Vacation with the grandchildren
Text last updated:
2025-04-08
7 tips for a successful trip with grandma and grandpa
Grandparents who travel with their grandchildren create unforgettable experiences. After all, a vacation with a grandson or granddaughter is a special form of togetherness that builds deep connections. Thorough preparation and good coordination help to ensure that the trip is a great time for everyone. We show what parents and grandparents should look out for.
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On the road together - a special time for everyone
When grandparents travel with their grandchildren, it often means a break from everyday life, lots of (pampering) time together and special experiences that bring them closer together. For the children, it's an adventure to be away without mom and dad - for grandma and grandpa, it's a gift to be able to participate so intensively in their grandchildren's lives. And for the parents? They are happy about the relief. Perhaps planning a trip will also help to make the big summer vacation more varied if mom and dad's vacation quota is not enough. Good planning is worthwhile to ensure that the vacation is a relaxing and enjoyable experience for everyone. Here are 7 tips.
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Tip 1: Choose an age-appropriate vacation destination and duration
Where should you go? A quiet lakeside resort, a family-friendly hotel with children's activities or a farm in the mountains? Ideally, parents, grandparents and children should think about where to go together.
The age and needs of the child should be taken into account just as much as the possibilities and wishes of the grandparents. The younger the child, the more important it is to have short travel times and an environment that offers age-appropriate play, peace and safety. The duration of the trip should also be based on the age of the child: For the first time, a weekend nearby may be enough. If everything goes well, the next time it can be further away and longer. -
Tip 2: Make a clear agreement with the parents
Good communication in advance ensures relaxed days on the road. What rules should apply on vacation? Are there any wishes or taboos, for example regarding media consumption, sweets or bedtimes? Of course, grandma and grandpa can be generous and make an exception - that's their privilege as grandparents. Nevertheless, it is important that basic agreements are discussed with the parents beforehand to avoid conflicts. Information about allergies, fears or fixed rituals such as bedtime routines should also be discussed beforehand.
Important: Also discuss contact with the parents during the trip: Should it be a daily phone call? Or is a brief sign of life every other day enough? Some children get homesick when they hear mom's voice in the evening - in this case, a short message in the morning might be a better solution. -
Tip 3: Don't forget important travel documents
When grandparents are traveling with their grandchildren, they should be able to identify themselves and carry a travel authorization with them. This includes:
- Identity documents for the grandson or granddaughter
- Power of attorney for travel including power of attorney for medical emergencies
- Vaccination card of the child
- Health insurance card for the child
- A list of emergency contacts (parents, pediatrician, nearest clinic)
- For trips abroad additionally: informal declaration of consent from parents, copy of birth certificate if necessary in the event of name changes, visa if required
Sample templates for powers of attorney are available from the ADAC, for example. Travel cancellation and international health insurance is also recommended. You can find detailed information on this on the Familienportal.NRW in the article "Travel documents for children". You can find the article under the links for further reading. -
Tip 4: Pack your suitcase with a plan
Favorite cuddly toy, medication, sun or rain protection, toys for bad weather - those who are well prepared travel more relaxed. A shared packing list helps to ensure that nothing is missing on the road.
You can find travel checklists and first-aid kits to download on this page under the links for further reading.
For younger children, it is also advisable to take their favorite cuddly toy, a familiar pillow, books and audio games with them - this provides security, helps with homesickness and helps them fall asleep. -
Tip 5: Adjust your daily rhythm - plan breaks
A jam-packed itinerary with packed days full of highlights? Better not! Children need breaks, rituals and reliability. It's best to plan only a few program points per day - with enough time for free play and rest. Rituals such as having breakfast together, an extended lunch break and reading aloud in the evening provide structure and calm. Grandparents also benefit from taking their vacation at a slower pace. A cultural program or long hikes can then be added to the list for the next vacation without a grandchild.
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Tip 6: An extra portion of love, serenity and humor in your luggage
A vacation with the grandchildren is always good for a surprise. Sometimes things may not go as planned - and that's not a bad thing. If the trousers get wet while playing, the ice cream has spilt or the grandchild has a few tears: with composure, patience and a pinch of humor, the world is usually soon put right again.
Grandparents don't have to be perfect - their strength is a big heart, life experience and their special bond with their grandchildren. -
Tip 7: Capture memories
Time together is precious. It usually passes faster than you think. Whether it's digging in the sand, playing cards or feeding the animals on the farm - it's the little moments that stay in your memory. Take lots of photos or keep a travel diary to record shared experiences and share the vacation time with your parents afterwards. Perhaps this will also result in a small photo book - as a loving thank you and a lasting memory for later.
Further information Links to read more
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Checklists Download
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