There’s a growing trend for families to travel together in multi-generational groups --- grandparents, kids and grandkids, cousins, etc. This has become a wonderful alternative to family gatherings for holidays or even birthdays. There are a few factors at play but most note-worthy are:

Post-pandemic desire for connection: After the isolation of the pandemic, families are eager to reconnect and create lasting memories together. Multi-generational trips offer a chance to strengthen bonds between grandparents, parents, and children.

Changing demographics: The number of active and healthy seniors is increasing, making them more open to travel adventures. Additionally, grandparents often act as trip initiators and financial contributors, making these experiences more accessible for families.

Shifting values and priorities: With a growing focus on experiences over material possessions, families are prioritizing travel as a way to invest in lasting memories and shared experiences.

Flexibility and diverse interests: Multi-generational families often benefit from the diverse interests of each generation. This opens up a wider range of destinations and activities, catering to everyone's preferences.

Travel industry response: The travel industry is catering to this trend by offering more multi-generational travel packages, resorts with amenities for all ages, and services like travel advisors specializing in multi-generational trips.

Benefits of multi-generational travel: Beyond simply creating memories, these trips offer numerous benefits:

• Strengthening family bonds: Shared experiences and adventures can foster deeper connections between generations.
• Educational opportunities: Grandparents can share historical and cultural knowledge, while children can learn from different perspectives.
• Creating lifelong memories: These trips often become cherished experiences that families reminisce about for years to come.

Overall, the rise of multi-generational travel reflects a unique change in trip planning and I am loving each and every opportunity I have to help families navigate their options. 

My husband and I started exploring new places early on in our marriage. We decided to make travel a huge priority in our lives. We also wanted to teach our kids that taking time off and exploring new places is important.  Travel experiences cannot be taught in a textbook, we knew we wanted to have some hands on / real life scenarios for them to learn and grow.

Early Years:  Between my job as a flight attendant and my husband's job that took him to various places, we were always in a hotel.  Our kids quickly learned to love hotel stays.  I will always remember my 8 year old daughter wrapping herself in the hotel robe, walking around in the slippers as if she was the most important person around. Although we did not take them out of the country until later in life, we always went on at least 2 vacations each year.  

Teen Years: I look back at our pictures and think “how were we able to do that trip?” Between both of us working full time, school schedules, hockey, ice skating practice, and all our other family commitments, we were still able to take our kids out of the country each year.  One of the biggest lessons learned during this time was to "embrace the unexpected". Something will inevitably go wrong and you learn to adapt and overcome the problem.

Young Adult Years:  My husband and I are now empty nesters.  We have been able to witness our kids now exploring the world on their own. They are not afraid to try new foods, to navigate new cities, and have a healthy sense of curiosity for new cultures and places. 

By making travel a priority in our family, we have fostered lasting connections and enriched our own lives through having adventures together. This is the legacy we want to leave for our posterity.  

Bonjerb Travel is our way to help other families establish this same Travel Legacy. 

I struggle every year at Christmas.  Finding gifts for not only my husband and kids, but also for my parents, my in laws, my nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters, and neighborhood friends.  The list was getting longer and longer until a few years ago.  We decided to make a change in how we celebrate.  We now go on a family trip instead of giving gifts.  There are so many ways to do this! You can surprise your loved ones on Christmas with plane tickets under the tree, you can decide all together where to go for a week with a budget in mind, you can each take turns on where to go, or you can simply book a trip for the week of or after Christmas instead of staying at home.  Giving the gift of travel is so much more meaningful.  Here are a few reasons why your Christmas shopping list needs to include travel.

• Travel is an experience that can last a lifetime. Material gifts can be forgotten or broken, but memories of travel will stay with the recipient for years to come! One year, my son wanted a unicycle more than life itself.  So we hunted down and bought him one. Did he ever ride it? No. Did it sit in his bedroom for 8+ years after? Yes.  I seriously had buyers remorse after that one.
• Travel can be educational and enriching. Travel exposes people to new cultures, languages, and ways of life. It can also help them learn more about themselves. Have you ever gotten lost in the middle of London? Been fined in Paris for dropping your metro ticket? Not able to speak to the owner of the Chateau you are staying in but love it anyways? Every time you travel, you come back with a huge sense of accomplishment as a family. Rightly earned.
• Travel is the best bonding experience! I jokingly call it "Forced Family Fun" because you have so much undivided time to reconnect, revitalize, and renew your relationship with your loved ones. Stuck in an airport for a delayed flight is a great time to play cards or just simply bond with your family.

If you are looking for a gift that is both thoughtful and practical, giving the gift of travel is a great option.  The memories that accompany any trip is a gift that will be appreciated for years to come.

Often we hear the term: Work-Life Balance.  What does this even mean? I truly give my all each and everyday to my job.  Sometimes so much that I feel overwhelmed and stressed about my next work day.  As I have searched my soul to figure out what this means to me individually, here are some important takeaways I have come up with. 

Benefits to maintaining a work-life balance. 

1. Reduced stress: When you are constantly working and have no time for yourself, you are more likely to feel stressed and overwhelmed. This can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems. 

2. Stronger relationships: When you are able to give your time and attention to your loved ones, your relationships will be stronger. 

3. Increased productivity: When you are well-rested and relaxed, you are more likely to be productive at work. 

4. Greater happiness: When you are happy and fulfilled, you are more likely to be productive and successful in all areas of your life. 

Here are some things that are helping me to maintain a work-life balance. 

1. Setting boundaries: It is important to set boundaries between your work life and your personal life. This means not checking work emails or taking work calls outside of work hours.

2. Learn to say no: It is also important to learn to say no to extra work or commitments. If you are already feeling overwhelmed, it is important to protect your time and energy.

3. Take breaks: Make sure to take breaks throughout the day, even if it is just for a few minutes. Get up and move around, or step outside for some fresh air.

4. Take care of yourself: Make sure to take care of your physical and mental health. Get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and exercise regularly.

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is not always easy, but it is important for our overall well-being. Finding a balance that works for you is key and will greatly improve your life in many ways.

One of the best things about an all-inclusive resort is that it can make your vacation truly stress-free. You will save a ton of time in research and planning, and once you get there all you will need to do is relax. It can be wonderful not to have to take out your wallet every time you eat or do an activity.

From the moment you wake up there are activities taking place all over the resort. Yoga on the beach, dance classes by the pool, art classes for the kids and so on. Go on a catamaran, go kayaking, go parasailing, go snorkeling, go on a glass bottom boat ride, go out on jet skis, or go horseback riding on the beach or just lay on the beach. Some activities such as horseback riding on the beach do cost extra but most are worth it! Spend the day at the spa, work off all that food in the resort gym and then get your hair done in the salon. There will be nightly entertainment with live music, Broadway style shows, comedians and yes-karaoke! Dance the night away at a beach party or in the nightclub. Try your luck at the casinos or hang out in the sports bar. In terms of services, of course there is daily housekeeping service and you may even get turn down service with chocolates on your pillow. There is always a staff member on the resort within arm’s reach to provide whatever services you need.

Bonjerb Travel is Sandals certified to make your next vacation truly remarkable.

Travel gear is a necessity for any trip, whether it's a weekend getaway or a two-week vacation.  We love trying out new accessories and have some tips below.

When choosing travel gear, it's important to consider the type of trip you're taking, the climate you'll be traveling to, and your own personal needs and preferences. With a little planning, you can find the right travel gear to make your trip more enjoyable and hassle-free.

How to choose your travel gear:

• Read reviews. Before you buy any travel gear, be sure to read reviews from other travelers to see what they think of the product. This can help you avoid buying gear that isn't right for you.

• Try it out. If possible, try out the travel gear before you buy it. This is especially important for items like shoes and backpacks, which need to fit well and be comfortable to wear.

• Invest in quality. It's often worth investing in quality travel gear, even if it costs a bit more. Quality gear is more likely to last longer and provide better performance.

• Pack light. It's tempting to pack everything you think you might need on your trip, but it's important to pack light. This will make it easier to travel and avoid baggage fees.

Here are some of the items we cannot seem to live without when we travel.

As women, we often have responsibilities pulling us in too many directions. Family, home, and work commitments leave us feeling burned out.

Going on a trip with our besties promotes our overall well being:  It is a time for silliness, a time for emotional wellness, a time for empowerment, a time to be you. 

Silliness / Feeling Younger

As we get older, life has a way of bring out our serious side. On a girls' trip, we have the opportunity to relax and let loose.  Laughing so hard you cry (or pee a little) is just what we need sometimes to remember what it was like to be young and carefree. Not feeling judged and just being is one of the best side effects of traveling with our friends. We often find ourselves doing things we don't or can't normally do in front of our spouses, children, or parents.  Silliness is just standard practice when you get together and it feels so good to unwind!

Emotional Wellness

We deserve time away where we can rest, recoup and reflect.  When we break away from the chaos in our lives and step into our girls' trip, we feel a sense of release.  We spend our time talking, crying, and sharing personal struggles and experiences.  Hours and days go by but at the end of the trip, we have a better perspective.  We can see the blessings in our lives and become so grateful for them. We return home rejuvenated and are often better friends, mothers, spouses, daughters, and individuals.

Empowerment

Surrounding ourselves with like minded women for a few days helps us feel empowered.  As women, we love to compliment and uplift each other.  The positive vibes from experiencing somewhere new on our trips can strengthen our souls and make us feel alive.  We always feel so much better about ourselves and what we can accomplish after a girls' trip.  

What are you Waiting For?

If you have never been on a Girls' Trip, let's get you started!!  Give yourself permission to enjoy a trip with your closest girlfriends and realize not only will you explore a new destination, but it will recharge you as an individual. 

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