Insider Tips: Multi-generational Travel
What's New
Travel expands horizons and creates core memories, so it’s only natural that families are increasingly keen to explore the world together. We asked Laurie Jo Miller Farr, luxury travel writer and seasoned multi-generational traveller, to share her first-hand experiences and tips on how to get the most out of a family escape with Kempinski.
Multi-generational holidays are having a moment
More and more, holidaymakers are taking advantage of the double bonus of combining quality family time with educational real-life adventures for the kids. To make it a win-win multi-generational holiday with my grandchildren – accompanied by their parents, of course – we’re spoilt for choice by some brilliant Kempinski destinations.
Why family travel is growing
Like a child that eats their spinach, the family travel market is having a growth spurt.
Because modern families may be spread out across long distances, shared holidays provide a practical way to build stronger and deeper connections. Baby boomers, increasingly fit and healthy in retirement, are eager to pack their bags to spend quality time with the grandkids. Millennials, now rising 40 and settled down with families of their own, have long tended to opt for experiences over material goods. Importantly, successful family vacations create lifelong memories and have a lasting positive effect on the entire family, especially the children.
Mini hotel bathrobes add a special touch to fun family stays.
Keen for a kids’ club? Browse all options here.
Gather ideas from grandparents to toddlers
Involve everyone in the planning process around a multi-generational family holiday. For children, the excitement of anticipation plus the fun of participation is an unbeatable formula.
Once our extended family chooses a destination with broad appeal for everyone, we use FaceTime to paint the picture in more detail, discussing where we’d be going and what we’d be doing. Keep the itinerary loose to leave room for unexpected discoveries and chance meetings, since these often turn into the truly special highlights of a holiday.
Keep a few things in mind about planning a getaway for all ages:
— Create a balance between relaxation time and activity time.
— Identify both active and passive activities that work for various ages.
— Don’t over-schedule; allow for downtime and serendipitous encounters.
— Seek agreement; avoid insisting on something others choose not to do.
— Have alternative activities as options in case of inclement weather.
Festive holidays with the family
During the festive holiday period, our family packs a little extra into a typical day’s city break programme. For me, there are never too many handcrafted baubles to browse in a traditional Christmas market like Munich’s Christkindlmarkt or Dresden’s Striezelmarkt. For Grandpa, hands wrapped around a warming mug of glühwein, people watching whilst seated on a bench is just the ticket. The grandchildren are captivated by costumed carolers in period dress and the chance to wander in a car-free environment while mum and dad get a little time to themselves in the hotel spa. After a hearty lunch, we bundle up and head out to the ice skating rink for a magical winter experience under twinkling lights.
The festive period is the perfect time to make new memories as a family.
Take a family city break in Berlin
Surprisingly, Berlin is an exceptionally green city with plenty of lakes and beaches for swimming, boating, hiking, and water sports. The capital city is also a great choice for families during the winter holidays when it’s transformed by dozens of festive Christmas markets. Inclement weather is no barrier to fun. As a cultural powerhouse tagged as one of the museum capitals of Europe, Berlin is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with five major institutions in one location, so it’s hard to beat.
WHY CHILDREN LOVE IT
Dinosaur skeletons are everyone’s favourite fossil, and Berlin’s Natural History Museum houses the world’s tallest one. Adding to the cool factor, there’s a Tyrannosaurus rex skull, an earthquake simulator, and a glowing collection of minerals. Look up at the German Museum of Technology to see aeroplanes hanging from the ceiling, plus a collection of full-size steam trains and locomotives. Older kids won’t want to miss the mummies and hieroglyphs at Museum Island or the intriguing 007-style gear, surveillance secrets, and laser maze at the Spy Museum.
Tomorrow’s another day, so save time for the polar bears at Zoo Berlin in the Tiergarten. With more variety of species than any zoo in the world, other highlights are Hippo Bay, Rhino Pagoda, Empire of Cats, World of Birds, and the Aquarium.
WHY PARENTS LOVE IT
It’s safe, walkable, and easy to get around on Berlin U-Bahn, the excellent public transit system. And when the kids get museum fatigue, head for the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre with two rides, a build and play zone, a 4-D cinema, and Berlin model landmarks built from LEGO bricks. The sweet spot is ages three to ten.
Parents are pleased to know that family convenience is a priority at Hotel Adlon Kempinski. Little ones get complimentary cots while adjoining rooms are the perfect solution for older children and extended families. Hearty German breakfasts are always a treat for visitors, and the hotel has a well-loved spread with a children’s corner serving reduced portion sizes.
Best of all, a visit to the hotel’s newly renovated pool area is always a favourite Adlon experience for the whole family.
WHY GRANDPARENTS LOVE IT
In a word, history. Hotel Adlon Kempinski on Unter den Linden is a 30-second walk to the Brandenburg Gate, a neoclassical monument symbolising the reunification of Berlin, and one of the city’s most visited attractions.
Relaxing back at the hotel, grandparents look forward to live music with a view at Adlon Brunch, served on the last Sunday of every month. Alternatively, from Thursday until Sunday, the traditional Adlon Afternoon Tea is accompanied by a pianist. Grandchildren are at their Sunday best with a pot of delicious hot chocolate plus sweet and savoury items from the tea cart selected just for them.
The takeaway? Memories make their way home as an Adlon rubber bath duck, Adlon Elephant, or cuddly Adlon teddies – all gifts that children adore.
Enjoy any season at an Alpine resort
Located in one of Switzerland’s top ski destinations, there’s high praise for Kempinski Palace Engelberg, the five-star Swiss Alpine resort set in a breathtaking mountain landscape. In winter, the hotel punctuates the ‘ski’ in its name; Titlis has 82 kilometres of runs for all levels of ability. The world’s first revolving cable car seems to defy gravity, providing snowy peaks and wide glacier views that astonish non-skiers, too. And in summer, there’s the popular toboggan run, scooter bike, flower trails, and a high-altitude adventure playground.
WHY CHILDREN LOVE IT
While kids may not realise it, parents know that Engelberg displays the national quality seal that means “Families Welcome,” a guarantee of the best destination programming for kids. For fearless explorers, Titlis Cliff Walk, Europe's highest suspension bridge, is an unforgettable stroll at 500 metres above the ground. Back at the hotel, dipping into an authentic cheese fondue is the most fun ever had on a fork.
WHY PARENTS LOVE IT
Every season rocks in the Central Swiss Alps. Only 25 kilometres south of gorgeous Lake Lucerne where the historic paddle steamboat is a draw, the Titlis mountain peak towers at a remarkable 3,239 metres, guaranteeing snow well into spring. Once the snow melts, there’s exceptional hiking, biking, golfing, and mountaineering for sportier mums and dads. At the rooftop infinity pool, sauna area, and Kempinski The Spa, aching muscles melt away, too.
WHY GRANDPARENTS LOVE IT
Sometimes a good thing deserves its genuine staying power. In Engelberg, a monastery still exists centuries after Benedictine monks settled here in 1120. The abbey is open for visitors and on the grounds of Engelberg Monastery, we were delighted to find a working cheesemaking facility with tasty goodies for sale. An hour away in Meiringen, where the character Sherlock Holmes fell to his death at Reichenbach Falls, we visited the English Church where a small museum is dedicated to the detective.
Escape together to a remote destination
When you utter “Bali” have you noticed it can make people jealous? Stay at the The Apurva Kempinski Bali and understand why. Apurva means “unique and magnificent” in Sanskrit, a fitting name for this stunning open-air architectural concept. Tumbling waterfalls gradually make their way down to the Indian Ocean, emerging from lush bougainvillaea-covered terraces in a landscape that flows naturally from majestic cliff tops. Book a three-bedroom villa for the ultimate in a three-generational family vacation. At 637 square metres with its own private plunge pool, terrace, and garden, the Majapahit Villas are beyond spacious.
A trip to Bali offers an opportunity to discover new cultures and traditions.
WHY CHILDREN LOVE IT
Did someone say slides and chutes that plop down into the kids' pool? And a glass-bottomed boat ride in crystal clear water? The Apurva Kempinski Bali beachfront resort is set in a remote tropical paradise at Nusa Dua, known for its soft beige sandcastle-worthy sand and gentle waves protected by an offshore coral reef. Beyond the reef, older kids appreciate excellent snorkelling and surfing.
WHY PARENTS LOVE IT
Two children and a few years after taking their honeymoon in Bali, my daughter and her husband couldn’t wait to return. From underwater dining in an aquarium to ocean views from Pala Restaurant and Rooftop Bar, they can choose a different restaurant every evening, raising a toast to family at the best club lounge in Bali. And then there’s the luxurious Apurva Spa, reflecting time-honoured Javanese and Balinese aesthetics and philosophy.
The Jalak Family Club in Bali offers a wide range of activities.
Dining at Koral is an unforgettable experience.
Children can learn about local culture through the many activities proposed by the hotel team.
Kayaking is a fun way to explore the pristine coastline.
The kids’ pool offers hours of entertainment.
Bali’s beaches are the perfect location for family fun.
WHY GRANDPARENTS LOVE IT
Facing east, the beach at Nusa Dua is perfect for watching sunrises whilst contemplating a day of relaxation ahead. Decisions are lightweight…shall we visit the buffet or take room service breakfast? Knowing that our grandchildren were enjoying a day at the kids’ club, we set out for a shopping excursion at the nearby Bali Collection complex using the complimentary shuttle transport.
With each passing year, we all become more aware that time flies. So, it’s never too soon to plan ahead. Start dreaming about enjoying your next multi-generational holiday today.
If you enjoyed this, why not embark upon a family adventure in one of these 11 destinations?