A multi-generational travel experience can be immensely enriching, although trying to remember that – when you're the one tasked with planning it – is easier said than done. Getting everyone to agree to a date of departure is challenging enough, let alone finding that perfect journey that'll magically appeal to all – from the youngest tot to the fussiest grandparent.
At Viva Expeditions, we’re seeing more clients eager to create lasting memories through multi-generational travel. From experience, we’re seeing family groups of around 8-30 people - in general group sizes of 8-16 or 20 are the most feasible, although it can vary depending on your chosen destination.
If you’re keen to plan an extended family holiday in 2025, we’ve gathered a few excellent options that might spark your inspiration. We've selected the most suitable places that appeal and cater to all ages and interests, be they culture, history, nature or wildlife. We'll also highlight which experiences are better suited to smaller kids and which would arguably be better for families with older children instead.
1. Antarctica Cruise: Epic Adventures for Families with Adult Children
Antarctica cruises are bucket-list experiences that require a particular passion for exploring remote and inhospitable destinations that are crushingly beautiful. As such, they're tailor-made for adults-only families who crave adventure and exquisite natural beauty – landscapes in the far south are filled with colossal icebergs and glaciers. Onshore excursions are about seeing penguins, seals and birds up close. On the other hand, sailing hours are spent listening to fascinating lectures and looking out for whales on the outer deck.
As you might envisage, then, expedition cruises to Antarctica are unlike regular cruises – they focus on nature, so "entertainment" comes in the shape of kayaking tours, ice trekking, Zodiac boat tours and on-land hikes. Aside from the fact that there isn't anything to keep small children entertained, a certain level of maturity is arguably needed to truly appreciate all the wonders. In case you are considering bringing younger members of your family along, note that the minimum age for Antarctica is usually 8, but our suggested minimum age is 12.
The set-up of an expedition such as this lends itself well to multi-generational travel because it offers both shared experiences and quiet downtime. Common areas are social hubs, while private cabins let everyone relax at their own pace. Families often find that the isolation and beauty of Antarctica bring everyone closer, making it a top choice for extended family trips.
Tips:
- Book at least 12 months in advance, as space is limited on these expedition cruises.
- Pack for extreme weather, and don’t forget to bring a higher-quality camera if you’re an avid photographer. Today’s mobile phones, however, do a stellar job of capturing the stunning scenery.
- Expedition ships typically offer a variety of cabins, so everyone – or every couple – can choose to spend more or less depending on their budget. It's a great way to include everyone while allowing for some personal flexibility.
Find out more about Antarctica Expedition Cruises
2. Galapagos Cruise: Family-Friendly Wildlife Encounters
If you fancy the idea of an immersive cruise but have younger kids, then a cruise to the Galapagos Islands will fit the bill. These exceptional trips are a lot less ‘hard-core’ and are ideal for multi-generational families with kids from 8-10 years and older who can fully appreciate the islands’ incredible wildlife and activities. Boats require kids to be 6 years old at a minimum, but we believe slightly older kids will get the most out of the extraordinary experience. There are plenty of small-ship options here (most in the 16-18 guest capacity but also a few carrying 36-40 guests) so you can charter a boat for your family alone if you wish.
The Galapagos’ rich ecosystems make it one of the best family holiday destinations, with activities like snorkelling, kayaking, and wildlife spotting walks that everyone can enjoy together. Sailing is typically done overnight, so days are spent exploring the islands and their astonishing marine life. The stellar chance to meet unique animals like blue-footed boobies, iguanas, and sea turtles in their natural habitat is as thrilling for adults as it is for children.
A recent review from a happy client who travelled to the Galapagos Islands
Galapagos cruises offer all-inclusive deals where meals, activities, and guided tours are all covered. Ships like the M/Y La Pinta cater specifically to families, with amenities and excursions designed to keep kids engaged as well.
Viva’s own Rachel Williams took her kids to the Galapagos last year and wholeheartedly recommends it.
Tips: Read Rachel’s report on her family trip to the Galapagos, where she shares clever tips at the bottom of the page. Although she had only two generations taking part in her trip, Rachel's tips are still helpful to you. Advice such as ‘make sure kids have friends (cousins!), book a larger boat for extra space, book early as the most family-friendly boats book out in advance' is pretty universal. Oh, and look for boats that offer a child-friendly menu – it's a great indication that the boat and crew are geared for family trips.
Find out more about Galapagos Cruises
3. Safari Lodge in Southern Africa: An Exclusive Adventure for the Whole Family
Off the water and onto land – the sun-scorched lands of Southern and Eastern Africa. African safaris would have to be rated as some of the most unforgettable travel experiences any family could have. Focus on the southern region – mainly South Africa, Botswana, and Tanzania – as here you'll find the most comprehensive range of safari lodges. Lodges typically come with private daily game drives, all-inclusive meals, and extra amenities like a swimming pool – absolutely blissful on a hot day.
African lodges are generally small and intimate, so a great option for a multi-generational family trip. We also offer homes for exclusive, some of which can accommodate 10-15 guests. More often than not, you’ll have a safari vehicle at your exclusive disposal, and some even include private chef and butler services.
The Bush Lodge, in South Africa, is part of the Sabi Sabi group and ideal for families. The in-house EleFun Centre is a fun and educational space designed specifically for younger guests, with supervised activities like bushcraft, animal tracking, and learning about the local ecosystem.
Choosing a lodge with a diverse program means everyone can find their favourite thing to do alone and together. Some might want to wake up early for a sunrise game drive, while others prefer to sleep in, and join the afternoon tour instead. Plus, most lodges run small-group game drives, with vehicles catering only up to 10 people – you can easily request an excursion for your family alone.
Tips: Many lodges have family-focused accommodations and flexible safari schedules for younger guests. This is a very popular extended family trip idea, so options abound. Also, note that there are small and intimate lodges that can be booked for your entire family. Luxury options can include butler service, so you really just need to book it and forget it.
Find out more about Africa Tours
4. Amazon Jungle Lodges and Cruises: An Immersive Nature Experience
The Amazon rainforest can be an ideal multi-generational travel idea if you have nature-loving children aged six and over. Staying at an Amazon lodge or taking a cruise provides a unique way to explore one of the world's richest ecosystems, and you have plenty of family-friendly options here, too. Refugio Amazonas in Peru, and its sister property Posada Amazonas, offer kid-friendly activities like rainforest trails, canopy walkways, and night hikes where little adventurers can see nocturnal animals in action.
Kid-friendly walking trail in Refugio Amazonas
An Amazon cruise is also a fantastic alternative, with itineraries packed with wildlife sightings, cultural interactions with local communities, and river excursions. The cruise option allows you to return to the comfort of the boat whenever you (or anyone) need a break. Truth be told, it can be a bit of a godsend if travelling with younger children. The Anakonda Amazon Cruise is one of the best options for multi-generational family holidays.
Anakonda Amazon Cruise
Tips: Amazon lodge experiences are more “immersive” than cruises as boats offer a somewhat easier and more sanitised rainforest experience – especially when air-conditioned cabins and gourmet food are included. If choosing a lodge, make sure everyone is comfortable with the idea of a genuinely immersive jungle experience, where there is often just a thatch wall between you and the jungle. Either way, remember to pack essentials like insect repellent and breathable clothing. If you are in doubt or have older grandparents who wish for more comfort, an Amazon cruise is the way to go. Keep in mind that most boats will not take kids under six years of age.
Find out more about Amazon Tours
Why Early Planning Matters for Extended Family Trips
Planning well in advance is one of the biggest keys to a successful multi-generational holiday. For popular destinations like Antarctica, the Galapagos, and African safaris, securing reservations early (preferably 8-18 months out) means better availability and you have greater choice in accommodations, tour guides, and activities. If coming from afar, it also means getting better deals on airfare.
It pays to involve the whole family in the planning process; it can help build excitement and prevent anyone from being "unpleasantly" surprised with the itinerary or booked accommodation. Have an honest chat about comfort levels and activities everyone desires – more often than not, options exist even within the same lodge, boat, or hotel. And, since you are the designated planner, don't forget to double-check that everyone has their passports and vaccinations up to date and comprehensive packing lists. PS. Viva Expeditions can help with the latter.
Additional Tips for Planning (and executing) a Smooth Multi-Generational Trip
- Choose ONE Person to Be the Designated Planner: While everyone should certainly have an initial say of where you go and what you do, the logistical puzzle can best be solved if there is only one designated co-ordinator who brings the overall plan to an experienced destination specialist to finetune the logistics of the trip. It’s always easier for an experienced travel planner to have just one contact in the family.
- Don’t Be Too Strict: Just because you are travelling as an extended family, it doesn’t mean you have to book, travel, and be together all the time. Some people might opt to fly out sooner or later, or via wherever to get a cheaper flight. Some might want to fly business and others economy – whatever works.
- Choose All-Inclusive Packages: All-inclusive packages, with accommodation, meals and activities covered, greatly diminish planning stress. It also ensures everyone knows exactly what's included upfront, reducing the chance of unexpected expenses. You can find out if there are any 'extras' not included, and everyone can decide if they wish to pay for it or not.
- Consider Private Accommodations: Having exclusive use of a lodge or ship grants you privacy and flexibility. Not having to worry about bothering other guests also makes it easier for everyone, especially parents of young kids. Note that this is not necessarily a much more expensive option!
- Balance Activity and Relaxation: Everyone has different energy levels, and travelling together as a larger family group can be high energy. Some family members will definitely appreciate some down time. Consider leaving some free afternoons and even full days as “day at leisure” in your itinerary. Those who are usually more active will still find plenty to do. Fight the urge to overbook activities, as free time is GOLDEN on extended family trips.
- Look for Family-Friendly Programs: At Viva Expeditions, we're seeing an increasing number of destinations starting offer to programs tailored specifically for multi-generational travel groups. If you can't find one on our website, feel free to reach out, and we'll point you in the right direction.
- Embrace Freedom & Flexibility: Another golden rule of thumb is to not expect everyone to do everything together all the time. This is where those varied menus of activities really come into play – you can’t expect 6-year-olds, teenagers, and grandparents to always want to do the same thing. Embrace freedom and flexibility – yours and everyone else’s.
- Stay Connected, but Embrace Digital Detox: For some families, a digital detox is one of the most wonderful benefits of taking a multi-generational family holiday in a nature-enriched destination. But not everyone will agree. Ensuring some kind of access to Wi-Fi can help everyone stay connected. This is the only way for many families to convince their teenagers to come along. Many lodges or boats offer Wi-Fi, perhaps at set times or only in certain areas, like the reception. Still, it might be a winning point to mention.
With these extended family trip ideas, your 2025 multi-generational holiday is sure to be an absolute hit. Need help planning it all?
Viva Expeditions can do that!
Contact our Destination Specialists today and let us help you plan the family trip of a lifetime.
