How to Plan the Perfect Multi-generational Trip to Livingstone
Situated in southern Zambia close to the iconic Victoria Falls and the River of Life of Southern Africa, River Zambezi, the town of Livingstone is a popular hub for scores of visitors. Apart from these two attractions, the town has an array of other compelling features to make a multi-gen trip to this charming town a memorable event. Find below some unique tips on curating the best trip with your family or extended family to Livingstone.
Discuss with the group
Well, doing a multi-gen trip is excellent, it is healthy, it creates bonding and makes way to create ever-lasting memories across generations. However, agreeing on a plan is key whilst using an inclusive approach even considering children.
- Type of vacation – A mix of adventure and amusement, hiking and entertainment etc. Consider the interests of most or all the members joining in the trip.
- Duration and dates – How long a trip and the dates that are convenient to all, may have to consider school vacation times.
- Accommodation and Flights - What type of accommodation, is it a house or hotel etc. and flight fares?
- Budget – Who is going to fund this, each family unit, or different suggestions? Airfares will need to be considered and the costs at the hotel in Livingstone. The budget would also have a bearing on the length of stay in Livingstone.
- Deadline – Have a deadline set to finalize all the above to proceed to the next stage.
This initial coordination is important and can be done over lunch one weekend or on a call with a member from each family connected to the call.
Securing the accommodation and flights
It is ideal if this is done by two individuals, each focusing on one. Such as A handles accommodation and B handles flights.
Accommodation - Most visitors who arrive in Livingstone as a group tend to opt for a house with several rooms or use a hotel with each family using separate rooms whilst another option can be to use different hotels in Livingstone.
For this kind of trip with each member of the group wanting to interact and move with the others, the second option is ideal as the group does not need to worry about meals whilst, in the hotel, everyone is in one location which facilitates transportation, and no hassle about laundry etc. Many similar multi-gen groups select hotels like Avani Victoria Falls Resort which is close to the falls enabling complimentary access to the falls and the park and even offers benefits to guests when booking rooms in advance.
Flights – Assuming all are travelling out from the same country and airport it is easy to secure a group fare which is slightly lower than an individual fare, hence booking in advance is needed.
Setting up activities
This has been discussed under the type of vacation and it is important to consider the age and abilities of the members when planning these.
Witnessing the incredible Victoria Falls should not be missed by any one of the group members after travelling to Livingstone. Apart from the incredible beauty of the Falls, visiting the Livingstone Museum to discover the history of the town and the country and national parks like Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park will provide great opportunities for the group to interact, learn from one another and create lasting bonds during this trip.
Packing tips for the group
It is good to have everyone on the same page about packing for the trip as no one must be overweight by packing extra or travel without the essentials for the trip.
Clothing – Check the weather in Livingstone close to your departure and pack clothing as appropriate.
Games – These are essentials for long evenings at the hotel, such as playing cards and board games, agreeing who brings what is important to not carry too many things.
Special gear depending on the weather – These are things like raincoats, boots, and hiking gear if these are planned.
A first aid kit – Carrying a basic first aid kit is a comfort.
Last Minute Details
As everyone finishes packing and waits in anticipation check the following.
- Travel documents are in order.
- Transport to the Airport is arranged.
- Everyone is aware of the reporting time at the airport.
If all this is done go ahead and enjoy a fun-filled multi-gen trip to Livingstone.