Family Getaways Made Easy

Planning the Perfect Multi-Generational Holiday in 2025/26

Imagine this: your six-year-old daughter is teaching Grandpa how to build the perfect sandcastle whilst Mum finally gets to enjoy that book she’s been meaning to read for months. Meanwhile, Granny is sharing stories of her own childhood holidays with your teenager, who’s actually listening instead of scrolling through their phone. These are the holiday moments that weave families closer together.

Shared experiences beat souvenirs every time, and that’s precisely why multi-generational travel is absolutely booming. Research shows 47 per cent of travellers now choose holidays with grandparents, parents and children together – up 17 points year-on-year. ABTA’s own figures echo this heart-warming trend, revealing that nearly 70 per cent of UK families have already taken – or are actively planning – a multi-gen break.

The numbers tell a beautiful story: families are choosing connection over convenience, memories over material things, and togetherness over the chaos of everyday life.

The reasons behind this trend are as touching as they are practical:

Quality time truly matters: A remarkable 74 per cent of parents say shared memories trump material gifts every single time. In our increasingly digital world, there’s something profoundly special about switching off together and simply being present with the people who matter most.

Retirees are funding the fun: Well-off grandparents are increasingly delighted to foot the bill to gather the whole clan. After decades of watching their families grow up, many are eager to invest in experiences that bring everyone together whilst they can still actively participate in the adventure.

Holiday planning help is welcomed: Over half of families now prefer using a travel advisor to remove the stress of group logistics. When you’re coordinating different needs, preferences, and mobility requirements across three generations, having an expert in your corner isn’t just helpful – it’s essential for ensuring everyone has the holiday they deserve.

1. Private villas with all the extras
Large properties in Spain, Portugal or the Greek islands give everyone the space they need whilst providing shared living areas perfect for those memorable family dinners. Picture long lunches on sun-drenched terraces where stories flow as freely as the local wine, whilst children splash safely in private pools. Demand is surging dramatically, so we recommend securing your summer 2026 villa as soon as possible.

2. All-inclusive beach resorts that think of everything
Resorts in the Canary Islands, Mauritius or the Caribbean provide kids’ clubs that genuinely excite young ones, spa treatments that help grandparents unwind completely, and fixed-price dining that keeps family budgets crystal clear. There’s something wonderfully liberating about knowing that from the moment you arrive, everything is sorted – from toddler-friendly meals to evening entertainment that spans all ages.

3. Family-focused cruises with a British touch
Lines such as Royal Caribbean and P&O now schedule specific multi-generational sailings during school holidays, complete with accessible cabins and enrichment programmes designed for all ages. Think grandparents enjoying gentle morning walks around the deck whilst parents hit the gym and children discover new adventures in dedicated play areas, all before meeting up for lunch.

4. Theme-park and culture combinations
Orlando’s magical parks paired with a relaxing Gulf-Coast beach stay, or a Parisian break combining Disneyland Paris for the youngsters with Louvre tours for culture-loving grown-ups, tick multiple wish-lists in a single, well-planned trip. These combinations prove that compromise doesn’t mean anyone misses out.

Start with everybody’s non-negotiables
A quick family video call to list absolute must-haves (such as swimming pools, step-free rooms, or specific dietary requirements) prevents friction later and ensures everyone feels heard from the planning stage onwards.

Aim for flexible itineraries
Schedule group activities for mornings when energy levels are highest, then leave afternoons wonderfully free so grandparents can rest peacefully whilst teenagers explore independently. Balance is the secret to multi-generational harmony.

Book the perfect accommodation mix
Inter-connecting hotel rooms, pairs of adjoining cruise cabins, or villas with separate annexes give everyone the privacy they crave when needed, whilst maintaining that crucial sense of togetherness. Think of it as having your cake and eating it too.

Consider mobility and medical needs thoughtfully
Request ground-floor rooms well in advance, arrange mobility scooter hire before you travel, and ensure comprehensive travel insurance covers any pre-existing conditions. A little forward planning prevents big worries later.

Factor in precious downtime
Sometimes a lazy day by the pool, sharing stories and watching children play, creates more lasting memories than a packed excursion schedule. Don’t underestimate the power of simply being together.

Our experienced team specialises in bespoke itineraries that beautifully balance excitement with comfort, adventure with accessibility. We understand that when multiple generations travel together, the devil truly is in the detail.

We’ll secure airline seating together or private rail compartments so your whole family travels together from the very start. We arrange private transfers with child seats and wheelchair access where required, because the journey should be as smooth as the destination. Our experts pre-book excursions at a pace everyone can genuinely enjoy – from gentle vineyard tours perfect for grandparents to exhilarating zip-lining adventures for the brave-hearted.

Most importantly, we provide a single point of contact, sparing you from endless admin whilst you focus on what really matters: simply enjoying being together.

With thoughtful planning and expert guidance, the only family debate will be who gets the best sun-lounger and whose turn it is to build the next sandcastle.

Ready to create memories that will be treasured for generations? Contact Spear Travels today and let’s design a holiday the whole clan will talk about for years to come.