot! I’ve grown up around big family holidays. Between four sisters, two stepsisters, a stepbrother and fourteen cousins, there is usually a lot going on. I’ve seen the joy of these trips, but also the dynamics that come with lots of different ages and expectations all trying to coexist under one roof - which is probably why I care so much about the small things that make these holidays feel easy rather than overwhelming.
Here are my top tips!
1. Don’t default to ‘family resort thinking’
Some of the best multi-generational trips don’t actually come from searching ‘best family hotel or villa’. It’s more about finding somewhere that works well for a mix of people. Space to spread out a bit, places to sit together properly, enough flexibility that not everybody feels on top of each other. Sometimes that’s a villa; sometimes it’s suites or connecting rooms and sometimes it’s a hotel that just has a really easy atmosphere to it. I think starting with the people rather than the type of holiday makes all the difference.
2. Be kind on start times
This changes the mood of a trip more than people realise! Not everybody wants to be ready for breakfast at 8am, my kids certainly don’t! Some people are up at sunrise, others need coffee and silence before they can function properly. The more relaxed the mornings are, the better the whole day tends to feel.
3. Not everyone has to do everything
You don’t need to spend every second together for it to count as a successful family holiday. Let people do their own thing sometimes. Let grandparents have a quiet afternoon or let teenagers stay by the pool. Let parents disappear for a walk or a drink without feeling guilty. In my experience, we are usually much nicer company when we’ve all had a bit of breathing space!
4. Insist on communal meals… just not all of them
I strongly believe meals are usually where the best memories happen, but I’ve also learnt that not every meal needs to be a full group event. In my experience breakfast is best left relaxed and flexible. Some people need a slow start, some want to exercise, some want to eat immediately before speaking to anyone…and some need a couple of cups of coffee! I firmly believe in choosing the moments that matter rather than forcing togetherness all day long.
5. Keep a running ‘we need this’ list
This sounds incredibly boring but it’s weirdly helpful. There’s always something we’ve run out of. Having a shared list stops one person (me or my mum!) having to be the organiser of absolutely everything.
6. Build in downtime and protect it
I think sometimes people over-schedule multi-gen trips because they want everyone to have the BEST TIME. But some of the best moments happen when nothing’s planned at all. Leave room for that as it’s usually the bit everyone remembers afterwards.
My final thought
The best multi-generational holidays aren’t perfect and someone is bound to get tired or grumpy! But when you get the balance right…. a bit of togetherness, a bit of freedom, plenty of good food and enough space for everyone to relax… they can be such special holidays. And in my experience, it’s those trips people still talk about years later!