Top Things to Consider When Traveling with Adult Children

Traveling with adult children can truly be an amazing experience to create even more core memories. It is a great way to learn more about each other, ourselves, and the destination. Most of the time you spend with your children is when they are school aged. Once they are adults, the times together become more precious. Planning that fantastic vacation with adult children is a very different approach then when they were younger. Here are the top things to consider to have a smooth, enjoyable, and memorable vacation for everyone. Involve Everyone in the Planning I cannot stress how important this one is. Please involve your adult children in the decision-making process. When you have the initial call with Markwood Magic have the adult children join in the call and allow them to be part of the process. Let them have a say in the destinations, activities, and accommodations to make sure everyone’s interests are considered. No worries, as Markwood Magic will make sure there is something for everyone when making the curated itinerary perfect for your family.

Swan Spa at Maltid Palace in Budapest, Hungary.

Balance Together Time and Independence

This can be tricky, but important. Family vacations, no matter what the age, are all about spending quality time together and exploring. Having said that, there should be allocated time where different family members can separate and do their own thing. For a land vacation in Europe this might entail the adult children going on a hot air balloon ride while the others visit a museum or two. Or maybe part of the family would like a spa day and the others want to go on a walking tour of the city. On a cruise maybe it is doing different excursions on a port day. Some might snorkel while others do a beach and catamaran day. Make sure that there are activities you all do together as well. On days where family members are going in different directions have dinner together to share the experiences with the family.   

Choosing the Right Accommodations Having enough space is key to a more peaceful trip. Instead of having a two or three bedroom suite, consider booking separate rooms that are near each other at the resort. On a cruise, Markwood Magic will pick the cabin and will make sure there are at least a few rooms between family members for privacy (unless asked otherwise). If taking a cruise the parents should get a bigger cabin/suite when the budget allows so everybody wants to hang out in their cabin prior to dinner. This arrangement gives everybody their own space to unwind a bit but still be near other family.

Discuss Budgets and Expenses Before the Trip Money can be an awkward topic – even with family, so set clear expectations before the trip. Decide who is covering what—flights, accommodations, meals, or excursions. If the adult kids are financially independent, they may prefer to pay their way or split costs evenly. That is okay. And yes, Markwood Magic can usually split the costs between family members for you if it makes it easier. If parents are treating the family to the entire vacation, be sure to let the adult kids know. Also be prepared that if parents are doing the treating often time the adult kids might want to pay for an excursion or specialty dining one night. Let them do that.

Respect Different Travel Styles Some travelers love an itinerary while others want more free time built in. Talk about energy levels and expectations ahead of time so the trip includes a mix of sightseeing, downtime, and spontaneous adventures that suit everyone’s preferences. Note the travel styles of adult children may have changed from when they used to live at home. The same thing also holds true for activities and start times. For example, everyone might not be an early bird or want to have excursions that last late into the evening. Find some middle ground on things you are doing together.

Communication is Key

Make sure everybody’s needs are heard and allow for flexibility. It may even lead to trying something you had not thought of prior!

I hope you have the best time with your adult children on your next vacation. When you are ready to have an expert help with all the planning details, schedule a consultation below. Markwood Magic would love to help.

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