Often complicated, planning a trip that spans generations and adjusting to all their interests really spells challenge. But it’s worth it. Grandparents can bond closer with their grandkids in a meaningful way by incorporating a volunteering component. Doing so will inspire the next generation of world changers. Intergenerational family trips have many benefits.
Here are a few destinations that we recommend for life changing multi-generational trips:
Let’s start with family-friendly New Zealand. It is a great vacation spot for families and there is always plenty of things to do for kids and the kids-at-heart. Small in size, nevertheless New Zealand is a giant of the great outdoors. Your family will surely fall in love with the country’s wildlife and majestic sceneries that will give you an abundance of memorable experiences .
Starting in Rotorua, the land of geothermal rocks, fizzy mud pools, hot springs, and active geysers – definitely one of the best places in the country for your intergenerational family trips. Have a once in a lifetime intimate encounter with the iconic kiwi and their hatchlings at Rainbow Springs Nature Park, where you can get closer to these beautiful but imperiled creatures.
Only an hour away are the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where you can see thousands of gorgeous glow-worms radiate their luminous lights on the cave roofs (or travel with us and we can take you to secret spots to see them in the open, along the river). Older kids – and young at heart grandparents – can even abseil in and then go “black water” cave tubing with glowworms.
The fascination with trains spans generations – they are even probably loved most by the older and younger ends of the spectrum – the TranzAlpine Railway leaves from Christchurch on a five-hour travel through landscapes passing from east to west, traversing pastureland, the Southern Alps and subtropical rainforest. Then get ready for bungee jumping, skydiving, skiing, at Queenstown – also known as New Zealand’s most famous adventure playground, Queenstown offers great experiences for children too. No wonder New Zealand is a favorite family vacation getaway.
When you go there with Hands Up Holidays you can inspire the next generation of world changers and leave a legacy by caring for wildlife, such as hand rearing native sea bird chicks, or protecting endangered penguin populations.
So from 8 to 80, young and old, from mild to wild, New Zealand has it all. No wonder it’s a country most talked and raved about by travelers.
For grandkids in search of ancient treasures, head to Peru!
It’s great for families because there’s a lot of hiking, walking and cycling, and treasured history that you will love and treasure!
Peru’s Cusco has the ancient stone streets, manifested by the Qoriacancha palace and the church of Santo Domingo around the Plaza de Armas. This high-altitude melting pot of Amerindian and mestizo culture, is home to exceptional textiles, bright summer festivals and rich archeological wonders.
While in the city of Cusco, enjoy the excellent works of Cusco artisans, but something that you cannot miss here is the Peruvian food, because for your information, Peru has been awarded ‘Best Culinary Destination’ by World Travel Awards’ for years so you have to attend cooking classes and learn a couple of their local recipes to see for yourself and bring home the taste of culinary expertise that is in Peru.
See the rich and calm, lush green Sacred Valley which will surely seduce you with plenty of attractions- rivers flowing down gullies and valleys, lots of archaeological monuments and engaging indigenous people. It is here that you can make a difference and change lives with your grandkids here by installing energy efficient stoves and renovating bathrooms. Imagine how much closer you will get to your grandchildren and the sense of achievement you will all feel at this!
Your trip to Peru would not be complete without marveling at the UNESCO World Heritage Inca city of Machu Picchu. It has an astonishing location which you access by train or on foot along the Inca trails…Hands Up Holidays even has a luxury lodge based route, complete with jacuzis and massage treatments to soothe your muscles….your grandchildren will love the village home whose floor is covered by guinea pigs!
For families who love adventure in the wilds, explore South Africa.
A trip to South Africa will give you and your grandkids the chance to discover Cape Town and its history, see the wild coastline, and the family-friendly malaria free Big Five reserves of the Eastern Cape. There are daily activities for young and old to match every interest across generations.
In Cape Town the perfectly flat summit of Table Mountain guarantees that everyone in your family will love your visit the experience you will gain. You could hike to the top with a local guide, pause for a picnic or reserve your energy and climb up via the cable car which rotates 360 degrees to make sure you see all views from every angle.
Then just south of the city is the small and sandy Boulders Beach which African penguins call home – you can watch them by kayak.
Whilst in Cape Town, you can leave a legacy and inspire your grand kids to be future world changers by helping in a township, in a day care center or at an animal rescue shelter where your grandchildren will love socialising dogs and getting them ready for adoption.
Plettenberg Bay is located near the Garden Route. The huge, golden beaches here are bare, there’s much space for playing and running around. From August to November, look out for migratory humpback and southern right whales breaking through the waves from nearby hills and clifftops as well as resident Bryde’s whales, dolphins and seals. You can also take boat trips if you want to see these lovely creatures up-close.
Last stop is the malaria free, Eastern Cape safari which is known for its scenic views and adventure. It is overflowing with natural beauty from dense green forests to dry dessert with interesting highlights in every region.
There’s a wide range of activities tailored fit for you and your family’s interests, from arts and crafts, planting native vegetation and taking part in gardening projects in the local community, fishing trips, baking classes and scavenger hunts. There’s a lot to explore on your intergenerational family trip!
We can help you cross generational barriers and create an itinerary custom made to meet your family’s interests, whether it’s the history that envelopes Peru or outdoor adventures in New Zealand, or perhaps the cultural and safari getaway in South Africa. In each location your intergenerational family trip can be made meaningful and inspiring when you make a difference with Hands Up Holidays.
Interested? Contact us and your consultant will gladly craft your bespoke itinerary for you and your grandchildren to travel with purpose!
