If there’s one travel trend South Africans are embracing with open arms, it’s multi-generational holidays – or as we like to call them at Flight Centre: ‘grandtravel’ goals.
According to Flight Centre’s recent Global PR survey across six countries – including Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Canada, and the US – South Africans lead the pack when it comes to family-first adventures. A whopping 86% of local travellers say they’ve travelled or would consider travelling with multiple generations of their family. And here’s what really sets us apart from our international counterparts: South Africans show the strongest interest globally in using a travel agent to plan these complex getaways.
“Multi-gen trips are special,” explains Antoinette Turner, General Manager at Flight Centre South Africa. “They’re about memory-making across ages and stages, from toddlers splashing in pools and teens craving TikTok-worthy thrills to parents needing a breather and grandparents wanting quality time without chaos. But the truth of the matter is that these types of getaways are also logistical beasts.”
And that’s where having an experienced Travel Expert becomes essential.
Why Multi-Gen Travel is Booming Now
With families more globally scattered than ever before, thanks to emigration trends, hybrid work models, and digital nomadism, the desire for reconnection has never been stronger.
Turner notes that post-pandemic sentiment has shifted significantly toward meaningful travel moments shared across generations. “People used to chase destinations; they’re now chasing depth. Laughs and lazy dinners in Tuscany villas or snorkelling together off Mauritius’ coral-fringed coasts. These experiences become legacy memories.”
But while dreamy on paper (or Instagram), designing a trip that ticks the boxes for every age group is no small feat – and mistakes can be costly in both rands and relationships.
Expert Tips for Nailing Your Next Multi-Gen Holiday
Forget superficial suggestions like ‘book early’ or ‘choose kid-friendly hotels.’ Here are real industry insights from our Travel Experts who live and breathe itinerary design:
1. Start with lifestyle alignment
Too often trips fall flat because they prioritise destination over dynamic. Begin by understanding each traveller’s rhythm: early risers vs night owls; cultural explorers vs beach bums – and build an itinerary around energy flow rather than bucket lists.
2. Design downtime deliberately
Ensure you allow for intentional space between activities, so no one feels rushed or burnt out midway through day three. Our experts often build itineraries using “pulse planning” – alternating high-energy days (e.g., game drives) with low-key recovery days (e.g., spa + pool + wine).
3. Think modular accommodation
“Gone are the days when one-size-fits-all resorts ruled,” says Turner. “Today, it’s about flexible formats, like private villas within resort grounds and cruise cabins grouped together but offering different configurations.” The key is proximity with privacy.
4. Prioritise intergenerational touchpoints
The magic happens when age barriers blur through shared experience, whether it’s guided stargazing under Namibian skies or pasta-making classes in Florence, with everyone elbow-deep in flour.
5. Manage generational expectations upfront
Travel means different things to different people (and different age groups), and so do priorities like budget vs comfort vs adventure level. “We often encourage families to co-create trip goals during planning,” advises Turner. “It helps avoid disappointment when someone wants daily excursions while another just wants beach naps aplenty.” Setting shared intentions can make all the difference between tension and togetherness.
Why You Need a Real Human Behind Your Booking
Flight Centre’s Global PR survey also revealed that South Africans value Travel Experts more than any other nationality surveyed, with time savings, convenience, and expert knowledge cited as top reasons why.
That all matters even more when navigating multi-layered bookings involving different age brackets (and usually vastly different needs) all wrapped into one cohesive experience. From dietary restrictions and mobility requirements to ensuring everyone gets their ‘moment-to-shine’ excursion, it’s simply too much pressure for most DIY planners juggling WhatsApp groups full of opinions!
Plus, working with a travel agent means you get access to exclusive deals you won’t find online…
Like Flight Centre’s Bundle and Save promotion.
Book & pay in-store for an international tour or cruise (minimum 5 nights) + return flights + travel insurance… and SAVE R5000 on your booking!
(T&Cs apply | R80 000 min spend | Exclusive to Flight Centre Deals subscribers)
Not part of the deal-hunting crew yet? Sign up today – it’ll double your birthday voucher, too!
So, whether it’s beachside bonding in Bali, safari sunsets shared with three generations, or simply seeing your child and parent laugh at the same moment for the first time in years, multi-gen travel is less about ticking boxes and more about tying heartstrings.
These are the trips that become stories retold around dinner tables for decades. They’re worth getting right.
