Reading time: 5 minutes
The new trend taking over the holidays: Travel... with EVERYONE
Once upon a time, family holidays meant piling the kids into the car and hoping no one discovered motion sickness halfway to the Gold Coast. Fast-forward to now, and the mega trip has entered the chat - a full-scale, multi-generational migration involving grandparents, parents, teens, toddlers, cousins, someone’s new partner, and possibly the family dog.
And honestly? We're here for it.
As Aussies plan their summer breaks and festive season escapes, the big family holiday is booming. Blame rising travel costs, the "let's actually spend quality time together" movement, or the fact that gifts feel a bit meh compared to a day on a beach in Fiji. Whatever the reason, these trips are becoming the way families reconnect, reset, and create brag-worthy group selfies that make your friends say, "OMG who organised that?!"
Why multi-gen travel is having a moment
1. The great reunion energySince borders reopened, families are catching up on lost time. Big shared holidays = maximum memory-making.
2. Gifts are out, experiences are in
Especially around Christmas, more families are choosing "let's all go to Bali together" over matching pyjamas. (Although... matching pyjamas on the holiday is undeniably iconic.)
3. Split costs = happier wallets
When grandparents, siblings, and cousins all pitch in, suddenly villas, cruises, and dreamy destinations feel way more doable.
4. Grandparents are keen for adventures
And honestly, they're thriving. It's wholesome content in real time.
5. Social media is fuelling it
One viral TikTok or a 12-person holiday in Fiji and suddenly everyone wants in.
Where to take the whole crew (Holiday Edition)
Fiji - The family crowd-pleaser
Fiji is basically built for multi-gen holidays. Kid's clubs? Tick. Adults-only pools? Tick. Waterfalls? Snorkelling? Sand that looks like it's been FaceTuned? Tick, tick, tick. Perfect for festive season relaxation with minimal stress.
New Zealand - Road trips the whole family can agree on
Easy flights, stunning views, gentle adventure, and no language barriers (beyond deciphering teen slang). Great for families who love nature but not necessarily camping in it.
Queensland's coastal hotspots - Beaches for days
From the Sunshine Coast to the Whitsundays, Queensland has endless options for multi-gen fun: boardwalks, wildlife parks, surf lessons, and restaurants that are genuinely kid-friendly - meaning everyone can actually enjoy their meal.
Bali - One villa to fit them all
Private pool villas + affordable food + sun + culture = a dream holiday with enough space for everyone to spread out. The ultimate "we can hang out... but also hide" destination.
Cruises - Something for everyone (literally)
Cruises are basically floating cities. Kids' clubs. Spas. Buffets. Shows. Shopping. Nap zones. You can be together without being together every minute - that's the magic.
How to plan a mega trip without losing the plot
Start with a group chat
Yes, it'll be chaotic. Yes, someone will mute it. But it's essential for syncing flights, budgets, and sleep preferences ("I need blackout curtains or I'm a monster").
Travel plan like a pro
Look into shared travel planner apps which may ease the pressure off any one person. Collaborative features in apps like Wanderlog and Let's Jetty help with the admin that comes when organising a group.
Agree on the essentials early
Budget, accommodation style, pace of travel, and how much together time everyone actually wants. No one likes surprise spending... or surprise roommates.
Consider accessibility
Grandparents might not want to hike a volcano at 5am, but they may be up for the celebratory brekkie afterwards. Build an itinerary that works for every age and energy level.
Book early - Holiday season fills fast
Activities, tours, even restaurants get busy. The earlier you book, the smoother the trip, especially when you're booking for the whole fam.
Keep it flexible
Not everyone wants to do the same activity every day, or hang out with other people's kids (or even your own). Make space for solo adventures... and naps.
Keeping the peace: Multi-Gen Edition
Rotate who chooses activities
Today is Grandma's botanical garden day. Tomorrow is the teens' waterpark takeover. Thursday? You're all doing a relaxing beach day, because the family needs... balance.
Create zones of freedom
Let the early birds walk at dawn while the night owls rise at 11am. Everyone wins.
Embrace the art of downtime
Holiday burnout is real. Build "chill hours" into your days - pool lounging, beach reading, or simply avoiding eye contact with anyone you're related to.
Snacks = peace
Always carry snacks. This is non-negotiable.
Budgeting for a big family holiday (without tears)
Book early, save early
Holiday season pricing loves to test your commitment. Booking months ahead helps.
Share big spaces
Large villas, Airbnbs, or upgraded interconnecting hotel rooms make life easier and usually cheaper - you'll appreciate having shared living space to hang out together that's not a hotel lobby or somewhere you need to spend $$ to be.
Use split-bill apps
Avoid awkward "you owe me $17.40 for the ice creams" conversations. Splitwise is a great app designed exactly for this.
Look for group deals
Tours, cruises, and activities often offer group rates - you might as well use the power of your entourage. Group rates aren't always advertised so make sure you ask.
Why consider travel insurance for multi-gen trips?
Look, when you're travelling with 10 people, anything can happen - and usually does.
A travel insurance policy may help with:
- Trip cancellations or interruptions
- Unexpected medical expenses
- Luggage that decides it's taking its own holiday
- Cover for activities you might get talked into (looking at you, jet skis)
Always read the PDS carefully and consider the needs of each traveller - parents with toddlers may value different cover options to those with adventure-seeking teens, or to the grey nomads.
The above features and benefits are a summary of cover only. Cover is subject to the full terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions outlined in the Product Disclosure Statement.
Your multi-gen holiday season checklist
- Passports (and check the expiry dates!)
- Medication for all ages
- Sunscreen x 100
- Snacks. For kids AND adults.
- Shared itinerary/app
- Power banks
- Local SIMs or roaming
- Entertainment for kids
- Emergency contacts
- Travel insurance details saved digitally
- Camera for the memories
- Patience. A necessity when travelling with anyone, let alone family.
Big trips = big memories
Multi-generational mega trips aren't just a trend - they're a wholesome, chaotic, hilarious, unforgettable way to spend the holidays. Whether you're lounging in Fiji, road-tripping in NZ, or taking over a cruise ship, the best part is experiencing it all together.