When life gets busy, spending enough time with your extended family members can often get difficult, especially if you have children of your own.
If you feel this way, then you’re not alone – a survey of 2,000 people conducted by EasyJet found that 59% of respondents want to spend more time with the older generation in their family.
The survey also reveals that 77% of respondents believe the bond between grandparents and grandchildren is one of the most special relationships within the family.
So, a fantastic solution to encourage the bond between extended family members could be a “multigenerational holiday”, which, as the name implies, involves going on a break with your younger or older relatives.
Aside from more quality time, there are also some other interesting benefits to a multigenerational holiday – continue reading to discover five.
1. They could help generations reconnect
As mentioned, many people in the UK believe that the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren is meaningful, and rightfully so.
In fact, the Association of Child Psychotherapists reveals that relationships beyond the immediate family often positively contribute to a child’s emotional development and sense of themselves.
So, whether you wish to spend some time abroad, or simply take a short break in the UK, travelling with multiple generations of the family could be the ideal setting for bonding.
This is because mixing age groups can broaden horizons, boost emotional wellbeing, and create lasting memories in new and exciting settings.
Moreover, since you’ll be stuck with your loved ones for an extended period of time with no chance for life’s distractions, you know you’ll have ample time to spend with your extended family members.
Whether you gather around a dinner table to share stories, embark on an adventure together, or simply enjoy each other’s company, this could give you the ideal chance to reconnect with your loved ones.
This is especially the case if you travel with relatives you don’t see as frequently these days due to a busy schedule or geographic distance.
2. They can be great for cognitive health
Understandably, if you travel somewhere warm on your multigenerational holiday, your health will likely benefit from the sunshine.
Though, there are also some interesting cognitive benefits of a multigenerational holiday, for both younger and older relatives.
Indeed, a study on the National Library of Medicine found that there was generally a positive effect on grandparents’ cognition when caring for their grandchildren. Since younger relatives are a bridge to social engagement, contact, and activities, caring for grandchildren is associated with a lower risk of dementia.
Additionally, since younger relatives tend to be more active, spending time with grandchildren could even get you on your feet and form part of your daily exercise!
There are also some noticeable cognitive benefits for younger people spending time with their grandparents, as they can increase a child’s emotional intelligence and enhance prosocial behaviours.
A holiday could be the ideal time for older and younger generations to spend more time with each other. If you have younger children, you could let your older relatives spend time with your children, giving them the chance to improve their cognition while you can enjoy some much-needed quality time to yourself.
3. They tend to be better for the planet
At a time when environmental sustainability is becoming increasingly important, you may be more conscious about how your decisions are affecting the world.
If this is the case, then a multigenerational holiday could offer a sustainable alternative to individual travel.
Indeed, since you’re travelling as a larger group, rather than on your own, this could mean fewer flights or car trips. This could, in turn, significantly reduce your carbon footprint and minimise the environmental impact of your holiday.
Aside from travelling, shared accommodation and resources could also help you and your family reduce waste and promote eco-friendly practices.
Ultimately, a multigenerational holiday could allow you and your family to make more conscious choices about your destination and activities, helping you prioritise sustainability while creating cherished memories.
4. They can broaden the horizons of older and younger relatives alike
Perhaps one of the more enriching aspects of a multigenerational holiday is the opportunity for intergenerational learning.
Indeed, older relatives likely have a wealth of life experiences, wisdom, and a unique perspective on life.
Whether grandparents share stories from their youth, impart traditional knowledge, or even introduce new experiences, they can offer valuable insight that could, in turn, help broaden their grandchildren’s horizons.
Similarly, children could help their grandparents understand the modern world more, and even give them a new sense of purpose that improves their confidence and makes them feel useful.
An intergenerational dialogue fostered during a much-needed holiday could enrich the lives of all involved.
5. They are flexible for everyone
There’s a good chance that, at some point in your life, you’ve been on holiday and haven’t been able to do the things you desired due to family responsibilities.
So, a multigenerational holiday could offer greater flexibility and adaptability to the needs and preferences of each generation. This means you could tailor your holiday experience to suit the interests and abilities of younger and older relatives alike.
Since holidays offer a wealth of experiences, such as exploring cultural landmarks or simply relaxing by the pool, you could cater to everyone’s needs.
For instance, grandparents could care for your children while you take a break and enjoy your time away, or vice versa.
This could, in turn, provide a fantastic opportunity for different generations to spend more time with each other, bond, and strengthen familial ties.
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Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
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