Grandkids and Vacation Time: Making It Work for Everyone

By Candace Scholz, CFP®, MS, MHA

Planning a fun getaway with your grandchildren can accomplish two important goals: it can give you invaluable bonding time with these precious youngsters, and it can also give the parents some all-important time for the two of them, made even more enjoyable because they know their young charges are probably having the time of their lives.

Depending on the grandkids’ ages and interests, a vacation with the grandparents can be as basic as a camping trip to a nearby state or national park, or it can be as elaborate as a package stay or tour at an exotic destination or theme park. It’s really up to you, but there are some helpful resources that can simplify the process of planning and booking your adventure.

First of all, spend some time thinking about where you and your grandkids want to go. Try to choose a destination that has something for everybody. Sure, your 10-year-old granddaughter will love Legoland and never want to leave, but the trip needs to be fun and interesting for you, too. Try to create experiences for everyone that allow you to share in their excitement—and vice versa. Being with people you love while they’re doing something that interests and excites them is an important part of learning about each other. And by the way, the idea of “something for everybody” is one reason that a cruise can be a great choice. Typically cruises offer plenty of fun activities for kids and teens, plus shows and other activities aimed at an older audience.

And while you’re thinking about mutual interests, be sure to consider your grandchildren’s personalities. Especially if you have teenaged grandkids, you’ll notice differences in style, attitude, behavior—all of which can shift from day to day. Keep in mind that your grandchildren are in the process of figuring who they are and where they fit in the world. Resist the urge to critique or suggest what you believe are improvements; instead, commit to being curious and open-minded. If your grandson is sporting a new tattoo, ask him why that particular design is important to him or what it means to him. Find out what interests them, and give them chances to “be the expert.” Remember that they live in a different world than the one you grew up in. The passenger compartment of a vehicle can get pretty small when people are feeling uncomfortable with each other, so do all you can to create and maintain a positive atmosphere of fun, non-pressured conversation and interesting experiences.

For insider hints and suggestions about booking a trip to one of American’s national parks, FamilyVacationCritic.com is a great place to start. Their article, “Nine US National Parks Kids Should See before They Grow Up,” can give you a rundown of the least congested times of year, best kid-friendly activities for various ages, and other resources to help you get the most out of your excursion. If you’ve got something in mind that’s farther afield, this website also features the article “International Travel with Kids: Everything You Need to Know before You Go.” You can also take a look at packages for destinations like Costa Rica (think eco-tours and birdwatching, along with great beaches and ziplining) and Kauai (whale-watching, sun, sand, and surfing—if you or the kids are up for it!).

There are a few basics you need to have in hand as part of your planning and travel. First, you should secure a letter of permission from the parents, especially if you are traveling with minors. The letter should include the parents’ names and contact information, the names and ages of the children, and specific wording that conveys the parents’ permission for you to travel with their children. If the form is notarized, that’s even better. The US General Services Administration website can also provide more information. You should also obtain a notarized consent form allowing you to seek and secure medical care for each child you are traveling with. It’s a good idea to bring current photographs of the children, in case of an emergency, but a passport also works well. And speaking of passports, if you’re traveling internationally to any country other than some destinations in Mexico, Canada, or certain locations in the Caribbean, each child will need a valid passport. For the countries mentioned above, an original or copy of the child’s birth certificate will be accepted as valid identification for entering the country if traveling by land or sea (for international air travel, a passport is required for all travelers).

Finally, consider travel insurance. Policies are available that provide cancellation coverage to reimburse you for nonrefundable purchases in the event of cancellation or unexpected schedule changes. You can also secure coverage for emergency medical expenses, including transportation.

At Aspen Wealth Management, we know there’s more to qualify of life than balances in an account. Creating memories with grandchildren and other family members is a valued goal that requires planning and resources. We work with clients to build retirement strategies that make it possible to enjoy more carefree, memory-filled moments like these. To find out more, please visit our website at AspenWealthManagement.com.