The Joys of Traveling with Adult Children

Over the years, we’ve really come to enjoy traveling with our boys. It was always a lot of fun when they were younger, but now that they’re in their late 20s and early 30s, it feels even more enjoyable.

It’s definitely different than it used to be.

When they were kids, we were the ones doing most of the planning and setting the pace. We made sure everything ran smoothly, and there was always quite a bit to think about. It was busy, but it was also a very special time.

Now, things have shifted.

Traveling together feels much more relaxed. The responsibility is shared, decisions are made together, and everyone brings something a little different to the experience. There’s an ease to it now that we really appreciate.

One of my favourite parts is hearing their perspectives.

They see the world differently than we do, and that has added so much to our travels. They’ll notice things we might have walked right past, or suggest something we wouldn’t have thought to do. It’s been fun to step back a little and see a place through their eyes.

Sometimes it’s a new restaurant they want to try, or a different way of exploring a city. Other times, it’s just the conversations we have along the way. It's those moments - whether we’re sitting at dinner, walking along a beach, or driving somewhere new - that are the ones that stay with me the most.

There’s a flexibility now that we didn’t always have before. Plans can change, days can be a mix of activity and downtime, and no one feels the need to rush from one thing to the next. Everyone is just happy to be there, enjoying the time together.

What I also love is that we’re not just traveling as parents and children anymore. We’re traveling together - as adults. There’s a different kind of connection that comes with that. Conversations are deeper, there’s more shared understanding, and it feels like we’re creating memories together in a new way.

Our next trip will be especially meaningful for us, as we’ll be traveling with our daughter-in-law for the first time. Our little group of five has become six and we're looking forward to adding one more perspective to the group.

A few things we’ve learned along the way

Over time, we’ve found a few simple things that help make traveling together go smoothly - especially now that everyone is an adult with their own preferences and routines.

Give everyone a say.
It doesn’t have to be complicated, but it helps when everyone feels included in the planning. Whether it’s choosing a restaurant, an activity, or even just how to spend the day, having input makes a difference.

Recognize everyone’s personality type.
We’ve learned that everyone experiences travel differently. Some of us like a detailed itinerary and early mornings, while others prefer to wander and see what unfolds. Some of us need more downtime than others. Being aware of each person’s style helps avoid tension, keeps the trip enjoyable, and makes it easier to balance activity with downtime. 

Don’t overschedule.
We’ve found that leaving space in the day works best. Some people may want to explore, while others might prefer a slower start. Having that flexibility keeps things relaxed.

Be okay with doing things separately.
We don’t feel the need to do everything together, and that’s okay. Sometimes a couple of us will head off to do one thing while others do something else, and we come back together later.

Keep expectations simple.
Not every moment has to be planned or perfect. Some of the best parts of a trip are the unplanned ones.

Enjoy the time together.
At the end of the day, that’s really what it’s all about. The places we visit are wonderful, but it’s the time spent together that means the most.

There’s something very special about this stage of life.

Travel feels a little slower, a little more intentional, and a lot more about simply being together. We’re not trying to do everything—we’re just enjoying where we are and who we’re with.

And in the end, that’s really what makes it so meaningful.