Ask the experts: how to enjoy travelling with family this summer

Words: Harriet Cooper

Summer is peak season for multi-generational family travel, with parents juggling logistics, teens needing space (and Wi-Fi), grandparents pacing their energy and blended family groups navigating different priorities. If you’re feeling unprepared, never fear – we’ve consulted the experts for their tips and compiled the ultimate insider guide to travelling harmoniously as a group. 

ON THE MOVE AND IN THE AIR

Do the groundwork

You’ve all made it to the airport, phew! Pre-booking everyone’s transport pays off (always check online reviews of taxi firms for positive feedback regarding punctuality and professionalism). Before your group disperses for kaftan shopping and cappuccinos, agree on a time to meet at the departure gate, making sure you’re all aware that the walk to a gate at large airports often exceeds half a mile. For senior family members that might need additional assistance, this can be booked in advance with your airline. 

Sort the seating

Choosing the right on-board seating is vital. While British Airways allows free selection at check-in (24 hours before departure), you can secure specific spots early for a fee. “We always preselect seats, even if there’s a charge,” says Lucy Slater, co-founder of Antilophia, which creates bespoke, immersive travel experiences across Latin and North America. “Think grandparents in aisle seats near lavatories or young families in the bulkhead for extra space.” If there are a lot of you taking up more than a row, opt for window/aisle seats in the same section instead. 

Prep the tech

Holidays and devices can be a divisive issue, but tech is your travel friend. Smartphones and tablets are a lifesaver on long journeys. Pack headphone splitters to swerve bickering and download movies before you go to save data. Arrived? Set up a holiday WhatsApp group to share daily plans and photos and encourage productive adolescent screen time with offline maps, translation apps and image recognition tools to identify landmarks (teens might even enjoy their new role as tour guide).

ON THE GROUND AND AT THE HOTEL

Stay on track

Checking into a hotel as a big group can be a lengthy process. If possible, pre-empt lobby wait-time with a pre-check-in before arrival. Accommodation allocation is key: adjoining rooms/family suites for those with kids and ground-floor rooms for anyone with mobility issues. Note that for senior group members, change can be discombobulating. “When I travelled with my 80-year-old dad, he got disorientated because he wasn’t in his normal environment,” says Denise Markham Wroe, a business coach with Open to Coaching. “On arrival at the hotel, be aware that everything is different and that calm is called for rather than rushing off to do things.”

Pare back the plans

Sightseeing? Prioritise ease over ambition and make sure the whole group understands stroller, wheelchair or scooter requirements. “Minimise very long walks and confirm accessibility in advance,” says gerontologist Dr Kerry Burnight. “When physical effort is comfortable, emotional bandwidth increases and that benefits the entire family.” Also, timing is everything. “In hotter destinations, plan activities for the morning or late afternoon, and use the middle of the day to rest, swim or recharge, especially with younger children,” adds Jen Carr. NB: with elderly grandparents and tiny children, a heated pool can be essential.

A slice of organisation

While communal eating is a raison d'être of the multi-gen holiday, don’t expect to eat every single meal together. Some might breakfast early, others could be midnight snackers. The trick is to ensure these options are available and to go with the flow. “Sometimes all of us will be together, other times maybe just a few of us will meet for coffee,” says Dr Marianne Trent, clinical psychologist and host of the Psychology, Actually podcast, who regularly travels with family aged from nine to 76. “While we usually all come back together for dinner, we also recognise that being a large group it’s not always possible to be seated together.” If you are out en masse, organising a set menu in advance or pre-ordering is a good shout. 

Go along for the ride

While theme parks appeal to the child in us all, high-adrenaline jinks can be tiring, so forethought is pivotal. “Do your (video) research,” says Robbie Jones, insights director at themed attraction design company Katapult. “YouTube is awash with first-person videos so that prospective guests can see what a theme park or visitor attraction looks like.” Use these as a resource for wayfinding, identifying rest points and preparing those who may be anxious or neurodivergent. Jones also suggests utilising your WhatsApp group as a live location tracker if you split up during the day. 

GROUP DYNAMICS AND HARMONY

Make considered choices

Choose a group lead who can pull the holiday itinerary together. “Don't get everyone involved with the planning, as there’ll be too many opinions. Instead say, ‘These are the options… Who’s up for what?’” advises Lucy Slater. “Definitely include the younger generation, so they know that in the morning they may be keeping granny happy by sightseeing but they can sunbathe in the afternoon.” If you’re doing a joint activity, pick one with opt-in/opt-out points (a shady café, for example). Splinter excursions – one group, different activities – also work. You can swap tales of adventure over dinner. 

Communication is crucial

You all want to be on the same page from the get-go. “The most successful multi-generational trips I’ve seen include agreed-upon ‘together times’ (for example, one shared meal or outing each day) alongside built-in separate times. For many, knowing there’ll be protected downtime, without guilt, increases enjoyment for everyone,” says Dr Trent. The same goes for frazzled parents. “If you’re exhausted and hoping for childcare support from your extended family, it’s important to communicate that in advance,” she adds. “This minimises the chance of disappointment, which can lead to resentment and arguments.”

Adapt around energy

Remember that every generation has a different peak-energy window. Teenagers rise late; grandparents are up early. “Anchor key activities during overlapping high-energy times (often mid-morning) and allow flexibility elsewhere. This simple shift dramatically improves mood, stamina and patience across the group,” says Dr Burnight. Remember that it’s everyone’s holiday, advises Dr Trent: “While it might not be your idea of a great time to sleep in until mid-morning it seems realistic to allow a bit of flex for people who do need this.” 

Redefine a ‘successful’ day

Finally, understand that everyone’s expectations are different. “For older adults, especially, joy on a trip often comes from meaningful moments, not packed schedules. A great day might be a long lunch, a conversation or simply being together in a beautiful place,” concludes Dr Burnight. “When families shift from ‘maximising activities’ to ‘maximising connection’, the trip becomes more memorable for every generation. The goal isn’t to get everyone to do the same thing every moment; it’s to create a structure where everyone can enjoy the experience in their own way while still feeling connected.”

With British Airways, family travel means looking after pushchairs, providing child seats and creating special meals for children. From generous baggage allowances to keeping your little ones entertained, everything is designed to make your experience as stress-free as possible. 

Learn more about family travel with British Airways