Travel Inspiration

6 Great Tips for Family Travel

Multigenerational travelis this year?s top vacation trend, according to the 2019 Virtuoso Luxe Report. The annual survey of more than 1,000 Virtuoso travel advisors reaffirms the cultural move away from materialism to experientialism, particularlymore quality timespent with loved ones. Here, six tips on how to to travel with family like a pro.

1. Let Kids ExperienceGlamping

Kids can expect to swim with dolphins, see Mayan ruins, and kayak along jungle-fringed coastline during a trip to Mexico?sRiviera Maya, but now they can add glamping to the mix too, thanks to a new complimentary experience at the all-inclusive, 539-roomGrand Velas Riviera Maya. While parents head to dinner, the resort?s staff leads little ones in dream-catcher-decoration sessions, puppet-show productions, and s?mores making around the campfire. Kids can even opt to sleep outside in their own decked-out tepees, complete with comfy bedding.

2. Go "Gramping" in Style

?Gramping? ? the latest travel trend bringing three generations together in the great outdoors ? is part of a growing shift toward multi-gen travel. Few nature trips with the tribe can compare to anAlaskaadventure, andLindblad Expeditionstakes active families deep inside the Great Land this summer on an eight-day expedition cruise aboard the new 100-passengerNational Geographic Venture. Kayaking along Chatham Strait, hiking around Chichagof Island, and listening for humpbacks with the ship?s hydrophone are grand ways to mark a graduation or other milestone. Groups of eight or larger have even more reason to celebrate, with special savings, a $150 shipboard credit, a custom photo op, and other perks.

3. Learn to Cook with Cruise Cooking Shows

Holland America Linerecently expanded its popular America?s Test Kitchen program for 2019. Learn how to make takeout classics like pad thai and scallion pancakes, dinnerfor two with chicken marsala, and authentic Mexican tacos.

4. The Right Gear Goes a Long Way

Kids love to explore, and having the right hear makes adventure even more thrilling. For evening excursions(and even late-night reading),Petzl?s light- weight Tikkina headlampfeatures a wide LED beam and comes in a choice of four colors. For bird lovers, the fun beetle mini binocsfrom Attcl have a power lens that brings nature five times closer,while comfy foam grips go easy on smaller hands.

5. Hire a Professional Photographer

Depending on strangers for your family vacay pics can be hit or miss ? like, say, a few heads missing from the frame. A better idea: Turn to the folks atFlytographer, who connect travelers with local photographers in hundreds of destinations worldwide. Bonus: These shutter pros double as friendly tour guides while leading you on fun, candid photo shoots, and a digital album arrives in your inbox within just five business days. Looking for a novel wedding or graduation gift? Consider a Flytographer gift card.

6. Cover More Ground in Hawaii

With seven inhabited islands to choose from, the only potential Hawaiian vacation dilemma will be deciding where to head. See more withAmerican Excursionist?s ten-day Hawaiian adventurewhich covers Hawaii Island, Maui, and Lanai, with a cache of customizable activities to add to the itinerary: Swim with manta rays off the coast of Kona, cruise with the top down on Maui?s Hana Highway, and fly over Hawaii Island?s Kilauea Volcano on a private helicopter tour. Luxe accommodations include the 213-roomFour Seasons Resort Lanai, the 540-roomFairmont Orchid, and the 50-roomMontage Kapalua Bay.

Repost from @virtuoso

Photos from @Lindblad Expeditions/Ademyan/Getty Images

Travel Inspiration

Explore more things to do