Traveling with a Multi-Generational Family? Here's a Simple Tip to Save Your Sanity

Traveling with a multi-generational family can be an incredible experience, but it also comes with unique challenges—especially when it comes to luggage. Despite everyone’s best efforts to follow the "carry your own bags" rule, things don’t always go as planned.

Often, this is due to mobility needs, such as a family member requiring a wheelchair or little ones in strollers. Sometimes, it’s just chronic over-packers (looking at you, Mom!). Or maybe it’s that one family daredevil who inevitably breaks a leg right before vacation. Every family has one, right? Whatever the reason, you may find yourself managing more bags than you have hands.

Our family recently faced this challenge on a cruise. The good news? We didn’t need to fly to the cruise terminal, so there were no baggage limits or weight restrictions to worry about. The bad news? No one worried about baggage limits or weight restrictions. Add mobility issues and young kids who needed adult supervision, and we found ourselves overloaded. Everyone was juggling as much luggage as they could possibly carry—or drag.

This, my friends, is a recipe for stress. It can drain the joy and relaxation right out of your trip.

The Game-Changer: Use a Porter

Yes, it’s that simple. If you're used to traveling solo or with friends, you might not think twice about managing your own luggage. But when traveling with a multi-generational group, a porter can be a lifesaver.

Here’s our story: After our cruise, we arrived at the Port of Seattle with a mountain of luggage—at least 12 suitcases, some quite large. While we were still figuring out how to manage it all, a baggage handler approached us with his cart and asked if we needed help. I almost declined out of habit (I'm used to managing on my own), but fortunately, Lana spoke up and said "yes."

That one word made all the difference.

The porter loaded all our bags onto his cart and whisked them through the terminal and out to our waiting shuttle. Meanwhile, we were free to assist family members who needed mobility help. The relief? Immense.

The Cost? Totally Worth It.

The fee was just a small tip—about a few dollars per bag. Spread out over the group, it was an absolute bargain for the time, stress, and physical effort we saved.

Takeaway: Next time you’re traveling with a multi-generational family, don’t hesitate to accept help when it’s offered. Save your back, your sanity, and your relationships by using resources like porters. Trust us—it’s worth it.

Originally published in 2017. Updated in 2024.