Multigenerational Travel On The Rise: Our Top 8 Destinations

Some 40 percent of U.S. leisure travelers, nearly 21 million people, took a multigenerational trip in the previous 12 months, according to a new study by Preferred Hotels, and this may just be the tip of the iceberg.

"Because of their numbers, frequency of travel, and use of traditional travel agents, the multigenerational traveler presents a powerful opportunity for the international travel market," noted Lindsey Ueberroth, President of Preferred Hotel Group in a statement.

Geographically, families live farther away from each other than at any time in history, and millions of Post 50s are trading briefcases for roller bags. With time, health and disposable income on their hands, they are taking the kids and grandkids along.

Of the multigenerational travelers surveyed, four in ten had traveled outside the continental U.S., and a third had been to Europe. Among the other findings:

-They travel more often: The typical multigenerational traveler takes more trips (4.4 per year) than the non-multigenerational control group (3.6 per year).

-Multigenerational travelers are planning "Milestone Vacations": More than three-quarters had planned a vacation around a life event such as a birthday (50%), anniversary (40%), family reunion (39%), and wedding (37%).

Preferred anticipates more travel companies offering special packages and programs to cater to the market, such as group pricing, celebration event packages, multiple-room packages, family-style dinners, and reunion activities. In 2012, Preferred is launching a family website with a section for people planning multigenerational trips.

Huff/Post50 teamed up with Hotwire to identify some top destinations for multigenerational travelers. Check out the slide show and vote for your favorite!

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Comments

[KIVPossum]

01:32 AM on 12/17/2011

For 20 years my parents would open their beach house on OBX and expect the kids to show up with grandkids in tow. It was a nightmare - for the kids. For mom and dad it was heaven.

Arch conservative dad had sons and d-n-ls to argue politics.
Edith Bunker mom complained about each beer my brother and I drank, spent her days inspecting d-n-ls mothering and cullinary skills, and changed the rules for the grandkids (which made life hard on them when they got home).

If someone wanted to walk out to the beach, it was a two hour event, because Everyone had to get ready and go. Privacy was an abstract to be laughed at.

Will never do that to my kids

[garystartswithg]

11:55 PM on 12/16/2011

Tourists don't go to Orlando, they go to Disney. Legoland is about 45 minutes from of Orlando in some god forsaken town. Fine art museums? You are kidding, right? Off the top of my head the only gallery I know of is in Deland, way north or Orlando. Who writes the slop?

[ContructiveDemocrat]

11:14 PM on 12/16/2011

San Diego!!!!

[asdusty]

10:46 PM on 12/16/2011

Can anyone tell me what the city is in the photo used on the home page?

[ContructiveDemocrat]

11:14 PM on 12/16/2011

San Diego, the Oracle is in front of the 2 large buildings.

[asdusty]

12:56 AM on 12/17/2011

Thank you :-)

[garystartswithg]

11:56 PM on 12/16/2011

San Diego looks better from the water, doesn't it?

[AlisonCarnie]

10:20 PM on 12/16/2011

I lived in Chicago for twelve years and even though I am a proud Canadian who grew up in Toronto, it is my favourite city in North America ... spectacular and never disappoints!

[jedwightn]

09:42 PM on 12/16/2011

Lost Wages, an excellent location to debauch your young children.

[Galla Drast]

05:25 PM on 12/16/2011

Very nice pics ... post amazing!

Orlando Transportation Guide
http://www.oriontransportation.com/
http://www.yourlimoinc.com/

[garystartswithg]

11:57 PM on 12/16/2011

Orlando needs transportation -- what a dump.