10 of the best multigenerational vacations for families to make memories

travel

22 Oct

I’m fascinated by trips that bring different generations together. Multigenerational vacations (or holidays) aren’t just about sightseeing. There’s something special about seeing grandparents, parents, and children share the same sunrise, the same table, or the same view after months or years of living apart.

Although I’m not naturally drawn to large resorts or busy cities these days, I’ve learnt that comfort has its place when travelling across generations.

The best places for multigenerational family vacations find a balance between ease and meaning. They offer enough rest for the older ones, enough adventure for the younger ones, and enough stillness for everyone to reconnect.

Explore some of the best multigenerational vacation ideas to inspire your next shared getaway.

The best places for multigenerational family vacations

1. Urban cities

Urban cities are where convenience meets connection – places with comfortable hotels, family-friendly attractions, and everything within easy reach. They’re some of the best multigenerational vacation destinations for families who want accessibility without sacrificing experiences.

Once, my grandparents, aunts, and uncles all travelled from Malaysia to Singapore to visit my eldest uncle’s family. It wasn’t a grand holiday, but a simple trip built around company and comfort, sharing meals, exploring nearby attractions, and catching up between air-conditioned spaces and shaded parks.

2. Heritage towns

Heritage towns are living reminders of how people once moved, traded, and built their lives, and they make beautiful backdrops for multigenerational trips. Streets lined with old buildings and timeless food traditions give everyone something to enjoy at their own pace.

I can’t recall all the details now, but there were family talks about short trips to Penang or Melaka when I was younger. What I do remember is that it was never really about sightseeing, but about being together somewhere that still felt familiar.

3. Countryside

Countryside retreats invite families to slow down among open fields, small hills, and the sound of nothing much at all. They’re ideal for multigenerational travel, offering quiet for grandparents to rest, space for children to play freely, and unhurried time in between.

Some of the most memorable stays are simple: a small villa surrounded by green, or a family-run farm stay where breakfast comes from the garden and afternoons stretch without plans.

4. Highlands

You can think of Malaysia’s highlands as the country’s natural retreat, where cool air, rolling hills, and slow mornings invite families to unwind together. Unlike in countries where people live year-round in elevated regions, Malaysia’s hill stations remain weekend refuges.

When my grandmother was still alive, my dad used to drive us up to Genting Highlands. The trip wasn’t long, but it always felt like an escape – the winding roads, the mist in the air, and that sense of being somewhere different, even just a couple of hours from home.

5. Forest or nature parks

Forest and nature parks are ideal for families who enjoy spending time outdoors without traveling far. They offer walking trails, picnic areas, and open spaces where everyone can move at their own pace.

For families who prefer a little more comfort, glamping can be a practical option. It combines the experience of being surrounded by nature with the convenience of proper beds and private bathrooms. It’s a peaceful way to spend time together in nature without the structure of a resort or tour.

6. Lakeside or riverside

Lakeside or riverside escapes offer a slower rhythm of travel, where days revolve around calm waters, soft breezes, and simple moments. These places suit families who enjoy quiet time together, chatting over breakfast by the lake, taking a short boat ride, or watching the sunset ripple across the water.

Unlike seaside resorts (read next), which tend to be more crowded, these inland getaways often feel gentler and more private. Many lakeside and riverside resorts also offer easy access and shorter walking distances, making them comfortable for both older and younger family members alike.

7. Coasts

Coastal escapes are ideal for families who enjoy being near the sea but still want easy access to nearby towns. Seaside areas often combine the best of both worlds – beaches for slow mornings and town centres for meals, shops, and walks.

From basic beachfront stays to larger all-inclusive resorts, these places offer convenience and comfort for every age group. They’re practical choices for multigenerational trips, where everyone can relax in their own way without being far from what they need.

8. Islands

Island getaways offer a balance between getting away from it all and still having space to explore. Reached by ferry or flight, they feel just far enough to create a sense of escape without losing the comforts of modern travel.

Depending on the island, families can stay in seaside villas, overwater chalets, or local guesthouses, with boat tours and snorkelling trips often available. These places tend to encourage shared experiences – meals by the sea, evening walks, and simply being present together, away from the noise of the mainland.

9. Cruises

Cruises are one of the best multigenerational vacations for families of all ages to travel together. A survey conducted by CLIA in 2024 shared that about one-third of families sail with at least two generations onboard. It’s easy to see why – there’s no packing and unpacking, no constant transfers, only stretches of open sea between shared meals and sunset views.

From short weekend cruises to nowhere that sail without a port stop, to longer voyages through the Mediterranean or Southeast Asia, they’re effortless and all-inclusive. Families can spend the day together over buffet breakfasts, walks on deck, or shore excursions, and still find space for their own interests before gathering again for dinner.

10. Family homes

Family homes aren’t just places to sleep. They’re where stories are retold, where one family inevitably hosts, and where the same arguments resurface over who’s cooking the meals.

Still, it’s one of the most familiar and heartfelt forms of getaway in Malaysia. With so many holidays tied to different religions and customs, balik kampung (returning to one’s hometown) often becomes the real family vacation. No hotel check-ins, no itineraries, just laughter, shared meals, and maybe a little drama in between.