Solo travelling gives way to multi-generation trips this year

Even before Hollywood movies like Little Miss Sunshine popularised the concept of multi-generation travelling; our average Indian families could be seen going in for their annual winter breaks to Simla or Darjeeling with their monkey-cap clad dadajis and mamajis, sweater and shawl-laden dadis and buas and a whole bunch of chattering kids! Up until a few years back, the concept of nuclear families broke the trend and gave way to solo travelling.This meant going on a holiday, minus the ‘luggage’, experiencing a country or a city all by yourself. But thanks to a new travel survey, our holiday lovers who love holidaying with their entire parivaar can plan their multi-generation trips again!
Travel experts around the world have predicted that the year 2016 will see a rise in this travel trend. Andheri-based Sudeshna Roy’s parents marked their 50th anniversary last month by paying for their entire family to stay at a resort in Alibaug, about two-and-a-half hours away from the city. From her grandparents, parents, uncles and aunts, siblings and their tiny tots, the Roys zoomed out of the city for a big celebration. Sudeshna says, “I have never been on a holiday with more than 10 family members before. It required some scheduling — booking a cottage that could accommodate everyone, places we could visit nearby, activities that everyone could do and enjoy — coz’ hey, we’re all family!” Talking about the rise in multi-generation travel, Abbas Moiz, secretary, Travel Federation of India, says, “Customised packages are in demand among most families in the city. They either want to go in for a short weekend stay in and around Mumbai like Mahabaleshwar, Pench, Malsej Ghat or Nasik or are looking for international as well domestic options where the entire family can holiday together. We have started catering to these tailor-made packages now. Timing, accommodation and food are some of the things that need focus when we plan such packages because most families take elders and children along with them.” It was no different for Navi Mumbai couple Dhruva Obhan and wife.
“Four generations of my family smilingly lined up in front of the SUV that I booked during the first week of the New Year to travel to Panchgani. My 87-year-old grandmother was most excited since she hadn’t been out in a long, long time. I decided to take my parents along; my father underwent a bypass surgery a couple of months ago and the doctors recommended a change of place to make him feel better. My wife and I had been planning this trip for long, but due to my dad’s failing health, it hadn’t been possible. So, till the kids had their winter vacations going, we finalised on this short trip,” says he. Tushar Agarwal, a travel enthusiast and tour organiser, says, “We normally organise trips for singles or couples. However, in the last few months, during the ongoing holiday season, we have been approached by many single as well as married people who wish to not only travel with their entire family but also take their extended families on holidays. This new-age travel trend has inspired us to prepare itineraries, which will help more and more families in the city to opt for multi-generation trips.”
MULTI-GENERATION TRAVEL FRIENDLY DESTINATIONS
Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Set in the lap of the Himalayas, Manali is one such hill station that is preferred by tourists of all ages. Though situated at a higher altitude, the pleasing weather of this place suits the older generation as well.
Hidimba Devi Temple, Manu Temple and Vashisth Temple — older generation.
Adventure sports like paragliding, mountaineering, river rafting, trekking, water crossing and skiing — younger crowd.
Rajasthan
When it comes to family vacations in the country, it’s always Rajasthan that tops the list amongst Indians. With its rich, cultural heritage and mighty forts and palaces, this place is a treat for all travellers.
Jaipur: Shopping, food and temples — All age groups.
Pushkar: Temples — older generation.
Ranthambore: Wildlife safaris — younger generation and kids.
Jodhpur and Jaisalmer: Sand dunes — younger generation and kids.
Africa
If you want every generation of your family to be amazed and have a good time, the best one is to plan a safari.
Wildlife safari and meeting indigenous tribes in Masai Mara, Kenya and Nairobi — people of all age groups.
Natural wonders in Ngorongora Crater, Mount Kilimanjaro and Serengeti National Park — people of all age groups.
Singapore
A place which religiously caters to all age groups, Singapore is an ideal destination to plan your family trip. From a number of places for sightseeing to shopping and adventure theme parks — you will be spoilt for choice. n Marina Bay, Science Museum, Casino and various shopping, dining and nightlife options — people of all ages.
Clarke Quay and Singapore Flyer: World’s largest observation wheel, a number of al fresco bars, bustling restaurants and boutique shops — younger crowd.
Chinatown and Little India: Cheap souvenirs, authentic Chinese, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple — people of all age groups.
Universal Studios and Singapore Night Safari — kids.
Florence, Italy
Apart from being the centre of Renaissance and one of Europe’s most beautiful city, Florence is a city that provides a compact and an easily walkable destination for families of all age groups.
Uffizi Gallery and Galleria della Accademia — grandparents and elders in the family.
Ponte Vecchio — women.
Lucca, Tuscan towns, San Gimignano and Siena — couples and kids.
PACKING PREREQUISITES
- Scan your passports, visas and other important documents and email them to yourself, in case of loss, theft etc.
- Ample quantity of warm clothes if you are travelling with elders or kids.
- Ensure that you have zip-top bags of various sizes. They come handy when you are out sightseeing and need to pack food with you.
- A re-usable water bottle is always a must-carry when you are travelling.
- Torch, batteries, mobile chargers and travel cards are always a must when out on a family vacation.