By STEVE EIGHINGER

Herald-Whig Staff Writer

One of the newest trends in American travel is the multigenerational experience -- three generations taking a vacation together.

Rod Cookson of Quincy says the key to taking a multigenerational trip is planning ahead. He should know -- he and his wife recently took a Disney trip with his son and grandson.

"My son did a lot of (the planning) online, and a lot of it was a done a year advance," Cookson said.

The multi-generational theme allows new bonding experiences for families and also is way to combat rising costs. Traveling as a unit can be cheaper than two, three or four individual vacations or trips.

Many travel services have hopped on the bandwagon and are now putting together packages with a multi-generational theme. Some national estimates say the interest in multigenerational family vacations has risen at last 33 percent since 2007.

In a roundabout way, the high cost of living has been a godsend to some families.

"It's an opportunity for tremendous bonding," says Marlene Coleman, author of "Safe and Sound: Healthy Travel With Children," on the www.americanprofile.com Web site. "Traveling together gives you a chance to get to know the various members of your family on a deeper level."

Cookson and his family took a trip earlier this year to Disney World in Orlando, Fla.

"I had promised my grandson, Nathan, back when he was 7 years old that when he was 12 we would go to Disney World," Cookson said. "He didn't let me forget. This was the first vacation our family has taken with three generations."

Cookson, 69, said his son, Kyle, 47, handled most of the preparations, beginning a year ago. Hotel rooms and other plans were made well in advance, not only for convenience, but to get the best possible price rates, which are often easier to do when reservations are made as far ahead as possible.

Planning ahead is crucial to the success of a multi-generational vacation for some reasons that are obvious and some that aren't.

Eating times and preferences, physical abilities, even nap time play into the preparations.

Cookson said planning ahead for restaurant reservations can be a major help, because it avoids longs waits. And with young ones in the party that can be important.

Another important item is not to overlook any special needs your family requires.

Older grandparents may require the assistance of electric vehicles or wheelchairs, or even medical assistance. Listening devices and other similar services may be needed.

On the other end of the spectrum, young children may require strollers, car seats or time for a nap.

"All special needs should be carefully considered," said Laura Miller, director of Travel Insights Group. "Some hotels and resorts will cater more to those needs than others."

Also consider everyone's financial means when choosing a location. You don't want to cause resentment or embarrassment if one of the activities planned is beyond someone's budget, so agree on expenditures before you leave home.

"Involve everybody in the planning stage," Coleman says. "That way you'll know what everyone's expectations and abilities are.

"First, consider the age and the health of the people who will be going on the trip. That way, you can choose a destination and activities that will be appropriate for everyone."

Your itinerary should also include activities for everyone, but remember not all family members have to participate in everything. Get "must do" choices from every traveler in your party, then create a schedule around these selections.

Cookson said his grandson was looking forward to riding some of the wilder rides at DisneyWorld, while he and his wife, Karen, were more comfortable on some of the tamer ones.

"The magic of a multi-generational vacation isn't the places you go or the activities you participate in. It's found in the people you share that time with -- and the irreplaceable memories you'll make together," said Mary Dixon Lebeau, a freelance writer.

Cookson agrees.

"The vacation we took is one we will never forget," he said. "It was quite a trip."

-- seighinger@whig.com / 221-3377