1. Gather information

If you’re anything like us, your attic/basement/garage/storage room is probably filled with old photos, letters, newspaper clippings, and general mementos that offer insight into your family’s past. Gather what you have, and start there.

2. Speak with relatives

Now that you’ve compiled the resources that you’re working with, begin talking to family members. See how they can help provide more information and fill in the blanks. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins — your extended family is probably chock full of stories they would love to share; they’re just waiting for someone to ask! The best questions start with “what,” “why,” and “how.” You’ll want to dig deep to get the most out of your questions!

3. Write it down

Make sure you get all of the above information in writing so that you don’t have to go back and try to rely on memory. A great place to start is with a quick search for “pedigree charts” on Google. Free charts abound, and this is where you can start logging all of your family history on paper.

4. Search the internet and explore genealogy websites

This is a given. The internet is overflowing with information right at your fingertips. It is by far the easiest way to gather information quickly. Websites such as FamilySearch.org and Ancestry.com are great places to start researching family name databases and begin connecting the dots.

5. Organize what you have

Once you’ve gathered all of your findings, enter them into the family tree programs that you’ve decided to use either online or on paper charts. Be sure to fi le copies/notes/photographs in an organized manner, and keep all of this information in a safe place.

6. Plan what’s next

Once you’ve compiled and documented all of your research, you may want to visit the towns that your ancestors lived and explore sites where records are kept, such as courthouses and places of worship, to gain access to additional resources firsthand.

We wish you the best in your search and happy hunting!

With so many options available to today’s travelers, it may come as somewhat of a surprise that multi-generational travel is a top travel trend. It makes sense however. The Baby Boomer generation, comprised of individuals born between the 1940s and the early 1960s, have more free time and money to spend than any other demographic these days. Unsurprisingly, these same individuals tend to be grandparents looking for opportunities to spend time with their children and grandchildren. Add time, money, and an interest in family bonding and POOF! You have the perfect combination for a multi-generational getaway!

Just how popular is multigenerational travel these days? Let’s take a look at some stats:

40% of all active leisure travelers have taken at least one multigenerational trip over the last year. (Source: Leisure Group Travel)

25% of all leisure travelers are grandparents and 37% traveled with their grandchildren. (Source: Leisure Group Travel)

Grandparents travel almost 25% more than the average leisure traveler, taking four or more trips yearly. (Source: Leisure Group Travel)

33-40% of the $270 billion in leisure travel is multigenerational. (Source: Travel Age West)

Multigenerational trips, along with “bucket list” and summer vacations, are among boomers’ three favorite types of trips. (Source: AARP)

Grandparents, more so than parents (35% vs. 25%), are more willing to pay for multigenerational trips to “help family members enjoy a vacation they otherwise could not afford.” (Source: Preferred Hotels and Resorts)

Need more convincing? A recent survey conducted by Virtuoso, a well-respected network of international travel agencies specializing in luxury and experiential travel, found that the top travel trend for 2016 was multigenerational travel. (Virtuoso: Scientists in the Art of Travel) Multigenerational travel even beat out travel with immediate family!

Something For Everyone

There’s no need to read between the lines to figure out that traveling with the extended family gives everyone the opportunity to spend quality time together, enjoy life, and presumably, split the bills. For families seeking anything and everything from down-time to high adventure, key vacation spots range from beach houses and villa rentals to city excursions and cruises. But since everyone has their own idea of fun — grandma golfs while the teenagers shop — the most popular destinations cater to many tastes and, indeed, budgets.

Anyone following the trends knows that today’s travelers are using the online channel, with or without the help of a travel agency. They might book supplier-direct or work through their travel agent’s website or OTA, depending on what they’ve done in the past or what’s been recommended by their family, friends, or via marketing. Yet, according to Travel Research: 2016 Travel Trends from AARP, baby boomers
will not use travel booking websites for planning trips to the same degree that their younger counterparts will (50% versus 77% for Millennials and 74% for GenXers).

Interestingly, 40% of both grandparents and parents surveyed by Preferred Hotel Group say their children “actively participate in or influence vacation planning,” and 40% have “selected a destination based at least partially on the information, photos, or videos they viewed on social media websites.” And 25% say they have “selected a travel service supplier based on exposure to the same content.” You might enjoy How Travel Companies Are Gearing Up to Accommodate Generation Z.

Get Away From It All

It’s no mystery that multigenerational travel has gathered such steam. In today’s fast-paced, technology-centric world, people are looking for
a relaxing escape from the everyday hustle bustle. Additionally, families are living farther apart geographically than ever before. Who wouldn’t want a break from their computer and phone screens and long commute times? Vacations with the extended family are the perfect antidote to these modern day woes.

Multigenerational vacations may bring to mind a mild sense of anxiety similar to that of a family reunion. Who will I see? What will I do? Will it be awkward? But there is no need for fear! These days, when it comes to planning your family vacation, a little research goes a long way. Whether you choose to travel abroad for some international adventure or kick back at all-inclusive resort stateside, there is truly a destination for every taste and budget. When we look at the big picture here, the goal is just for everyone to relax, enjoy, and spend quality time together. No complications necessary!

When you’re ready to plan your next multigenerational getaway, you might want to keep Woodloch in mind. Our vacation rentals provide the comfort of large shared living spaces and the privacy of separate bedrooms and baths. Our traditional American Plan comes complete with three meals daily, but if cooking is your family’s thing, enjoy your vacation rental’s fully equipped kitchen. A variety of activities, amenities and entertainment guarantee that no one is bored, regardless of age. From go carts and bumper cars to pools and boating to organized games and contests that get the whole gang going, the fun doesn’t stop.

If we have yet to convince you to get away with the extended fam, we’ll leave you with a few words in closing. Unfortunately, time never stops, and every minute becomes more and more precious as the days pass. Don’t miss out on valuable bonding time when the opportunity presents itself. Actions speak louder than words . . . traveling with the entire family is the perfect way to say “I love you!”

-Erica Bloch

References:

(1) http://leisuregrouptravel.com/multigenerational-travel-statistics-shows-growth/

(2) http://www.travelagewest.com/Travel/Family-Travel/9-Major-Trends-in-Family-Travel/#.WcpY9mtSxEZ

(3) http://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/research/surveys_statistics/general/2015/AARP-2016-travel-trends.pdf

(4) https://preferredhotels.com/press/children-shape-desires-and-decisions-of-multigenerational-travelers

(5) https://www.virtuoso.com/getmedia/a94098fa-379a-4e8b-b91a-63d9b48b76d6/Press-release-Virtuoso-2016-travel-trends-at-ILTM.aspx

Yet sometimes, as way leads on to way, we find ourselves going months, years and sometimes even decades without spending quality time with those most closely related to us. And in the process, you deny yourself a portion of your own identity. Your family is- and always WILL be- your best link to your own past, and also the most likely to stick with you through stormy seas in the future.

Thus, the appeal and need for multi-generational family reunions.

Of course, like everything worth doing in life, it’s going to take some good old fashioned WORK to make your reunion everything that it can and should be. Whether you are hosting a small gathering or swinging for the fences with 100+ relatives, know this from the get-go: you don’t have to do it all alone!

You’re not the only one in the family (clearly) so you shouldn’t have the sole burden of arranging everything yourself. So before any decisions are made, form a Reunion Committee of sorts to split up the planning. We get the distinct feeling that you will thank yourself down the road.

And you know what? Since we feel like guests are a part of our “family” as well… we’re going to hook you up with a few helpful hints to make your reunion one for the ages.

First things first: establish date, guest list, and location– a seamless reunion is planned an awful lot like a wedding (hopefully at a substantially lower and divided cost), but approach it with that mentality. Broach the subject during a larger gathering (birthdays, anniversaries etc.) and get the ball in motion.

DATE

For a large reunion (for argument sake, let’s say over 30 guests) we’d suggest planning a year or so in advance. That might seem like a large amount of time but in reality it really isn’t. Kids play sports. Uncle Marshall and Aunt Lilly are going to Italy in the spring. Cousin Eddie bought an RV and is going cross country for the holidays. You get the picture. Life happens and pinpointing an exact date is going to be a challenge. HOWEVER, it is imperative that once you find a date, you need to stick to your guns.  In a perfect world, everyone would be able to attend, but we all know how that goes.

Again, not that any of has the power to control this, but weather should also factor into the equation. If you’re planning a reunion in the middle of winter in the Poconos, there’s a chance there could be some snow, for better or worse. This needs to be considered when mapping out your event, especially for relatives traveling a great distance. 

GUESTS

Before any invitations are sent out at all, have a clear and defined list of guests. Are we making this a “Smiths Only” affair? Are we sticking with just Grandma Walton’s kids and grandkids? Or is the entire town of Hawley going to be invited? Take the time (with your helpful committee) and create an established guest list.

Again, budgets need to be considered for this. While reunions are nice, they certainly don’t materialize out of thin air. And we all know THAT relative that simply lacks the social graces to chip in and contribute to the pot when it’s necessary. You might be faced with some tough decisions… choose wisely!

LOCATION

A very large part of the success of your reunion rides on venue selection. Accommodations? Dining arrangements? Activities? Travel decisions? They ALL rely on where you decide to hold your event. (All of these decisions are streamlined when you book your reunion with us… just sayin’.)

Again, we live in a world that is far from perfect, so with venue comes the consideration of costs. Is it feasible to have a relative host the event at their home? Might you seek out a vacation home or possibly a resort to host your affair? Are you going to board a plane and go all out in Tahiti? All families are different, and there are pros and cons to each scenario. You need to talk about this, come up with a concrete plan and book.

Once all of these decisions have been made, draft up some save the date invites and send them in the mail. Coordinate group emails and group chats on Facebook to keep everyone in the loop on things.

Tips from the Pros

We’ve hosted our share of family reunions (big & small with all sorts of “families”) and we’ve learned a few things along the way.

Plan… but don’t overplan.

While it certainly is important to make sure you’re getting the most out of your time together, you just might make people hate you by becoming a micro-manger. Be flexible and acknowledge the fact that you’re working with a diverse group with diverse interests. It’s OK to split up for portions of your event. We suggest publishing an activity sheet (maybe even a bit like ours!) that lays out the imperative must-attend events and letting family members choose how to use their time. As a matter of fact, you can even put together your own events in the style of Woodloch. Create your own Scavenger Hunts, set up relay events similiar to our famous Olympics, or even a Bakery War of some sort… easy enough to scale down for “home editions!’

Besides, we all know that Mother Nature will do whatever she pleases, so things might have to vary. Don’t stress- take it as it comes and enjoy the moments. Adults may wish to consider babysitting services at some point- adults need to unwind and be with just “grown ups” for a night or two. Along those lines, consider hiring a photographer to capture candid moments and group portraits. Money well spent.

Consider limitations.

They come in various forms, but mainly consider physical and dietary issues your family members may have. Ski mountain retreats are beautiful, but it would be somewhat sad to have a good portion of your family not be able to traverse the hills because of walking disabilities. Furthermore, there’s nothing more annoying like booking a great restaurant and finding out your sweet mother can’t enjoy a meal due to lack of gluten-free options. Issues like this are easier to deal with early in the process than they are at that moment!

Remember WHY you are there.

In the mix of all the planning, banter, back and forth and traveling, sometimes the reasons are unfortunately lost.  You are there to spend good quality time with those you hold to be important in life- make the most of it. Ditch the cell phones, laptops and tablets- trust me, they will be there when you return back to life as usual. Vacations are best spent wireless.

Catch up with your relatives. Now is the PERFECT time for some of the younger family members to hear stories from Grandma and Grandpa (possibly embarrassing ones about their parents… those are always good). Maybe Uncle Jesse and his college bound niece get to have a good heart to heart, chock full of advice that will help her in the coming year. These little moments, as trivial as they might seem at the time, are going to be talked about and remembered for years to come…

Embrace them.