Essential Travel Tips for Grandparents Traveling with Grandkids

Multigenerational travel is a growing trend, especially for grandparents and grandkids. While parents may not have the flexibility to get away from work, grandparents often have the time and funds for a vacation — not to mention they want to create memories and bond with their grandchildren.

An AARP study indicated that over 50 percent of grandparents have at least one grandchild who lives more than 200 miles away, and about 30 percent live more than 50 miles from their closest grandchild. Travel is a great way to get better acquainted and develop a relationship with the child.

For the children, travel can be a time of discovery, both of the world and themselves. It offers a healthy change in routine — a chance to try different foods, see how others live, and learn geography or history in a fun way. Plus, simply learning how to travel — navigating airports, trains, roads, and international destinations — is a valuable life skill.

A successful family trip requires planning and selecting the best destination for both the grandparents and children. Some things to consider include the ages and interests of the grandchildren, and the budget, health, and mobility of the grandparents. The type of vacation, whether a road trip, cruise, all-inclusive resort, theme park, big city, or group tour, is another factor worth bearing in mind.

Road trips are flexible and may be a solid option for a first vacation not too far from home. With a cruise or an all-inclusive resort, all arrangements for food, activities, and accommodations are covered. Group tours also make planning easier, and many, like Adventures by Disney, have age-appropriate activities with trained staff, allowing you to spend time together and separately.

No matter the destination or type of trip you choose, here are some valuable tips for grandparents traveling with grandchildren.

Consider Their Ages

Before you even pick a destination, take a moment to consider the ages of the children with whom you’ll be traveling. After all, toddlers and teenagers have entirely different needs and interests. This will affect your itinerary, so be sure to look for activities that will appeal to each age group — especially if you’re traveling with multiple grandkids of different ages. This is the reason amusement parks and cruises have mass appeal for family vacations. However, with some research, you can find activities to interest kids of all ages in most destinations.

Get Them Involved

You may be the trip leader, but that doesn’t mean you have to do all the planning on your own. From the outset, you should involve your grandchildren in the planning process. You can research activities they might be interested in — parks, museums, guided tours — and then present your findings to them. Moreover, consider putting together a collection of photos or videos that will help them visualize what each experience might be like. Not only is this a good way to gauge their interests, but they will also feel included from the start.

Discuss the Trip With Their Parents

While the kids are dreaming about all the fun they’re going to have, take some time to discuss practical logistics with their parents. Gain insights into each child’s likes and dislikes regarding food, and familiarize yourself with the daily routines. This can include everything from health requirements and medications to house rules like bedtimes that need to continue on the trip.

When you’re making arrangements, don’t hesitate to have candid conversations about money. Be clear about who will provide funding for the trip and how much. Your children will want to see pictures of your travels, so if you’re not tech-savvy, ask them for a tutorial on creating smartphone videos or uploading photos to social media.

Now Get Them Excited

Even if you’ve created a solid itinerary with all activities planned, there are many ways to amp up the excitement for the trip. You can prepare your grandkids by providing books, maps, and videos about the destination to spark their interest. This is especially significant if you’re traveling abroad. Consider watching movies together that showcase your chosen destination, and even practice a little language. There are numerous free online resources available where you can learn simple phrases like greetings, and practicing together is a fun way to bond before the trip.

Pack Wisely and Be Prepared

Compile a packing checklist so that both your grandchildren and their parents know what they’ll need for the trip. Ensure it’s clear who will bring items like first-aid supplies, snacks, and vitamins. Make sure your grandchildren have sufficient books, puzzles, games, or other preferred entertainment for flights, train journeys, or car rides. Remember to bring along enough chargers for phones, iPads, and other electronics. A portable charger would also be a valuable accessory. Younger children may want to take along a favorite teddy bear or blanket for bedtime.

Do Your Homework

When traveling internationally, it’s prudent to get a consent letter from the parents, granting you permission to travel with your grandchildren. Although no one might request it, having a hard copy on hand can be reassuring in situations where you are unable to contact them. Carry copies of each child’s birth certificate and have their health insurance information accessible in case of emergencies.

Take Advantage of Free Activities

While it’s natural to want to indulge your grandkids, it’s important to be mindful of your budget. Thankfully, there are numerous ways to find free activities in almost any destination from Orlando to London. You can search online or ask locals upon arrival. Even when there’s nothing scheduled, don’t underestimate the value of visiting public parks and simply enjoying outdoor time together. In larger urban areas, free walking tours are often available, providing an excellent orientation to the surroundings — although it’s courteous to tip at the end.

Don’t Overdo It

Having a plan is good, but it’s essential to schedule downtime as well. Overdoing activities can lead to stress and exhaustion for everyone, particularly when traveling with kids. Set aside a few hours each day for relaxation, and be flexible with your plans. Consequently, this may also be an occasion where splurging for convenience is worth it — especially at theme parks, which can be draining. If your budget allows, take advantage of “front of the line” passes, as these deals can be a godsend for grandparents traveling with little ones who might become restless amid long waits.

Approach Travel Mishaps With Good Humor

One of the main advantages of traveling with your grandchildren is the valuable lesson in adaptability. Since you likely have experience traveling, you know that things don’t always go as planned. Whether it’s bad weather, a closed restaurant, or a errant hotel reservation, these situations provide excellent opportunities to demonstrate to your grandkids how to maintain composure and calmly find a resolution. Keep it light-hearted, remembering that most travel mishaps often turn into the most memorable stories we recount when we return home.

Let Them Stay Connected

Modern generations often face criticism for not being present in the moment, particularly when they seem glued to their devices on what could be a once-in-a-lifetime trip. While this can be frustrating, grandparents should recognize that for kids, technology serves as a means to stay in touch with friends and family back home. Before the journey, facilitate a conversation between kids and parents on setting appropriate screen time limits and agreeing on basic ground rules. For instance, you might allow device usage on travel days but request that they be turned off during meals or group activities. With open dialogue and compromise, achieving a balance that satisfies everyone is possible.