When Boomers Travel With Millennials: Lessons Learned

Usually when we travel, it’s just Mike and I.  It’s a pretty easy gig–1 suitcase, 1 backpack, a fanny pack , 2 meals,  drinks at 4 and itinerary planned.  I worry about him, he worries about me, simple as that.

But like I said in my last post, “Retirement is for the FEARLESS, not the fearful” and that means stepping out of your comfort zone.  So we decided to shake things up a bit.  We took these 21 year olds with us to London last week, my nephew Corey and my daughter Gabriella.  There was never a dull moment, and I think we laughed for 7 days solid.

But let’s face it, boomers and millennials don’t usually have the same interests.   We knew that and altered our ‘routine’.  We didn’t plan it out like we usually do.  We decided on a more ‘organic’ route.  Here’s a few things we learned about traveling with millennials.

1.  Museum or Zoo?

Now let’s be honest, I don’t think a zoo would be on our travel plans.  But, what you think would be fun and what they think would be fun many times aren’t the same.  The National Gallery would have been our number one pick. But the zoo turned out to be a great time for all of us.  Bottom line, have an open mind, and an open itinerary.

2.  Their Batteries Don’t Run Out

 

Here’s what I discovered, they run on food and not sleep.  They go to bed late, and if you let them–get up late.  We go to bed early and get up early.  So plan your days accordingly.  Compromises have to be made.  Mike and I would go back to the hotel and they would go back out–usually to eat.  We were usually off to start our day by 10 am.  That worked for us.

 

3.  They Are Eating Machines

 

I think Mike and I gained 10 pounds each.  I have never eaten so much in my life—I take that back, when I was 21 years old, I could eat like that.  Just be prepared, it’s 3 meals and snacks all day, everyday.

 

4.  It’s All About Having Fun

 

We love history, castles, museums, culture–all that tourist stuff.   But sometimes you get so hung up on it–you forget that having fun is also an important part of travel.  These guys were all about the fun and we were fine with that.   There are many ways to see a country.

 

5.  Let Things Happen Organically

Lucky for us these are great kids.  So after the day at the zoo, they were happy to do something we wanted to do.  Four hours of  walking around The Tower of London is like a disco party for Mike and I.   The millennial twins–not so much.  We realized that at hour two.  We quickly changed gears spent a couple hours at The Tower of London, walked over the bridge and then off to the pub for yet another meal.   All great things to do in London.  Everyone was happy.

 

In the end, it turned out to be a great trip.  It was nice for Mike and I, to slow down, relax, and just enjoy the city.  I think the key to ‘generational traveling’ (did I just make up a saying?) is that you have to compromise.

 

There are no hard and fast rules except to enjoy yourself.  And of course celebrate the fact that your young adults still enjoy your company !!