I am a huge believer in “Generational” travel. The kind of vacation where multiple generations take part.
It started almost four decades ago when Sharon and I organized vacations that included our parents and our very young children. These trips were usually cruises or the obligatory visit to Disney World.
And to this day our children, who are now parents themselves, still talk about these trips. Our 40+ year old daughter Jessica still talks about her Space Mountain roller coaster adventure with Grandpa Lenny.
One of our son Jonathan’s earliest memories was our cruise back in 1992 on the Queen Elizabeth II to Canada and New England. He got to sail down the Hudson River past the Statue of Liberty standing on the bridge of the QE II with his Grandpa.
Memories for sure that would last a lifetime.
That’s why Sharon and I couldn’t wait for our recent weeklong trip to Disney World with our grandchildren Jake and Jenna. We did take their parents along, but we wanted to experience Disney World through the eyes of a twelve and ten year old.
We are glad we did this trip but it is a different experience when you’re grandma and grandpa.
When we were the parents running around the Disney parks it was quite easy. We were up and out of the hotel from early morning until late at night.
And we went on as many rides as humanly possible. We were younger and full of energy.
Fast forward (and I mean fast) forty years to our most vacation to Disney World in August. It was a bit different. We didn’t do any roller coasters.
More importantly, electric scooters around the parks were the approved mode of transportation. Just a couple of hours a day in each park and leisurely character dinners were the highlight of the trip.
However, I wouldn’t change one thing. Sharon and I paced ourselves and we made memories for our entire family that I hope our grandchildren will talk about for the rest of their lives.
Hopefully, there are more generational trips to come.
