Summary
Exploring Multi-Gen Travel
You’ve likely heard of multi-gen travel, which has become increasingly popular. A study by the 2022 Family Travel Association revealed that 47 percent of families were planning “multi-gen” trips, with GlobalData research indicating that 76 percent of respondents cite their children as the main source of inspiration for these family adventures.
However, the bigger question is: how does one actually enjoy the experience when spanning generations of 70 years? The goal is to create an itinerary that satisfies everyone, allowing kids to have fun while adults also enjoy their time.
Planning the Trip to Marbella
With the summer months ahead and no school commitments, I decided to plan a getaway with my 73-year-old mother and my five-year-old daughter, Leah. Our mission: to see if it was possible to enjoy ourselves together. My mom would explore cultural sites, I aimed for a much-needed rest, and Leah needed enough engagement to ensure this felt like a vacation rather than just a change of scenery.
Previously, I visited Greece with Leah when she was just 16 months old. This time, I had my sights set on Marbella in the Andalusian region of Spain. It seemed perfect, offering a luxurious hotel right on the beach, a kids’ club for Leah, and access to cultural experiences and delightful restaurants.
Travel Experience from Madrid to Marbella
On June 5, we boarded a red-eye flight to Madrid. I managed to upgrade our economy tickets to lie-flat seats in business class, which transformed our travel experience. Leah quickly fell asleep, aided by the Stokke JetKids BedBox suitcase that I had purchased just before our trip. This suitcase allowed Leah to ride comfortably through the airport, which proved crucial for our connecting flight.
After an arduous journey of 18 hours, we finally arrived at the Marbella Club, a tropical paradise boasting impeccable landscaping and a serene ambiance. Our spacious garden-facing suite was conveniently close to both the swimming pool and the beach, setting the stage for a blissful stay.
Dining Experiences and Adventures
Despite the fatigue, my mom and I were determined to enjoy an adult dinner. We bravely ventured to The Grill, the fine dining restaurant at the Marbella Club, with Leah in tow. However, chaos soon ensued with a tremendous outburst from Leah, reminding me of the challenges of dining out with a young child after a long flight.
Fortunately, the staff found us a new table where Leah could rest and enjoy three scoops of chocolate ice cream. Miraculously, it transformed our evening, culminating in Leah joyfully dancing with a new friend.
Activities and Entertainment for Everyone
Leah thoroughly enjoyed the kids’ club, participating in engaging science experiments and creative art projects, allowing her to socialize, while my mom and I indulged in some much-needed relaxation. My first stop post drop-off was the spa, where I received feedback on the stress I carried, perhaps suggesting I take a month off without the kids.
During an excursion to the Alhambra, we navigated the delicate balance of interests. While my mom was eager to explore, Leah’s needs took priority, leading us to dial back our ambitious plans. We promptly shifted to dining at the nearby Alhambra Palace Hotel, where Leah relished pasta and chocolate cake.
Every multi-gen trip requires a resourceful individual—our concierge Antonio was instrumental in finding us a babysitter, allowing my mom and me to enjoy a night out. These experiences not only enriched Leah but also expanded her understanding of the adult world.
Our vacation culminated in a delightful boat trip along the coast. Leah’s paddleboarding skills combined with my mom’s and my Mediterranean bobbing highlighted the joy of our multi-gen getaway.
On our last evening at the upscale Nobu, Leah tried sushi for the first time, enhancing the variety of our family culinary experiences.
In conclusion, we successfully navigated our multi-gen trip, crafting moments of enjoyment for both adults and children alike. While it may be a work in progress, the experiences we’ve shared will undoubtedly strengthen our family bonds.
