Tips and tours for traveling with grandchildren

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My husband and I are interested in taking our two grandchildren on a big trip this summer. Can you recommend some travel companies that offer special travel packages for grandparents and grandchildren?

Grandparents traveling with their grandchildren have become a growing segment of the multigenerational travel industry. Not only is this type of travel fun, but it is also a terrific way to strengthen generational bonds and create lasting memories.

To help with your traveling aspirations, there are several travel companies that offer specialized grandparent/grandchildren and multigenerational trip packages. This is a great option if you are looking for companies to plan everything for you. While most of the activities are planned for both grandparents and grandchildren to enjoy together, there are some individually planned activities as well.

Tours are available in various trip lengths and price ranges. They are designed for children between 6 and 18 and are usually scheduled during the summer or winter school breaks. Tours will cater to the interests and needs of both the grandparents and the grandchildren. Things to consider before choosing a tour are the types of activities offered, the physical abilities of the participants, and the location and timing of the trip.

There are various companies and not-for-profit agencies that offer guided tours for multigenerational travel domestically and internationally. You may want to use your favorite search engine to find the companies, using key search terms such as "grandparent holiday tours" or other variations. You will want to look for well-established organizations, and review the activities and accommodations within the particular package.

Travel Documents

Depending on where you go and your mode of transportation, you will need to gather some documents for your grandchildren to make sure everything goes smoothly. In general, most travel experts recommend you bring a notarized travel consent form (letter of permission from the parents) and a medical consent form in case of any emergencies. You should also bring copies of medical insurance cards.

If you are traveling domestically, airlines and trains do not require any form of identification for children under 18 if they are traveling with an adult. If you are traveling to Mexico, Canada, Bermuda or other areas of the Caribbean by land or sea, those 15 and under may use a certified copy of their birth certificate. Passports are required for air travel to another country regardless of age. In addition, some countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months after your expected return date.

Some countries also require a visa for entry. Vaccinations may also be required in some cases. Before booking a trip, check the U.S. Department of State's website at travel.state.gov for country-specific information.

“Savvy Living” is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to NBC’s “Today Show.” The column, and others like it, is available to read via The American Legion’s Planned Giving program, a way of establishing your legacy of support for the organization while providing for your current financial needs. Learn more about the process, and the variety of charitable programs you can benefit, at legion.org/plannedgiving. Clicking on “Learn more” will bring up an “E-newsletter” button, where you can sign up for regular information from Planned Giving.