Last spring, I embarked on an extraordinary family journey to Paris, a city that has long captured the hearts and imaginations of travelers. Our group consisted of ten people — my husband, our children, my parents, my brother, my sister‑in‑law, and my two lively nieces — spanning a remarkable age range from ten to seventy‑four. While we had previously traveled together as a party of ten, this particular adventure marked our very first shared experience exploring Europe. I quickly discovered that orchestrating a multigenerational trip across an ocean introduced a unique blend of logistical complexities and emotional considerations that differ greatly from domestic travel.
Although our time in Paris was filled with unforgettable experiences, moments of laughter, and the unshakable bond of family, I realized there were several aspects I would approach differently if given the chance to plan again. One of my initial missteps was not conducting more extensive research when selecting the week of our visit. Our travel dates happened to coincide with the Paris Marathon — an event that, while thrilling to witness, brought with it massive crowds, street closures, and fully booked tourist attractions. We had chosen to travel during the Easter and Passover holidays, reasoning that it would be one of the few rare opportunities when all four children in our group were simultaneously off from school. I had anticipated a slight uptick in tourism due to the holidays, yet what I encountered was beyond anything I could have imagined: the city pulsed with unprecedented energy as marathon runners and spectators filled the streets.
Even though I had been fortunate to visit Paris on several previous occasions, I had never seen it so densely packed with visitors. Watching the marathoners race past our hotel’s entrance was exhilarating — we cheered for them enthusiastically — but the event also created a surge in traffic throughout the city. Popular landmarks, from the Palace of Versailles to the Louvre Museum, were overwhelmed by demand. Unfortunately, by the time we attempted to purchase Louvre tickets, they were sold out, which was disappointing since this was the first Parisian experience for half of our family group. In hindsight, I now understand that checking the city’s event calendar before booking would have helped us avoid inflated prices, overcrowded attractions, and the frustration of missing out on must‑see experiences.
Another revelation from our trip came in the form of guided tours, or rather, our initial lack of them. When preparing our itinerary, I hesitated to arrange many group tours, fearing that keeping ten people — from children to seniors — synchronized under a tight schedule could turn the experience into a logistical nightmare. Nevertheless, when we finally participated in a walking tour through Montmartre, my concerns quickly dissolved. The guided experience transformed what could have been a chaotic wander into an enlightening and enjoyable excursion. Our guide not only imparted fascinating historical and cultural knowledge about the neighborhood’s storied artistic past but also provided practical advice: where to find convenient restrooms, cozy cafés for a short break, and quiet corners to rest our feet while savoring a warm madeleine.
These seemingly minor details proved invaluable — particularly when the youngest member began to tire or when our elders preferred a slower pace. The guide’s local expertise enabled us to navigate the crowded, sloping streets with ease, avoiding steep stairs and uneven cobblestones that could have posed difficulties. She revealed lesser‑known stories of the artists who once lived and worked there, allowing us to perceive Montmartre through a fresh, more intimate lens. That experience convinced me that guided tours are not merely efficient but can also provide insight and structure that help large, varied groups get the most out of their limited time. In future travels, I will make group tours a planning priority instead of a cautious afterthought.
Finally, I learned that flexibility is indispensable when crafting an itinerary for a multigenerational group. Eager to maximize our brief week in Paris, I created a detailed agenda packed with sights, activities, and even a day trip to the city of Tours — a charming destination about an hour and fifteen minutes away by train, and a place close to my heart because it was where I studied abroad years ago. However, as the week wore on, fatigue inevitably set in. My husband and children became visibly exhausted midway through the trip, and though I had hoped their enthusiasm would revive them, we ultimately canceled the excursion. While disappointing, this decision was also illuminating: it taught me that aspiration must be balanced with rest.
In my enthusiasm to make every moment count, I had forgotten the importance of leaving space for spontaneous exploration and recovery. A slower morning, a leisurely lunch, or an unplanned stroll through a Parisian market can be just as meaningful as a museum visit. Next time, I intend to design an itinerary that honors both structure and spontaneity — a plan detailed enough to provide direction, yet flexible enough to accommodate the diverse needs and energy levels of each family member. Traveling as a multigenerational group is as much about shared experiences as it is about patience and adaptability. The lessons we learned in Paris — about timing, organization, and balance — have not only refined my approach to travel but also strengthened my appreciation for the art of journeying together.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/took-international-trip-multiple-generations-mistakes-lessons-2025-12
