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Something for Everyone
Whether during their full family reunion or their
smaller group getaways, diversity in activity is
also important to the Chans.
That’s why cruises and theme park vacations
prove so popular with these groups. This is indi-
cated by MMGY studies, reports Yesawich. The
AARP research supports these findings, with
80 percent of AARP members indicating they
prefer cities, beach, or theme park destinations
for multigenerational getaways. And cruising is
popular with 25 percent.
Similarly, the self-contained nature of many
timeshare properties — in which within the para-
meters of the resort site are enough depth and
breadth of amenities to keep everyone busy — appeals to multigen
vacationers. That’s one of the key reasons that Ivan Chavez, executive
vice president for Grupo Vidanta, believes the Mexico-based developer’s
properties appeal to extended family groups.
“Our resorts are known for providing families with a convenient and
safe environment for their vacation,” says Chavez. “All the luxury ameni-
ties and activities a family could possibly need — including a kids’ club
specializing in programs for children of all ages, gourmet restaurants,
high-end spas, boutique shopping, and world-class entertainment —
are available without having to leave the comfort of the resort. Even
beach activities, such as snorkeling or sailing or day expeditions, can
be arranged through the resort concierge.”
Developers including Westgate Resorts find that meeting the
demand for good value succeeds in appealing to multigen groups.
Says Waltrip, “We put great emphasis on providing a wide range of
activities and amenities at each resort. This includes water parks,
activity play areas, putt-putt golf courses, and more, all of which add
tremendous value to extended families who are looking for group
activities that don’t hit their pocketbook. Almost all of these amenities
and activities are free to our owners.”
John Burlingame, president of Hyatt Vacation Ownership concurs.
“We know our owners, including those who travel with extended family,
seek a variety of experiences while visiting a Hyatt property. We strive
to provide those options at all our locations through carefully planned
activities for all ages, and all of our 16 resorts can customize activities to
meet the needs of our owners.”
Together Time
The Chans seem to find that’s the case, at least at the Hyatt Windward
Pointe Resort, where a typical vacation day includes a good mix of
together and apart time. Says Amelia Chan, “We split up for various
outside activities: fishing, snorkeling, biking.” She says that while they
don’t eat all of their meals together, they join as a group for dinner about
five times a week. The family also indulges in activities provided by
preferred vendors, including scooter rentals, snorkeling, and chartering
a party boat for a day of fishing.
At Breckenridge Grand Vacations, Stroeve observes that family
groups are drawn to the pastimes that allow them to be together. “These
people are the ones who go on the dinner sleigh ride as an entire family.
You get 20 people in a sleigh and they ride to a big tent and have dinner.
We built these large movie theater rooms — they’re always booked,
with the entire family watching a movie.”
Although their multigenerational vacations may be once-a-year
events, recurring memories are more frequent, says Amelia Chan.
“Every so often, we will reminisce about an event [that occurred] during
the intergenerational vacation, something funny or special that hap-
pened — very fuzzy, warm feelings.”
And warm feelings are what it’s all about. It’s clear that people suffer-
ing from time famine and starving for familial connection are looking for
their vacations to feed the need for quality family bonding. And while
Grandma and Grandpa might often be the force behind the increase
in multigenerational vacations, the whole family benefits.
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