Intergenerational Vacations on the Rise at Muskoka Resorts

Intergenerational travel, either grandparents vacationing with grandchildren or three or more generations of one family vacationing together is increasing in popularity. Although not a new concept, over the last several years, the percentage of family excursions, vacations or reunions that include older parents, grandparents and other relatives has been steadily increasing. Tim Bryant, who along with his brother Gary, owns and operates Shamrock Lodge (www.shamrocklodge.com), a traditional Muskoka family resort in Port Carling, Ontario, has witnessed this trend first hand. "While much of our business at the Shamrock Lodge over the years has been comprised of family vacations, romantic couples weekends, conferences and resort weddings, seniors are becoming a larger part of our business. Seniors make great lodge guests. They like to vacation during the quieter times, especially the fall months, enjoying Muskoka's beautiful autumn colours and the wide range of fall events that take place each year. They also book more midweek stays and for longer periods of time than other resort guests. This summer, we've had the pleasure of hosting a significant number of grandparents vacationing with their grandchildren. Intergenerational travel is definitely on the rise." states Tim Bryant.

In 2004, an article in the Globe and Mail told of the increasing trend toward grandparents and grandchildren traveling together and the way this trend has influencing how some larger Ontario resorts and hotel properties operate. It reported that a travel survey conducted in 2003 by Yesawich, Pepperdine, Brown and Russell found that more than 30% of grandparents had travelled with their grandchildren in the past 12 months, and that 21% of those that took part in intergenerational travel did not include the children's parents. According to Statistics Canada, Canada has one of the fastest aging populations in the developed world. This older generation of Canadians has both the affluence and the leisure time to devote to travel and vacations. Over the last five years, leisure travel for Canada's baby boomers has increased more than 25% and, as the population ages the numbers will keep on growing. As well, industry studies have found that most trips taken by seniors are within a few hours driving distance from home, making Muskoka resorts a popular choice for Ontario seniors' vacations and intergenerational vacations.

To attract intergenerational or multigenerational travel groups, Ontario resorts need to appeal to both the older and the younger generation. Although seniors differ in their desires and abilities, many older guests appreciate the convenience of all-inclusive packages offered at some Ontario lakefront resorts, where meals and an assortment of diversions that appeal to a wide variety of ages are included along with lodge or cottage accommodations. Safety is always a top priority with grandparents vacationing with grandchildren and they will seek out resorts that offer a safe sand beach, pool and children's playground, along with a well-supervised children's program, to give grandparents a bit of a break.

Shamrock Lodge's Tim Bryant agrees that Ontario full-service lodges provide a great way for families to vacation together. "One reason our Muskoka resort is so popular with families, and with grandparents on vacation with their grandkids, is that everybody can do their own thing. The kids can have fun at our supervised kid's club, adults and older children can participate in exciting water sports, and older adults can simply relax and enjoy the activity and the beautiful Muskoka scenery. At meal times, the entire family can get together to catch up and enjoy a terrific meal. It is heart-warming to see grandparents, who have fond memories of vacationing at Shamrock Lodge years ago, return with their grandchildren so that they too can enjoy the same wonderful experience of a Muskoka lodge vacation," says Bryant.

Contact Information:
Tim Bryant
Shamrock Lodge
PO Box 160
Port Carling, Ontario P0B 1J0
Phone: (705) 765-3177
Toll free: 1-888-742-6742
shamrock@muskoka.com
http://www.shamrocklodge.com

Article Source: TravelFreeGuides.com

About the Author

About Shamrock Lodge: Owned and operated by the Bryant family for more than 30 years, Shamrock Lodge is a full-service, year round Muskoka family resort and conference centre located on beautiful Lake Rosseau in Port Carling, Ontario, only 2 hours north of Toronto. Offering a wide selection of fine lakefront accommodations, gourmet dining and extensive recreational facilities, this all-inclusive Ontario resort prides itself on delivering service that is second to none. Near many popular Muskoka attractions including championship golf, Santa's Village, Muskoka Lake Cruises and Algonquin Provincial Park, Shamrock Lodge is the ideal Muskoka resort for romantic couples' getaways, Ontario resort weddings, business conferences and Ontario family vacations. For more information visit their website: www.shamrocklodge.com or phone toll-free: 1-888-742-6742

by: rin-emedia

Total views: 0 Word Count: 655 Date: Sun, 15 Aug 2010 Time: 11:06 PM - 0 comments

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