If the idea of holidaying with your entire extended family makes you instinctively reach for a gin and tonic, you’re not alone. The reality of a multigenerational getaway of grandparents, toddlers, teens, in-laws, and adult siblings all under one roof, can be challenging.
But according to research led by Brooks B. Gump, a public health professor at Syracuse University, taking time off can significantly improve your physical health. His team found that people who go on holiday experience a 25% drop in metabolic syndrome risk, a group of conditions that raise the chances of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
While a full week away offers the most benefit, even brief getaways can make a noticeable difference. People who change their environment, even for a short period, tend to feel less exhausted, anxious, and down than those who rarely take time off work.
So if you want to get the whole family together for a once a year holiday, there are a few ways to make it more manageable. Gareth Allen, founder of luxury group accommodation specialist BigHouseExperience.com, says the number one rule for surviving and actually enjoying a multigenerational getaway is counterintuitive: don’t spend all your time together.
“People often think a family holiday means doing everything as a group, but actually, the opposite is true,” says Gareth. “If you don’t build in space for people to be apart, whether that’s quiet time, solo walks, or reading with a glass of wine, then tensions can bubble quickly.”
“Everyone’s internal clock is different,” Gareth explains. “Teens sleep in, toddlers rise early, grandparents might want an afternoon nap. Accepting that there won’t be a perfect schedule, and planning accordingly is crucial.”
He suggests picking one or two anchor moments per day where everyone comes together, such as brunch or a sunset BBQ. “Beyond that, let people do their thing. You’ll find the whole atmosphere is more relaxed.”
It might seem like a great idea to organise kayaking, a wine tasting, and a murder mystery dinner all in the same day. But Gareth advises leaving room for spontaneity.
“It’s tempting to fill the calendar, especially if it’s a short break. But some of the best memories are made during lazy afternoons in the garden, spontaneous games, or walks to the local pub. Don’t force it.”
With holiday prices soaring and family time becoming increasingly precious, more Brits are opting for multigenerational breaks. Gareth says Big House Experience has seen a 24% increase in bookings from extended family groups over the past year, with the majority of those breaks as long weekends. Gareth says this is the ideal length for a multigenerational holiday.
“Three nights is the sweet spot. It’s long enough to reconnect, celebrate, and relax, without giving small annoyances time to turn into big tensions.”
One of the most underestimated stress-busters can also be the layout of your accommodation.
“You need more than just a lot of beds. Look for homes with multiple lounges or snug areas so people can retreat. Ideally, bedrooms should have en suite bathrooms, no one wants to queue for the loo behind a teenager with a lengthy skincare routine,” Gareth says.
“When it comes to who gets the best room, its a minefield,” admits Gareth. “We often recommend drawing names out of a hat, or letting grandparents choose first, especially if they’ve contributed financially. Fairness is subjective, but setting expectations early avoids resentment.”
He also encourages families to think practically: “Put the light sleepers furthest from the games room. Teens? Near the Wi-Fi router. Parents of toddlers? Close to the kitchen and away from the party zone.”
A group holiday can feel like running a pop-up restaurant if you need to feed over 12 people everyday. But it doesn’t have to.
“People get overwhelmed by food planning,” says Gareth. “My advice? Keep it simple and rotate responsibilities. Some families assign each night to a different household or couple. Others bring in a local chef for one night as a treat.”
(Limestone Grange, Big House Experience)
He also recommends prepping a few batch-cook meals in advance and not being afraid to embrace a ‘help yourself’ breakfast setup.
Perhaps Gareth’s most useful tip to remember is this: stop trying to make it perfect.
“People often put pressure on themselves to create the ‘ultimate’ family holiday. But things will go wrong, someone will forget the swimwear, a toddler will meltdown, or someone will burn the sausages. That’s fine. That’s life,” he says.
“Give each other grace and focus on what really matters: quality time, shared laughter, and the stories you’ll tell for years to come.”