According to the 2023 U.S. Family Travel Survey by the Family Travel Association, beach destinations are the most popular choice for multigenerational vacations. That bodes especially well for Mexico, a nation known for its long coastlines dotted with family-friendly accommodations and activities.
“The demand for multigenerational travel to Mexico is incredibly strong right now,” said Sarah Bonsall, owner of and advisor for Latitude 21 Travel, a Nest member in Independence, Kentucky. “With so many diverse flight and resort options, as well as a wide range of exciting tours and activities, Mexico is the perfect destination for families of all ages. There's truly something for everyone."
Mexico’s biggest selling point for multigenerational travelers is the value, according to Sierra Lytle, travel advisor for House of Travel, a Travelsavers agency in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
If clients have a strict price range and would like a great quality resort for their multigenerational family vacation, Mexico tends to be a good choice.
“If clients have a strict price range and would like a great quality resort for their multigenerational family vacation, Mexico tends to be a good choice in a lower price range compared to the Caribbean islands,” she said. “Mexico offers great pricing for quality resorts, and airfare is typically inexpensive compared to other tropical beach destinations."
The Aqua Nick water park at Nickelodeon Resort Riviera Maya
Credit: 2024 Nickelodeon Hotels & ResortsHot Destinations With Hot Hotel Brands
It’s no surprise that Mexico’s biggest beach destinations fit the needs of many multigenerational travelers, thanks to an array of accommodations and activities. For Bonsall of Latitude 21, the Caribbean coast is the most in demand.
“Cancun and the Riviera Maya continue to be the top picks for multigenerational travelers,” she said. "This region offers the perfect blend of historical and cultural attractions, thrilling adventure parks, beautiful beaches and amazing resort accommodations. Plus, the easy flight access makes it a convenient choice for families."
Emmanuel Burgio, president and founder of Blue Parallel — a luxury tour operator offering packages in Mexico and other destinations — looks for several specific features when it comes to planning the perfect multigenerational vacation.
“We recommend luxury accommodations with amenities for the whole family, including hotels with their own spas, restaurants, fitness suites and pools, so each family member can relax at their own leisure,” he said.
Bespoke tours are the best way to ensure an itinerary has something for everyone, Burgio says. For example, Blue Parallel can arrange for exclusive access to art collections of famous local artists and curators tailored to specific family members or organize one-on-one meetings with renowned scholars of interest.
“Our guests can also enjoy after-hours access to Maya ruins such as Chichen Itza so they can explore without the general public, and they will have exclusive access to colonial haciendas and secret sinkholes for gourmet lunches,” Burgio added.
The Splash Pool at Hilton Cancun, an All-Inclusive Resort
Credit: 2024 Hilton Hotels & ResortsBonsall says specific hotel brands that her multigenerational clients like the most include Dreams Resorts & Spas, The Fives Hotels, Hilton All-Inclusive, Generations Riviera Maya and Nickelodeon Resort Riviera Maya Gourmet Inclusive by Karisma.
“These properties all offer spacious suite accommodations perfect for families, along with abundant shared spaces and activities for all ages to enjoy together,” she said.
Top choices for clients of Lytle of House of Travel, meanwhile, include Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort, Grand Velas Riviera Maya, Hyatt Ziva Cancun, Moon Palace, Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya and Royalton Riviera Cancun. Nickelodeon Resort Riviera Maya is likewise a favorite.
“Based on personal experience and previous client travels, these particular resorts have excelled in providing a family-friendly experience for all ages,” Lytle said.
Many provide a variety of dining options for all ages and a range of pools, with some quiet pools for adult time and some kid-friendly pools with waterslides, water parks and shallow splash pools for little ones, she says. Some of these resorts also offer kids camps during the day, nightly activities for teens (such as arcades and gaming lounges) and nightly entertainment for adults.
“Overall, when we are working with our clients, we narrow down the best resort option based on their family needs and expectations,” she said.
Among the hotels aiming to increase appeal with the family market segment are Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort in Riviera Nayarit, which is slated to debut an 18,600-square-foot water park, and The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort, which has added a family-friendly, two-level infinity pool as part of its $45 million renovation.
Going Beyond the Beach in Mexico
Spending time at the beach may be the most common vacation style for multigenerational families, but Mexico’s interior provides lots of rewarding opportunities as well, according to Blue Parallel's Burgio.
“We look for activities that bring the family together while teaching all the generations about local culture,” he said. “A Mexican cooking class is great for this. Mexico is so diverse that you could repeat this in different regions and learn something completely different. Regional dance and music workshops are also great ways to connect and learn about local cultures. Chocolate-making is a fantastic interactive activity that people of all ages can enjoy, especially in the ‘birthplace of chocolate.’”
Mexico City, in particular, is great for multigenerational groups, Burgio adds. The Papalote Children’s Museum, for example, is set right in the Chapultepec Forest and perfect for kids.
“Private touring with Blue Parallel lets us tailor a Mexico visit to fit the timing, interests and preferences of every generation traveling together,” he said.
Burgio also recommends vacations centered around specific traditions.
Family is incredibly important in Mexico, so we often suggest travelers plan their journey around the moments that honor the generations, such as the Day of the Dead in November.
“Family is incredibly important in Mexico, so we often suggest travelers plan their journey around the moments that honor the generations, such as the Day of the Dead in November,” he said. “Blue Parallel’s local team can guide a trip to embody the traditional family style of Mexico, such as making an authentic altar to present your own traditional ofrenda (offering) to loved ones.”
