The “Family Vacation,” what a fun and relaxing experience it was for everyone… except your parents. It’s true, your parents might have enjoyed themselves, but if you were traveling with them, it certainly wasn’t the rejuvenating holiday they had even minutely hoped for. Regardless of being an “easy child” or of how many exciting activities there were to occupy your little body and mind while traveling, you were still a handful – add in a sibling or two, then it’s basically a guarantee that a particular plan will go up in flames, someone will eventually have a tearful meltdown, and/or an embarrassing injury will occur. If your parents took you and your siblings on annual trips instead of leaving you with grandparents, they deserve a medal for their patience.
The truth is, parents don’t stop worrying just because you grow up, move out, or land a stable job. For them, real peace comes when they see you confidently taking the reins. And what better way to prove that than by treating them to their first truly relaxing family trip, planned by you. Here are some tips to make traveling with your parents as an adult both enjoyable and meaningful.
Let Them Choose the Destination
🐾 Family trips in the past were usually designed with you and your siblings in mind. This time, let your parents pick the spot, even if it’s not at the top of your list. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to travel where you want, but time to make new memories with your parents is finite. Furthermore, join them in certain activities you have little interest in. For instance, I’m not a drinker, but you can bet your ass I had a beer with my Dad during our first night in Prague!
Take On the Planning
🐾 Your parents spent decades putting your needs first. It’s time for you to show gratitude for their sacrifice and pay it forward. Be the one who researches hotels that suit their preferences, finds restaurants they’ll love, and books tours that align with their interests. Think of yourself as their own personal travel advisor.
Keep Accessibility in Mind
🐾 Things like stairs, steep streets, or long walks can become obstacles as your parents age. Choose accommodations with elevators, and when using public transit, opt for the escalator or elevator instead of pushing through crowded stairways, especially with luggage in tow.
Adjust the Pace
🐾 You may want to pack your itinerary with high-energy activities, but your parents might not be able to keep up. Take things slowly during such activities and include lots of breaks during them. I assure you, you will enjoy the process even more! Otherwise, ask them if they mind if you break off to do an activity alone – chances are they’ll welcome some downtime. Likewise, you could also break away from them while they are doing an activity you aren’t as interested in and arrange a meeting point later in the day.
Help Them Navigate
🐾 Whether it’s figuring out a new metro system or introducing them to travel apps that make things easier, be ready to step in as their guide. What feels intuitive to you may be overwhelming to them.
Celebrate Their Wins
🐾 One of the best parts of traveling with your parents as an adult is cheering them on when they surprise themselves. My Mother thought she could never climb the Eiffel Tower, but I knew she could do it if we went at a slower pace and enjoyed the journey. We took lots of photos together and appreciated how the shadows of the tower changed as we ascended. Our ascent and descent took a few hours, but what a magical few hours they were (despite my fear of heights). The look of amazement and triumph on my Mom’s face as she gazed up at the iconic tower she had just climbed was priceless.
Final Thoughts
🐾 Traveling with your parents as an adult isn’t just about sightseeing—it’s about gratitude, connection, and giving back. After years of putting you first, they deserve a trip where they can finally relax, knowing you’ve got everything handled. The memories you’ll create together will outlast the souvenirs, and one day, you’ll be grateful you took the time to give them the kind of vacation they always gave you.