A FAMILY TRIP

Wanna plan a big vacay for your big fam who may or may not have big feelings? Follow this advice from travel agents and others who've successfully pulled off the trip of several lifetimes.

- ELENI GAGE

WE’VE LEARNED A LOT over the last few years about what really matters, and topping that list for many of us is family. We’re prioritizing our loved ones, spending more time with them and, in lots of cases, living with an assortment of them. Multigenerational homes—as in grandparents, parents, and children all under the same roof—have quadrupled since the 1970s.

We’re also traveling with them. According to a recent Family Travel Association survey, 55% of respondents plan to do an extended family trip within the next year. And why not? It’s a great way to split costs, it often comes with built-in babysitting, it can bring siblings and cousins closer, and it’s an opportunity for the family bonding most of us crave, says Elissa Reisman, a Toronto-based travel designer at Craft Travel, a luxury tour operator that’s seen an uptick in group travel. “When families get to go away, be distraction-free, and spend quality time together, the experience can really make for wonderful core memories,” she says.

“Itching to take your clan on the road? Pleasing travelers with different interests, energy levels, and routines can be daunting, but with some thoughtful planning, an adventure with your extended nearest and dearest will likely be fun, and provide great family lore for years to come.

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