Travel insiders predict multigenerational travel will be one of the top post-pandemic travel trends, but for Pam W.'s blended family of 14, multigenerational vacations are just par for the course. As Hilton Grand Vacations Owners for 11 years, they've taken their fair share.
Not a year goes by without a family vacation for this clan. "It keeps us connected in our busy lives, and recharges us and helps us remember the importance of family," says Pam.
After discovering just how flexible timeshare with Hilton Grand Vacations is, Pam and her husband decided vacation ownership was the way to go.
Pam explains, "We loved the fact that we could use ClubPoints and Hilton Honors™ points to travel — having RCI® vacation exchange as another option was also a plus. I've never regretted our ownership because the possibilities are endless for how we can use our timeshare."
As for traveling with such a large group, the family likes to combine all their points for one big family trip to book multiple suites easily.
"Multi-bedroom suites are super fun to share. A full kitchen ensures that we can feed the kiddos quickly anytime, and we put the washer and dryer to use — going home with no laundry to do after vacation is a great feeling," says Pam happily.
Pam's other multigenerational travel destination must-haves include a property with a great pool, on-site dining and extra activities like a game room.
Over 11 years of ownership, the family has made memories in Orlando, Las Vegas and Hilton Grand Vacations at MarBrisa. "We even used our points one year to book our son's entire Italian honeymoon through the Hilton portfolio of brands," adds Pam.
So far, they say the best multigenerational travel destinations are Elara, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club in Las Vegas and MarBrisa in Carlsbad, California.
"My best Hilton Grand Vacations trip was when I had all of my adult children and all of my grandchildren together for a complete family multigenerational vacation. The convenience of staying at Elara for that trip was perfect," recalls Pam fondly.
"The grown-up kiddos could head out to dinner and dancing, which was just a short walk away, while the grandkids stayed with us for a night swim at the pool."
Most recently, Pam's crew enjoyed time together at Hilton Grand Vacations at MarBrisa.
Boasting a pool with waterslides, a playground, foosball and pool tables, this property won the seal of approval from this group.
Pam shares, "We enjoyed the pool and recreation area a bunch, and we also loved the barbecue grill and fire pit for s'mores. The resort had s'mores kits for sale at the front desk and tons of fire pits all over the property. We found our own little spot and relaxed — uninterrupted. It was wonderful!"
The family also appreciated the enhanced cleaning protocols as part of Hilton CleanStay®.
"Everything felt super clean. From the door seal to the specially wrapped TV remote, we were confident that everything had been cleaned and sanitized when we arrived," says Pam.
“I was also impressed that Team Members were cleaning the game area constantly as guests were rotating using the equipment.”
No matter the size of the group, there's a certain amount of time and effort that goes into planning vacations. However, this is especially true for large families, whether they be blood-related, blended or chosen.
When asked about how a stay at Hilton Grand Vacations contributes to their overall vacation satisfaction, Pam answered warmly, "It feels good to receive special treatment as an Owner."
Read Multigenerational Travel is Your Next Great Vacation Idea for more multigenerational travel destination ideas.