Tips for Travelling with Grownup Kids

When my 28-year-old son invited me to go backpacking with him in Eastern Europe for two weeks, I jumped at the chance. After all, travelling with someone you love and appreciate can be quality time well spent – not to mention fun. However, when it comes to hitting the road with your grownup offspring (let’s refer to them as your G.O), any kind of travel experience can fall flat if you’re not equipped with a few basic tips. Here’s what my happy holiday with Brad taught me.

Don’t be proud

There are some things about youth which are important to accept – and one of them is youth has stamina on its side. Yes, you are certainly capable of carrying your own luggage, be it a bag or a pack. However, whether you’re climbing 5 flights of stairs to reach your hostel, or trekking up a mountain, your G.O is going to arrive in better shape than you (something it may not show up until the next day, when you feel those pulled muscles or are just so darned tired you want to remain horizontal!). So accept their offer to carry your bag, or to offload some of your gear into their pack. You’ll feel better for it, and so will they. And you won’t be slowing them down.

Give each other space

We all need a break from our travel buddies now and then, something which is doubly important when travelling with your G.O. Recognise their need for company their own age, and make space for it to happen. Plead occasional time-out to write up your travel diary, go shopping, or have an early night in front of the TV. Make it clear you’re happy to be on your own, and you’ll soon find your G.O heading out to a nightclub or a café, or content to chill in the lounge of your hostel or hotel bar.

By the same token, respect each other’s limits. Travel can be exhausting, and everyone has their own limits. Be mindful of each other’s energy levels and preferences. If your G.O wants to explore while you prefer to rest, respect that decision. This mutual understanding will ensure a more enjoyable trip for both.

Agree on a budget

Before you plan your trip, agree on a budget. My son’s ideal accommodation would have been a tent every night; I’d have preferred B&Bs. In the end, we compromised with hostels. When it came to sightseeing, I had more discretionary spending power, and while I was more than happy to pay entrance fees for my son, he had his pride. In the end, I saw some sights he couldn’t afford to, while he agreed to accept the occasional shout from me. Although I could afford to eat out each night, he couldn’t, so most evenings saw us cooking interesting local food at our hostel. However, we both enjoyed midday street food and the occasional treat of a café meal.

Bite your tongue

Remember, for the duration of the vacation, you are your G.O’s travel companion, not just their parent! So quit any nagging or ‘correcting’ you might be tempted to engage in. After all, you wouldn’t do it to a friend!

Look after yourself

Your G.O is not your partner. Don’t burden them with finding your spectacles, problem-solving your iPad or phone woes, or restoring your self-esteem. What an older travel companion may tolerate or find amusing, a younger person may call ‘high maintenance’. And none of us wants to be that sort of travel buddy!

In addition, some other things you may want to consider are;

Embrace Flexibility

Travel plans can change unexpectedly, and what may seem like a setback can turn into an adventure. Be open to altering your itinerary based on mutual interests and unforeseen opportunities. This flexibility can lead to discovering hidden gems and making unforgettable memories.

Share Responsibilities

Divide the travel responsibilities to avoid one person feeling overwhelmed. Your G.O might excel in navigation while you handle accommodation bookings. Sharing these tasks not only lightens the load but also fosters a sense of teamwork.

Learn Together

Engage in activities new to both of you. Whether it’s a cooking class, a local craft workshop, or an adventurous sport, experiencing something for the first time together can strengthen your bond and create lasting memories.

Plan for Downtime

Traveling can be intense, and it’s essential to schedule downtime to relax and recharge. This could be as simple as spending an afternoon in a park, enjoying a leisurely meal, or having a lazy morning at your accommodation.

Celebrate Small Wins

Acknowledge and celebrate small successes during your trip, such as navigating public transportation, finding a great restaurant, or overcoming a travel challenge. These moments of triumph can boost morale and make the journey more rewarding.

Reflect and Debrief

After the trip, take some time to reflect and discuss what you both enjoyed or what could be improved for next time. This reflection helps in planning future travels and reinforces the positive aspects of your shared experience.

Incorporating these tips can provide a more comprehensive guide for parents travelling with their grown-up children, ensuring a harmonious and memorable journey.