If you’ve been invited to join your family on vacation, congratulations! You must be doing something right!

Multigenerational travel is a popular way for families to bond and make memories. Bringing grandma on a family vacation has many benefits for everyone involved. Whether you are coming along to help with the kids, or just to squeeze in some extra time with them, there are many reasons your family should consider including you on their next family vacation.

I’ve shared some tips for enjoying multigenerational travel from my own personal experience. For the past 16 years, my daughter and son-in-law have invited me along on their family vacations. It’s been a family tradition that dates back to my childhood when my grandparents came on vacation with my parents, brothers and me.

One year we even had 4 generations when my 90-year old grandma and 2-year old daughter both celebrated their birthdays during a family vacation at the beach. I have many fond memories of those family vacations and feel blessed to carry on the tradition with my granddaughters.

Recently, I spent a week at Lake Tahoe, California with my daughter, son-in-law and two granddaughters, who are 16 and 12. We enjoyed hiking, going to the beach, doing a ropes and zip lining course and playing board games together. Our time together was easy, fun and left us with so many cherished memories. I feel incredibly blessed to have been invited.

Everyone Benefits

There are many benefits for the whole family when taking a multigenerational vacation.

• Grandma can watch the grandchildren while the parents have some time alone.
• Everyone will have lasting memories of time spent together.
• Bonds are strengthened when you’re away for extended periods of time.
• The expenses can be shared.
• You will share experiences from different perspectives.
• Family relationships can grow and mature when you’re sharing many different new experiences.
• Relationships flow more easily on vacation.

How to Get Invited Back

• Go with the flow – remember it’s their vacation and their timetable.
• Discuss finances before you go so everyone knows who’s paying for what.
• Pitch in and do your share of the work.
• Listen and observe without judgment.
• Keep your opinions to yourself unless asked.
• Be as generous as your budget allows.
• Don’t interfere or question the parents’ rules.
• Remember to express your gratitude and appreciation.

Every family is different when it comes to vacation preferences. If you’re lucky enough to get invited to vacation with your kids and grandkids, accept the invitation. The memories will be priceless and the bonds with your children and grandchildren will be strengthened.

What has been your experience with multigenerational family vacations? Please share your thoughts in the comment box below.