Trips for Everyone

How to Plan Adventures

for Every Age Group

Travel isn’t one-size-fits-all. The perfect vacation for a toddler running around the pool might be very different from what a teen wants, and completely different from what a retiree craves. But here’s the thing—travel can be designed for every age group, and planning with your audience in mind ensures everyone has a memorable, stress-free experience.

Traveling With Kids

  • Look for places that combine fun and safety: interactive museums, aquariums, nature parks with short trails, indoor play centers, or amusement parks with age-appropriate rides. Balance high-energy activities with quiet ones to avoid meltdowns.

  • Opt for hotels, resorts, or rentals that are family-focused: pools, playgrounds, cribs, and kitchenettes. Resorts like Great Wolf Lodge or vacation rentals via Kid & Coe are specifically tailored for families.

  • Pack a day bag with snacks, water, sunscreen, medications, and a small first-aid kit. Use apps like Life360 for location sharing, or Google Maps for easy navigation. Always have a backup plan if kids get tired or fussy.

  • Kids’ energy ebbs and flows. Schedule breaks between meals, naps, and activities. Leave room for spontaneous fun and exploration—you’ll thank yourself later.

    • Ciao Bambino – family travel guides and kid-friendly itineraries

    • Family Travel Forum – reviews and tips for destinations, activities, and accommodations

    • TravelingMom – practical advice for packing, safety, and fun with kids

    • Airbnb Family-Friendly filter – find rentals with amenities for children

    • TripAdvisor Family-Friendly filter – discover attractions and restaurants that cater to kids

Traveling With Elderly

  • Choose destinations that are easy to navigate and not physically taxing: scenic drives, city bus tours, river cruises, botanical gardens, or museums with benches and elevators.

  • Look for hotels and rentals that are senior-friendly: elevators, walk-in showers, grab bars, and ground-floor or conveniently located rooms. Marriott Senior Travel and Hilton Accessibility Guides are great starting points.

  • Pack essentials: medications, water, snacks, first-aid kit, and a fully charged phone. Apps like Google Maps for navigation, Uber for safe rides, and Medical ID (iPhone/Android) can be lifesavers. Keep a list of local medical facilities and emergency numbers handy.

  • Plan a slower pace, allow for frequent rest stops, and mix sightseeing with quiet moments. Avoid cramming too many activities in a day—comfort and enjoyment come first.

    • Sixty and Me – travel inspiration and tips specifically for seniors

    • AccessibleGO – detailed accessibility guides for hotels, attractions, and transport

    • Road Scholar – organized, educational trips designed for older adults

    • Senior Planet Travel – ideas for safe, engaging trips for elderly travelers

    • TripAdvisor Senior-Friendly filter – helps find attractions that cater to older adults

Traveling is for everyone. Whether it’s a little one seeing the ocean for the first time, a teen screaming on a roller coaster, an adult discovering the best local eats, or a senior wandering through a historic site, a little planning goes a long way in making sure everyone has a good time. Think about what your crew actually enjoys, what excites them, and what will make the trip feel effortless. Check out blogs, local guides, and online resources!

You’ll be surprised how much easier it makes everything.

At the end of the day, trips are really about connection. With the people you’re with, the cultures you get to dive into, and the world you’re exploring.

A trip that’s planned with everyone in mind doesn’t just “get things done.”

It creates laughs, stories, and memories you’ll all carry home long after the adventure is over.