posted on November 13, 2026
Traveling with multiple generations means making room for different interests, energy levels, and routines. Planning how everyone will get around can help the trip run more smoothly, from coordinating airport arrivals to heading out for dinner.
Start by considering how much space you’ll need, who’s comfortable driving, and whether everyone will follow the same schedule. Having a car available gives your family flexibility, and choosing delivery where available can simplify arrival logistics.
Booking a car on Turo gives you the flexibility to choose a pickup location that works for your family or have the car delivered, where available. Delivery options may include your hotel, resort, or a designated airport location. Plus, the car you book is the car you’ll drive, so you can choose a vehicle with your group’s seating and luggage needs in mind.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- Why transportation matters on a multigenerational vacation
- Transportation tips
- Your transportation options compared
- Why Turo is a great fit
- The best car types
- What to look for when booking
- Popular destinations and how to get around them
Why transportation matters on a multigenerational family vacation
Traveling with extended family members across multiple generations means you need to carefully consider how you’ll get around. Mixed ages, mobility, and even nap schedules all matter when choosing transportation for your next multigenerational vacation. Carefully considered transportation isn’t a nice-to-have; it’s essential for any family vacation with grandparents, teens, young kids, and adults.
Unlike most family trips, multigenerational vacations come with extra factors to consider:
- Accessibility: High-clearance cars can be difficult for older family members to climb into, and walking up steep train station stairs may prove impossible for those with limited mobility.
- Stamina: Long transit days, delayed flights, and multiple connections can be a recipe for tantrums and meltdowns from little ones.
- Cargo and luggage: Traveling with strollers, plenty of snacks, and heavy bags is a whole lot easier when you have a car with plenty of trunk space.
- Affordability: Frequent ridesharing or multiple train tickets can add up fast when traveling as a large group, which is where splitting the cost of a car rental can make more financial sense.
Transportation tips
Most of the stress on a multigenerational trip comes from getting everyone from A to B, so a little planning goes a long way. Start with these tips, then lock in your transportation.
Start with the group
- Discuss expectations before you book: Talk about vacation styles, how much time to spend together versus alone, and who’s covering what.
- Plan activities for different ages and interests: Flexible options like a hike, a museum visit, or a beach afternoon let everyone join in at their own level.
- Leave room to breathe: Build in buffer time and some unstructured family time so the pace works for every generation.
Make getting there easier
- Pick direct routes and direct flights: Fewer layovers and transfers mean less fatigue, especially for infants, toddlers, and older relatives.
- Request airport assistance early: If anyone needs mobility help, ask for special assistance well ahead of your travel dates.
Discuss finances early
- Decide who pays for what before booking anything: You can pool funds based on each person’s budget, or rotate who covers meals.
- Use a payment app to settle up: Keep the receipts in one place and split costs after the trip.
On the road
- Choose a car that fits your family’s plans: Consider passenger space, luggage, and how easily everyone can get in and out. If your group needs multiple cars, plan who will travel together and who will drive.
- Build in rest stops every 2 hours: On longer drives, leave room for bathroom stops, snacks, and stretching so everyone can travel at a comfortable pace.
- Pack a small bag per person within easy reach: Snacks, chargers, medications, and a jacket stay out of the trunk.
- Bring strong helpers: Share the loading, driving, and wrangling so the burden doesn’t fall on one person.
Your transportation options compared
Large family trips are best served by a single rental car that can comfortably fit your whole group. With Turo, you get the added perks of choosing the exact vehicle that works for you (likely a 3-row SUV or minivan), having the car delivered to you, skipping the rental counter, and adding on convenient extras like child seats.
| Option | Cost for a large group | Space for everyone and the luggage | Convenience on arrival | Flexibility during the trip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renting a car on Turo | $$ (one vehicle for the whole group) | Pick a 3-row SUV or minivan with room for everyone and the bags | Car can be delivered to the airport, hotel, or vacation rental | Your own wheels on your schedule, with no counter hours or timetables |
| Traditional rental counter | $$$ (extras and fees can add up) | Vehicle class only, so you may get “or similar” | Counter line plus often a shuttle to the lot | Good once you’re driving, but pickup and return are tied to counter hours |
| Rideshare and taxis | $$$$ (adds up fast across a week) | Often need 2+ cars for a big group, and car seats are a hassle | Quick in some cities, but there can be longer waits for larger vehicles | Depends on availability, with surge pricing at busy times |
| Public transportation or hotel shuttles | $ | Tight with luggage, strollers, or walkers | Fixed stops and schedules | Limited routes, and can be a lot of walking for older relatives and little kids |
Why Turo is a great fit
Renting a car on Turo gives multigenerational families relief from the biggest headache of large family vacations: where to collect the car. Rather than joining the long lines at car rental desks, booking on Turo means you can pick up at the airport or find cars that will be delivered to you, whether that’s your hotel, vacation rental, or even a major landmark.
Plus, you choose the exact vehicle that suits your group and can confirm before you book that it has enough seats and space for the whole family. Renting on Turo tends to be a cost-effective way to travel as a large group, skipping the need for multiple train tickets or frequent ridesharing trips.
Custom delivery brings the car to you
Families love that you can get cars delivered to you. This means your oldest and youngest family members don’t have to wait at airport rental desks or ride a busy shuttle bus to pick up your rental car.
For extended family vacations, custom delivery means cars can meet you:
- At the airport: Many Turo listings offer airport delivery. That means no shuttle ride with a toddler on your hip and grandpa’s walker in tow. You meet the car on your own terms (typically at the airport parking lot), load the bags, and go. It’s one of the easiest ways to start a family vacation happening in a different city or state.
- At your hotel or vacation rental: Multigenerational families often stay together in one big rental home or resort, so having the car waiting in the driveway or parking lot is a huge win. Booking is simple. Enter your address, choose your dates, and filter for cars that offer delivery. Staying at an Airbnb? Here’s the easiest way to get a car.
- At a specific address or landmark: You don’t have to pick from a list of pickup spots. Search on Turo by a specific address or a major landmark, like a theme park, a national park gateway, or a train station, and you’ll see cars available for delivery there. So if the whole family is heading to the same place, you can set that as your starting point and have the car waiting when you arrive.
You choose the exact vehicle
Whether you want a 3-row SUV with enough room for the teenagers, a minivan with easy-access sliding doors, or a hybrid for a long road trip, Turo lets you find and book the exact vehicle for your trip.
Enter your vacation location and dates, browse nearby vehicle listings, look through the vehicle’s images, and check the car’s exact features before you book. You’ll know the exact car make, model, year, transmission, and fuel type before you confirm your booking for added peace of mind.
Tip from the author: Traveling with kids? Look for cars on Turo that offer handy family-friendly extras like child seats, booster seats, strollers, and even beach umbrellas.
More space for the whole group
Traveling with three generations means lots of stuff and plenty of people to fit into one car. While traditional rental fleets tend to have limited stock of larger vehicles, you’ll find plenty of cars built for bigger groups on Turo. Filter by vehicles with 6, 7, or even 8+ seats and check the trunk space to make sure you’ve got plenty of room for strollers, walkers, and luggage.
Real reviews from families like yours
See exactly what other drivers thought of the vehicle you’re planning to book by reading reviews on Turo. Every vehicle listing includes reviews, letting past renters share their experience and what they thought about the car. Keep an eye out for reviews that mention large group sizes, traveling with kids, and traveling with grandparents or older relatives.
Good value for a big group
One vehicle for everyone typically costs less than renting several cars or taking taxis for your entire vacation. Find a vehicle that matches your group size, add only the extras you need, and have it delivered to save on taxis and rideshare trips back to the airport.
The best car types
Finding the best car for your multigenerational vacation means considering how many people you’re traveling with, how much luggage you’re bringing, and what features matter most. For most families, a minivan or large SUV tends to be a reliable choice, balancing space and comfort.
Minivans
- Top features: Sliding doors, a low step-in height, and easy third-row access
- Recommended models: Toyota Sienna, Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Odyssey, Kia Carnival (7–8 seats)
- Best for: Families with car seats and grandparents who want an easy step-in entry and exit
Minivans are the unsung heroes of multigenerational trips. Sliding doors open wide in tight parking lots, and the low step-in means grandparents can hop in without a climb, while car seats are easy to buckle in.
Three-row SUVs
- Top features: A higher seat, plenty of cargo space, and room for carry-ons behind the third row
- Recommended models: Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot (7–8 seats)
- Best for: Groups of 5–7 who want more space without compromising on maneuverability
A 3-row SUV offers a higher seat for relatives who find it easier to slide out than to step down, plus enough room for everyone’s bags. It’s a good middle ground if you want space without driving a large van.
Full-size SUVs for bigger groups
- Top features: The biggest cargo area and the most legroom for adults in the back rows
- Recommended models: Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition MAX (7–9 seats)
- Best for: 7+ people plus luggage. For extra comfort on long drives, luxury SUVs are worth a look too
When the group gets big, a full-size SUV keeps everyone together instead of splitting into two cars. Adults in the back rows have room to stretch out, and luggage doesn’t have to ride on an in-law’s lap.
Hybrid and electric options
- Top features: Lower fuel costs and a quiet, smooth ride
- Recommended models: Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Toyota Sienna, Kia EV9 (6–7 seats)
- Good to know: If you go electric, map out your charging stops before you leave
Hybrids and EVs keep fuel costs down on a long road trip itinerary, and the quiet ride is a bonus when the little ones nod off in the back. They’re a smart pick for families doing a lot of miles between stops.
What to look for
Finding the right rental car for a multigenerational family trip involves a bit of extra attention and planning. Here’s what most families look for when booking a rental car:
- Seat count and easy third-row access: Check that the listing seats everyone, and that the third row is easy to climb into.
- Step-in height and door opening size: Lower step-ins and wide doors make getting in and out easier for grandparents and little kids.
- Luggage space with the third row up: Look at the photos and cargo details to make sure the bags fit once every seat is taken.
- Car seat anchors for kids: Confirm the car has the anchors you need. Some listings on Turo even come with child seats and booster seats as optional extras.
- Rear USB ports, phone connectivity, and rear climate control: These keep back-row passengers charged, entertained, and comfortable on long drives.
- Delivery option available: Filter for delivery so the car can meet you at the airport, hotel, or vacation rental.
- Trip length and mileage fit: Match the car to your itinerary, and check the listing details for mileage on longer trips. Many listings on Turo offer unlimited mileage, which is ideal for longer family vacations.
Popular multigenerational destinations
Getting around is where multigenerational trips get tricky, and it’s different in every destination. Here’s what locals will tell you about five popular spots, and why having your own vehicle keeps the whole group moving together.
Orlando and Walt Disney World
- Recommended vehicle: A minivan or 3-row SUV with space for strollers and park bags
- What to consider: I-4 traffic, theme park parking, and how far your vacation home is from the parks
- Recommended pickup locations: Orlando International Airport (MCO), or delivery to your vacation home or resort
Orlando is spread out. The airport, the theme parks, and the big vacation homes in Kissimmee and Davenport are all a drive apart, and I-4 can back up fast. A roomy vehicle keeps the whole family together, with the strollers in the trunk, and makes Walt Disney World a lot easier. Universal Orlando Resort and Kennedy Space Center are both an easy add-on.
Southern California and Disneyland
- Recommended vehicle: A minivan with easy sliding doors for tight parking structures
- What to consider: Rush hour on the freeways, parking costs, and drive times between the parks and the coast
- Recommended pickup locations: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), John Wayne Airport (SNA), or delivery to your Anaheim hotel
Freeways link Anaheim, the beaches, and everything in between, and traffic can be heavy at almost any hour. Plan your days around it, and leave extra time for parking. Disneyland is a short drive from many family-friendly beach stops.
Arizona’s red rock country
- Recommended vehicle: A comfortable 3-row SUV with plenty of legroom and rear climate control
- What to consider: Long drives between sights, midday heat, and limited parking at popular viewpoints
- Recommended pickup locations: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), or delivery to your Sedona hotel or rental
Phoenix to Sedona is about 2 hours, and the scenic stops are spread out. Comfortable seating matters on drives like this, especially for grandparents and little kids. Plan for time at Sedona’s red rocks, and consider spending time at Slide Rock to escape the heat.
South Dakota’s Black Hills and national parks
- Recommended vehicle: A full-size SUV with room for luggage, snacks, and everyone’s gear
- What to consider: Long distances between stops, wildlife on the roads, and limited services in some areas
- Recommended pickup locations: Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP), or delivery to your Black Hills hotel or cabin
Rapid City is the gateway to Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, and the Badlands, and the distances between them are long stretches on the road. Having your own car makes it easy to see Mount Rushmore and the other stunning parks on your schedule.
Colorado mountain towns
- Recommended vehicle: A 3-row SUV with AWD for winter traction and space for ski gear
- What to consider: Weekend mountain traffic, snowy roads, and extra time to load winter gear
- Recommended pickup locations: Denver International Airport (DEN), or delivery to your mountain condo or lodge
Denver to Keystone is a scenic drive, but mountain traffic builds on weekends, so be sure to leave early. On snowy roads, AWD adds winter traction, which is worth considering.
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to rent one large vehicle or multiple cars for a multigenerational trip?
One large vehicle is usually the better choice for multigenerational trips. Even when two families are traveling together, a single minivan or 3-row SUV means more time to spend talking, fewer cars to park, and less to coordinate. It’s also often easier to afford than renting several cars.
Can I get a rental car delivered to my vacation rental or hotel?
Yes, many Turo listings offer delivery to your vacation rental or hotel. Whether you’re staying in a beach house, a cabin, or a luxury hotel, enter the address when you search and filter for delivery. Book in advance for the best selection, and check each listing for details and car features.
What is the best car for grandparents and kids traveling together?
A minivan or 3-row SUV is the best choice for most groups of varying ages. Parents get room for car seats, grandparents get an easy step-in, and grandkids get space to stretch out. If a family member finds a high seat tricky, for example, a minivan’s low step-in is a great pick.
Can I get a rental car delivered to the airport?
Yes, many Turo listings offer pickup or delivery at airports. It’s a real treat when you’re landing late at night with a toddler or a walker. If other relatives are arriving at different times, check the delivery options on each listing.
Planning a multigenerational vacation everyone will remember
Traveling with multiple generations doesn’t have to be a recipe for arguments and airport meltdowns. In fact, with the logistics and transportation sorted, you can spend time relaxing by the beach, exploring national parks, and bonding as a family (rather than reading a train timetable).
Ready to find the perfect car for your next family vacation? Browse Turo and filter by the exact vehicle size and features you need. No matter what your itinerary has in store, you’ll find a vehicle to match your plans on Turo.
Share your car, earn extra cash
Cover your car payments or earn some extra cash by sharing your car whenever you’re not using it.
Get startedHit the road
Browse thousands of cars for every occasion and budget near you, or wherever you’re going.
Browse cars
Lucinda Starr
Lucinda Starr is a travel and automotive writer with 5+ years of firsthand experience road-tripping across Australia, New Zealand, and beyond. She writes road trip guides for Turo, drawing on her experience behind the wheel to share practical insights on long-distance drives, destinations, and vehicles. Her travels have taken her across Australia’s East Coast, Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, the Northern Rivers, Byron Bay, and both islands of New Zealand. One of her most memorable journeys was an 11-day, 2,600+ km route from Auckland to Punakaiki and Queenstown. Lucinda has a particular passion for classic, rugged 4WD vehicles and the freedom they bring to exploring new places.
