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Travel while you are young! Go before you settle down. You won’t be able to move around when you have children. When you retire you can travel again…
Coloring between the lines is an excellent life skill.
But, as Mr. Einstein noted, “You have to color outside the lines once in a while if you want to make your life a masterpiece.”
“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” – Albert Einstein
And, at Rothschild Safaris we are all about the magnum opus.
This is why we love working on multi-generational travel for families on 3G trips and creating memories that can eclipse lifetimes.
If you have ever dreamed about bringing your loved ones on an epic family vacation together you have great wisdom, and you are also following one of the latest travel trends.
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“Travel, in the younger sort, is a part of education; in the elder, a part of experience” – Francis Bacon
The ABCs of 3G family travel
A is for Activities
Discovering a new world often goes hand in hand with learning new things. At home everyone may have their own hobbies and pastimes but when family travels together, members of different generations often find new activities to try together. This allows you the opportunity to broaden your understanding, not only of new places and faces, but also your knowledge and perceptions about each other.
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“Experience, travel – these are an education in themselves.” – Euripedes
B is for Bonding
Modern life is a symphony of constant distractions. Travel will perform a magical disappearing act – meetings, work, sport commitments, school, shopping, cooking and (on occasion and by request) even the ubiquitous Wi-Fi connections…all gone.
It might be a little disconcerting to suddenly find yourself with absolutely nothing to stress or worry about.
What you find yourself left with is shared experiences, opportunities and the most mystical ingredient of all; time to simply be together.
“Actually, the best gift you could have given her was a lifetime of adventures.” – Lewis Carroll
C is for Creativity
And by creativity we really mean neuroplasticity.
“Neural pathways are influenced by environment and habit, meaning they’re also sensitive to change. New sounds, smells, languages, tastes, sensations, and sights spark different synapses in the brain and may have the potential to revitalize the mind.” The Atlantic
Traveling together also gives every member of the family a chance to solve problems along the way. To adapt, improvise and overcome.
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“There are no perfect parents, and there are no perfect children, but there are plenty of perfect moments along the way.” – Dave Willis
Insider tips for multi-generational travel
1. Be open to a different approach to every experience.
A child may be less interested in seeing a lion and more enchanted by poking at a termite mound. When a grandparent dreams of seeing a particular animal the young members of the family might respond by becoming master trackers and make it their goal to find it. Or we might suggest hopping on a bicycle for your temple tour in Sri Lanka to expend a little extra energy while you explore the culture and history.
A multi-generational trip should expand what is possible and what you may expect…as long as you remember to pack an open mind.
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2. Encourage everyone to try everything. And prepare everyone for a family adventure holiday as well as possible according to their needs.
A young child might not need the full itinerary but will cope much better when they know there will be a swimming pool at the end of a long flight tomorrow. Your aunt might have a love of art, so do research before you board the train for Macchu Pichu in Peru.
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“May your adventures bring you closer together, even as they take you far away from home.” – Trenton Lee Stewart
3. Plan, plan, and plan, then plan some more.
It is an excellent idea to leave your multi-generational trip in the hands of the experts. While two African lodges may be within a monkey tree swing from each other, they may have very different approaches to safari life. Your holiday can be made or broken by picking the perfect villa.
Imagine the difference between trying to keep children quiet during a siesta because you are worried they may disturb other guests and having secluded accommodation with a private pool…
So, when we are designing a luxury family holiday we take everyone’s preferences into account. From seven to seventy we have your back.
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“Once the travel bug bites there is no known antidote, and I know that I shall be happily infected until the end of my life.” – Michael Palin
4. Book as far in advance as possible.
Especially if you like having the best of everything wherever you go. Many of the camps we use are small and exclusive so this means that they fill up quickly – especially in high season. If you don’t want to compromise, you’ll want to book a minimum of one year in advance. It is almost never too soon to begin.
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“The greatest legacy we can leave our children is happy memories.” – Og Mandino
5. Where available always book private homes and exclusive vehicles etc.
One of the true luxuries of a 3G safari is having things done your way. We work with a range of places that cater to private experiences so that the whole property belongs to your family, your whims, your schedule. Even if sharing a property with other guests, private vehicles can usually be arranged so that the guides can focus on your family’s specific interests while searching for wildlife.
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“Two of the greatest gifts we can give our children are roots and wings.” – Hodding Carter
6. Do use properties that run phenomenal multi-generational programs.
Many of our designers have taken their families on safari. We are impressed by the innovative and fun programs with activities designed especially for small children and teens. Younger generations learn all about tracking wildlife, bush cooking, local dance or playing games with school-age children from staff that embrace your children like they are their own.
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“Teaching kids to count is fine, but teaching them what counts is best.” – Bob Talbert
Our top tips for bringing the family on Safari
An African Safari
It doesn’t matter how old you are, elephants are always in fashion.
Choose malaria-free
Small malaria-free reserves in Madikwe and Welgevonden in South Africa are a an excellent option to consider.
Morukuru Farm House has five huge en-suite bedrooms linked to the central area by a covered walkway.
Image © Morukuru
Stay in a private house
Ol Jogi in Kenya is an exclusive oasis in the African bush sleep 25 guests with sweeping views of Mount Kenya. Perfect for multi-generational travel.
Image © Ol Jogi
Or delight in the Kalahari Desert from the gorgeous private home that is Tarkuni at Tswalu, where you may glimpse the elusive, yet charming, pangolin.
Image © Tswalu
Add a little island time
Thanda Island is surrounded by the Indian Ocean near Mafia Island off the coast of Tanzania. Soft white beaches, fresh seafood, and snorkeling in azure waters might be the perfect ending to your 3G safari.
Image © Thanda Island
Immerse your senses
Visit Morocco to experience ancient medinas, meet Bedouin tribes, sleep in a tent in the incredible Sahara and surf on the coast. Walking through a medina heightens all of your senses with new sights, sounds, and smells to decipher.
Image © Oberoi Morocco
An Asian Safari
It is difficult to improve on the range of diverse activities available in the gorgeous island country of Sri Lanka.
Ranawara Villa has expansive living spaces, understated luxury, and stunning views.
Image © Ranawara Villa
Incredible India is a great destination for a family adventure vacation.
Maybe they should consider changing the slogan to Instagram India as every day dawns over a new iconic image in the land of the Taj Mahal, Jaipur’s Amber Fort and the tigers of Ranthambore.
The Oberoi Vanyavilas promise Rajasthani cuisine, clawfoot tubs, four-poster beds, and private patios and gardens.
Image © Oberoi Hotels
A South American Safari
From the bright lights of Buenos Aires to kayaking the pristine shoreline of Patagonia; Argentina is a sure thing for multi-generational travel.
Enjoy idyllic views of nearby Mount Tronador and Lake Moreno with magnificent pools, world-class golf, and an amazing spa at the Llao Llao Hotel and Resort.
Image © Llao Llao
If your family leans toward the side of adrenaline, consider Peru.
The Inca Trail is well known but the country also has boat trips, jungle hikes, canopy towers, paddle boarding, mountain biking, zip-lining, and wildlife safaris to spot elusive rainforest wildlife. Some Amazonian residents include howler monkeys, macaws, caiman and – if you’re lucky – giant river otters.
Combine your Peru safari with a live-aboard cruise in the Galápagos.
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A Central American Safari
Costa Rica is the most biodiverse country on earth.
It is also conveniently small and magnificently accommodating to every member of the family. We know some members of our own families will prefer zip-lining and river rafting to taking a long dip in a natural hot spring (and some are self-proclaimed sloth lovers while others may always choose to find a tiny poison dart frog) and to this Costa Rica says, “No problem. It is all Pura Vida.”
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