For most South Africans, the long-awaited end-of-year summer holiday is a sacred ritual. But while the idea of everyone finally relaxing together sounds idyllic, the reality often includes a few dramatic sighs, eye rolls and tense moments on how the holiday should be spent.
According to research, multigenerational travel is one of the fastest growing trends worldwide, but it’s also one of the trickiest, since each generation approaches holidays differently. Gen Alpha requires constant entertainment and supervision; Gen Z loves adventure and social media–worthy experiences; millennials seek meaningful, often foodie or cultural escapes; Gen X values time with extended family; and Boomers prefer peace, comfort and a slower pace.
If you consider all these different expectations, there’s no wonder chaos sometimes reigns during the festive season.
Before you pack your bag (and patience), Corné Alberts, national marketing manager at ANEW Hotels & Resorts, shares some insights on how you can ensure your family holiday is a sure win across all generations:
Choose destinations that keep everyone entertained
Select destinations and accommodation options that provide variety. A resort that includes kids’ clubs, a spa, hiking trails, archery or quad biking, and an array of cuisine options, gives each generation something to look forward to. Holiday accommodation options with plenty of onsite activities will avoid any unnecessary drama and provide quality family time when everyone regroups.
Self-catering apartments equal shared experiences with privacy
About 20% of Gen X prefer renting self-catering apartments, making this option ideal across all generations to join in shared meals and game nights, but also allows for everyone to retreat to their own space when they need it.
Sneak in the romance
Millennials rank romantic trips with their spouse or partner as a top priority, but this is often tricky when travelling with the whole family. The secret here is to book a resort or hotel with a holiday cinema, kids’ club or supervised activity programme where grandparents and toddlers can watch a movie or a show at the resort, while parents slip off for a romantic dinner or sunset walk – making sure no one feels left out.
A one-stop destination for Boomers
Boomers love a holiday that lets them truly switch off, with 77% preferring a single-destination vacation. The problem is that millennials and Gen Z thrive on variety. One way to make this work is to choose a base destination with easy day-trip options. Boomers can stay put and enjoy calm breakfasts and leisurely walks, while millennials and Gen Z venture out for short excursions like a nearby safari, hiking trail, horse riding on the beach or cultural village visit, returning to the same comfortable base each night.
Technology and travelling preferences
While Gen Z and younger millennials rely heavily on social media and travel apps to plan their trips, Boomers, on the other hand, prefer guidebooks and traditional planning methods. Make this work by sharing a digital itinerary or app with the tech-savvy, but have a printed schedule handy for those who prefer something tangible. This way, everyone remains informed without feeling forced into using unfamiliar tech.
The key to a successful family holiday is not to try and expect everyone to enjoy the same experience, but rather to create space for different generations, to find the overlaps in interest and to allow everyone to have a memorable time.
Happy family travelling!
