There are few foreign forays as fun as taking a beautiful private property and filling it with family of different generations. It's like Christmas, but with warm weather, no nagging guilt at missing the Queen's Speech and 'granny nanny' on hand should you need a breather at any point. Our collective experiences of 3G (Three Generational) holidays have taught us a thing or two about what makes these multi-generation holidays work, and renting a villa or lodge is definitely the way forward. It has the benefit of giving the grandparents space to get some peace and quiet away from the little ones, but means no-one will sneak their beach towel onto the best sun lounger before breakfast. Well, you'd hope not, given they're your relatives...

Multi-Generation Holiday Ideas

A few suggestions to get the holiday planning process started

  • One Country Italy – Naples – Sorrento

    From Naples to Sorrento - An Italian Family Getaway

    Embark on a six-day family getaway through Naples, Pompeii and Sorrento

    6 days, from £3250 to £4200

  • One Country Australia – Sydney – Melbourne – Grampians National Park – Great Ocean Road – Kangaroo Island – Torquay

    City Buzz, Hilltop Hikes & Wildlife Encounters - Family Fun in Southern Australia

    Strap in for two-weeks of family fun in southern Australia, pairing two iconic cities with plenty of nature and wildlife

    14 days, from £3300 to £4500

  • One Country South Africa - Cape Town - Hermanus - Garden Route - Lalibela Private Reserve

    South Africa Family Escape - The Cape, the Coast & the Big Five

    Travel from Cape Town to the Eastern Cape, combining beaches, whale watching and safaris in one family-friendly adventure

    13 days, from £3300 to £4500

  • One Country Indonesia – Lombok – Bali – Komodo

    The Ultimate Family Summer Holiday in Indonesia - Surf Sessions, Tropical Reefs & Sun-Soaked Shores

    Treat the family to a 15-day summer adventure in Indonesia, packed with surfing, snorkelling and island-hopping fun

    15 days, from £3900 to £5600

  • One Country Japan – Tokyo – Kanazawa – Hida Furukawa – Kyoto

    Highlights of Japan - Tokyo, the Alps and Kyoto

    Discover the best Japan has to offer on this two-week highlights tour

    15 days, from £4300 to £5500

  • One Country Sri Lanka – Negombo – Wilpattu National Park – Dambulla – Madulkelle – Gal Oya National Park – Ahangama

    Culture, Community & Countryside - Birdwatching in Sri Lanka

    Seek out Sri Lanka’s remarkable birdlife, from endemic species to colourful and characterful birds, across the island’s diverse habitats

    14 days, from £6250 to £8100

  • One Country Kenya – Laikipia – The Maasai Mara – The Kenyan Coast

    Safari and Coast - Classic Kenya

    Binoculars at the ready, explore Kenya over 13 days, from open plains in Laikipia and the Masai Mara to sun-soaked Indian Ocean beaches

    12 days, from £9550 to £12400

  • One Country Kenya – Langata –  Laikipia – The Maasai Mara – The Kenyan Coast

    Simba and Friends - A Family Safari in Kenya

    Follow Simba’s footsteps on a 15-day family safari from Langata’s plains to the coastal sands of Kenya

    15 days, from £10850 to £14100

Multi-Generation Holidays by country

Our all-time favourite destination for a '3G' holiday is Kenya, where you can so easily combine bush and beach. We have the perfect selection of private hire lodges in the bush, complete with private guides and vehicles. The Kenyan coast is also brimming with fully staffed, perfectly secluded villas which are ideal for big family holidays. If conversation dries up, perhaps mention to your father-in-law that according to Kenyan tradition, he was supposed to give you at least ten cows when you married his daughter…

We think Sri Lanka might just do villas better than they do hotels (which is saying something, as the hotels are quite something), making it another top spot for multi-generation holidays. Most of these villas can be found right on the edge of the beach, where Grandpa will be in his element showing off his cricket skills to the kids (with guaranteed stories harking back to his glory days). Or for those of you for whom the idea of a long-haul flight with the in-laws fills you with dread, Mallorca may be the ideal compromise, as they also have a perfect selection of villas much closer to home.