More families are including a number of generations in their vacation trips. Is your hotel or resort prepared? Are you equipped to offer something of interest to all ages and meet their varying needs so everyone can have a great time?
Families are busy and hosting events at home can be stressful, so families are increasingly using vacation time for extended family get-togethers. There are differences in what people of varying ages enjoy doing, what their abilities are, and what level of service they expect.
As seen below, there are three main types of traveler you must expect to please.
Arrangers
This group is responsible for the logistics of the trip and selecting the accommodations. The arranger will probably be your primary point of contact, which is important since they will relay the details about timing and cost for any decisions made while staying at your resort or hotel. This could be a parent who is already stretched too thin or at the end of their ropes trying to keep everyone organized and happy. Whatever you can do to simplify or streamline the many multitude tasks they have taken on will be greatly appreciated.
Payers
Often it’s the grandparents who pick up the tab, but in some families, many family members will pool their funds. They will probably have veto power, so make sure they see value. That doesn’t mean they will go with the cheapest price, just that they insist on getting their money’s worth.
Influencers
These are the people who may have little power on paper, but have a big impact on where the family stays and what activities are planned; that often means the children. There could be unintentional influence, such as a baby whose physical needs must be accommodated, children who want to visit theme parks on vacation, or teens who may want alone time to take a break from family. Take care of the influencers and you’ll have a happy family vacation.
How can you ensure multigenerational groups have a great time and hopefully return?
Be flexible
Older travelers as well as those with young children may be early risers. Accommodate them with early breakfast options, even if it means offering a smaller menu. Young adult travelers might enjoy late night cocktails, so consider keeping a bar open late if you have enough business to keep a bartender busy.
Look at your accommodations to see where you can easily accommodate large groups. Push tables together so that the whole family can sit together at meals. Suites, villas, and connected rooms are all popular choices for families.
Keep it simple
Make it easy to arrange the vacation stay. Family members could be scattered all over the country or even overseas. Getting them all together can be a big challenge to the vacation point person. Provide plenty of pictures of accommodations or attractions on your website or in other marketing. List details as well so that information can be shared among vacationers while they are making their decisions.
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