9 Helpful Tips for Traveling with Extended Family

Traveling with your extended family means having the unique opportunity to create lasting memories, strengthen your filial bonds, and explore exciting new destinations with the people you love. But moving from place to place in a large group, full of people with different needs and preferences, has its challenges as well. If you’re not ready for them, your travel adventure can quickly turn from a highly anticipated trip into an unpleasant experience that you won’t be in a rush to repeat.

From conflicting preferences to logistical considerations, there are several issues that you’ll have to consider when planning a multigenerational trip. To that end, here’s a list of helpful tips to make traveling with extended family easier, more convenient, and more fun for everyone involved:

Plan and Communicate in Advance 

One of the keys to a successful trip with extended family is thorough planning and open communication. You should discuss your destinations, travel dates, and activities as a group to avoid miscommunication and dissatisfaction with your overall plans. Establish a shared itinerary that includes planned meals, snacks, and transportation, while still baking in time for free days or optional activities. This way, everyone will know what to do and expect for every leg of your trip.

Assign Roles and Responsibilities 

Assigning roles and responsibilities among family members can ensure that the trip goes smoothly and that all family units are accounted for. Designate someone to handle transportation arrangements, another person to research and book accommodations, and perhaps someone to take charge of meal planning. This not only lightens the load for one person, but it also creates a sense of shared ownership over the travel experience that will ultimately make it more enjoyable for all family members.

Take Everyone's Needs Into Consideration 

Next, it’s important for you to consider the specific needs of each family member going on your trip. This includes children, family members with disabilities, and grandparents. Doing so will allow you to create a more inclusive travel experience for everyone. Plan activities that cater to different age groups and interests, and look for accommodations that ensure accessibility and comfort for family members with mobility challenges.

Establish a Budget and Expense-Sharing Plan 

You should also make it a point to establish a budget and expense-sharing plan before embarking on your trip. Make sure that everything on the trip is paid or will be paid for, and be cautious about going over your budget.

Discuss your financial arrangements openly so that everyone’s comfortable with the proposed budget. This may involve splitting costs for accommodation, transportation, meals, and other shared expenses. Transparency and clear communication about financial expectations will help avoid conflicts during the trip and ensure a fair and equitable distribution of costs.

Assist in Shopping and Packing the Right Travel Clothes 

It would also be good for you to help your extended family members purchase and pack the right travel clothes, as this will save time and prove extra convenient for family members who need assistance. Discuss the climate and the activities you plan to do at your destination to ensure that everyone’s wearing the appropriate attire.

For example, if your itinerary includes an easy day hike, you can shop for comfortable leggings and high-quality windbreakers with your family. Not only will this guarantee that everyone’s in the right clothes for hiking, but it’ll also give you a chance to coordinate your outfits and make your trip more fun.

If you’re one of your family’s most seasoned travelers, offer tips on efficient packing techniques such as rolling clothes to save space or using packing cubes for better organization. Your relatives will be thankful to receive practical advice on travel wardrobes and packing hacks. Also, see my guide for What to Pack for a Trip to Iceland.

Plan Out Your Meals in Advance 

Planning your meals in advance can save you time, reduce the stress you’ll experience over the course of your trip, and ensure that everyone's dietary needs are met. Research local restaurants, markets, or grocery stores at your destination so that it’ll be easier to find a place to buy snacks or have a meal. You can also prepare some meals together as a family to foster a sense of togetherness and enjoy home-cooked meals while on vacation.

Balance Group Activities with Individual Time and Downtime 

While shared experiences are essential for bonding, it's equally important to allow individual members of your family to have personal time and relaxation. Again, plan a mix of group activities and free time, enabling everyone to pursue their interests or simply unwind.

Whether it's exploring a museum together or enjoying a quiet afternoon by the pool, finding a balance between your family group dynamic and personal downtime will contribute to a more enjoyable and rejuvenating trip.

Schedule Regular Check-Ins and Family Meetings 

To ensure open communication and address any concerns that may arise during your trip, schedule regular check-ins and family meetings. You can set a time to check in with each other each night that you’re away, or hold a meeting after breakfast to brief everyone about your schedule for the day.

Your family meetings can give everyone the time and opportunity to voice their thoughts and share feedback about the trip, like how practical it may be to choose one mode of transport over another. Based on what you hear, you can make the necessary adjustments together.

Capture and Share Memories of Your Family Trip 

Lastly, don't forget to capture and share the beautiful moments you’ve created together as an extended family. Take photos, record videos, and keep mementos of your journey that each of you can display in your homes. Encourage everyone to share their perspectives and experiences, whether through a shared photo album or a travel journal. Doing so will allow everyone to cherish the trip long after it's over—and perhaps even develop wanderlust for the next family adventure.

And Keep In Mind

When you make plans to travel with your relatives, you may be in for a fantastic adventure filled with laughter, joy, and unforgettable moments. Though planning a multigenerational trip may be more difficult than putting together an itinerary for a smaller group, your mutual hard work and attention to detail will all be worth it. Try these tips so that you can better navigate the challenges of multigenerational travel and make your journey one that your entire family can look forward to. Once you’ve got the motions down, you may already be thinking about your next awesome adventure with your whole clan!