Planning the perfect family vacation is no easy task, all the more so when you're bringing the entire family along. With the increasing popularity of RV travel, family members of all ages are now able to hit the open road together and create unforgettable memories. The best multigenerational trips can offer amazing opportunities to connect with your loved ones.
When you have multiple generations to consider, is it possible to draft a perfect itinerary that check's everyone's boxes? Well, it's certainly worth a try. Need proof? You're about to be introduced to a list of the 10 best multigenerational vacation ideas for RV travelers you could ever go on!
Why Go on a Multigenerational Road Trip in an RV?
Before we get ahead of ourselves, it's worth looking into several reasons why you might want to go on a multigenerational road trip in an RV.
It's the Most Affordable (and Least Stressful) Option
An RV road trip is simply much more cost-effective than going on such a multigenerational family trip any other way.
When you travel in an RV together, that's both your transportation and your accommodations; right from the get-go, you save money by not trying to purchase plane tickets or book expensive hotel rooms for many different people (which, by the way, also saves you the stress of having to deal with all of that...and eliminates the danger of flight cancellations!).
Plus, since you can cook right in the RV kitchen, there's no need to go out to expensive restaurants! It’s so much more affordable!
It Offers Flexibility and Route Customization
Taking to the road in an RV offers you the flexibility to tailor your itinerary to suit the interests, needs, and preferences of each family member on board. If you were on a plane trip for a week to a popular locale, you'd have to pick and choose — and disappoint somebody.
However, when you go on an RV road trip, you can modify your route, change plans, and stop at any attractions you want to as you go. It provides a chance for everyone to enjoy their favorite activities or destinations along the way.
RV Travel is Comfortable and Convenient
An RV provides a comfortable, home-like environment for multigenerational travel. Those who may have specific needs or mobility limitations, like young children and seniors, can enjoy being in familiar surroundings between stops. They can rest/nap, stretch out, watch shows, or read — and then also enjoy different places with all of their family members.
Bond with Your Family
Finally, traveling together on the best multigenerational trips in an RV provides a unique opportunity for families to bond and spend quality time together in fantastic places. Think about how awesome it will be to share experiences, have conversations, and see famous and beautiful sights out on the road.
Going on an adventure like a multigenerational road trip helps strengthen family relationships and can create lasting memories for everyone!
The 10 Best Multigenerational Trips in an RV
Okay, now you're ready. Here it is: A list of the 10 Best Multigenerational Trips in an RV! Keep in mind that these are just ideas; you can take these suggestions and roll with them however you wish.
The iconic Route 66 offers an unforgettable journey through America's heartland, passing through eight states and several generations of history along its more than 2,400 miles.
While on "The Mother Road", you can stop at iconic landmarks such as the Gateway Arch, Grand Canyon, Cadillac Ranch, and explore no small number of charming small towns and roadside attractions as you make your way to the West Coast (or go in the opposite direction, from Santa Monica to the Windy City!).
This is the nation's most visited national park, and it offers visitors like you the sight of stunning mountain vistas, verdant forests, and plenty of family-friendly activities in the region.
What's to do? Venture out for side trips to Dollywood, Cades Cove, and Clingmans Dome, or stay in the park to enjoy a bit of fishing, hiking, and picnicking. You can even split up for a bit, and everyone can do what they want!
A tropical paradise awaits you in the Florida Keys, featuring crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and world-class fishing. Departing from Miami, head down and explore from Key Largo to Key West.
The whole family has their choice of activities in the Keys, including snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, and more!
There are also interesting historical sites to visit, such as the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
The over 700 miles of trails to explore — ranging from easy strolls to hikes that push you to your limit — are just one reason to visit Glacier National Park on a multigenerational RV road trip. Glacier National Park also happens to offer breathtaking views of pristine forests, alpine meadows, and rugged mountains.
If you're keen on wildlife viewing, keep an eye out for the animals that call Glacier National Park home, including grizzly bears, wolves, elk, and mountain goats!
Want to hit the road again? Take a scenic drive along the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
This iconic and scenic coastal route boasts stunning ocean views, quaint beach towns, and some of the most beautiful national parks in the country along the way. Leave your heart in San Francisco, while away the day at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, or catch a wave at Santa Barbara — it's up to you!
The more you drive, the more you see. From Big Sur to the Redwood National and State Parks, you'll have your fill of beauty and wonder as you explore the northwest coast on your way up to Seattle.
6. New England Fall Foliage Tour: Maine to Connecticut
Experience the breathtaking beauty of autumn in New England with a road trip through the region's charming small towns and vibrant foliage. Enjoy apple picking, pumpkin patches, and picturesque covered bridges along the way.
While you're there, you should also visit historic sites, such as Plymouth Rock and the Freedom Trail in Boston. Be sure to sample the local cuisine (clam chowder and lobster rolls are a must!), too!
7. Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia and North Carolina)
This scenic drive offers 469 miles of stunning Appalachian Mountain landscapes, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and taking in spectacular views.
Enlighten the whole family with a trip to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello in Virginia, or explore Asheville, NC's vibrant art scene. Wherever you stop, you have a chance to learn more about American history and experience southern culture and hospitality.
8. Utah's "Mighty 5" National Parks: Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion
Discover the diverse beauty of Utah's five national parks on this epic road trip. Grab yourself a National Parks annual pass before you go; it'll pay for itself long before this epic multigenerational road trip is completed.
From the famous Delicate Arch to the colorful hoodoos (rock formations) of Bryce Canyon, each of the "Mighty 5" national parks in the Beehive State offers unique landscapes and activities that will delight family members of all generations!
9. Great Lakes Circle Tour: Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota
This road trip offers a mix of bustling world-famous cities, charming small towns, and stunning lakeside scenery (and beaches galore!). When you embark on a Great Lakes tour in an RV, you're able to explore the beautiful shorelines of Lakes Michigan, Superior, and Huron.
Will you enjoy leaving the RV behind for a bit for a visit to vehicle-free Mackinac Island, or will you revel in the iconic attractions of cities like Chicago, Minneapolis, and Milwaukee? Guess what? You can do both 'cause it's your multigenerational RV road trip!
10. Niagara Falls and the Finger Lakes (Ontario, Canada, and New York, USA)
If you've never witnessed the natural wonder and power of Niagara Falls, then a multigenerational family road trip in an RV is the perfect chance to do so. You can park on the American side and walk over for the day, or reserve a campsite in Ontario, Canada and explore Niagara-on-the-Lake's beauty and vineyards at your leisure (be sure to try some ice wine!).
When you're done there, explore the picturesque Finger Lakes region, halfway between Niagara Falls and NYC. Don't forget to include a visit to the Corning Museum of Glass for a unique family experience!
Tips to Make the Most of the Journey
Balancing the various needs and preferences of a multigenerational family on an RV road trip can be a challenge, but you can manage it with open communication, flexible and thoughtful planning, and scheduled downtime.
Openly Communication While Planning
Be sure to discuss expectations and preferences with everyone who will be along for the ride; everyone has something they want to see and do, and knowing before you head out will allow you to plan the best route.
Consider Accessibility Needs
If older family members are taking part (hopefully, they are), you need to take their needs into account. When planning your route, consider the accessibility requirements of your travel party, including wheelchair access, walking distances, and more.
Do your best to ensure everyone will be able to participate as much as possible in your planned activities and attractions.
Schedule Downtime - Often
Make sure to include rest periods and downtime in your itinerary, too. You're going to be in a smaller space together for an extended period of time, so you need to allow family members to have some personal space and recharge. This is a great way to prevent burnout and maintain harmony.
Be Flexible!
Above all, be flexible. Be prepared to adjust your itinerary as needed, based on the aforementioned expectations and preferences of your family members, but also due to sudden illness, bad weather, or even — especially from the younger ones — changes in interests in certain sites and attractions.
Go on a Multigenerational Road Trip with Cruise America
Embarking on a multigenerational RV road trip offers the perfect opportunity for you and your family to bond as you explore the country and create memories you'll revisit for decades to come.
The best multigenerational trips in an RV enable the whole family to travel together in a comfortable, flexible, and cost-effective way, and Cruise America wants to help you get started.
Ready to pack your bags and hit the road? Get in touch with Cruise America first to rent or buy an RV today. With the help of Cruise America, you'll be able to plan a road trip that will surely be cherished by your youngest and oldest family members — and everyone in between!
