Legacy Travel: Memories That Last a Lifetime
When most of us think about legacy, our minds immediately go to the tangible things we leave behind — perhaps a house, savings, or heirlooms that carry sentimental value. But legacy is more than what can be written into a will. Increasingly, families are embracing the idea that the most precious gift they can pass on isn’t something to be locked away or divided — it’s the shared experiences and memories created together while they’re still here.
We call this Legacy Travel.
It’s about choosing to live your legacy, not just leave it. Instead of waiting until “someday,” families are bringing generations together to discover new places, immerse themselves in different cultures, and create stories that will be retold long after the trip is over.
Why experiences matter more than possessions
Psychologists have long shown that experiences bring deeper and longer-lasting joy than material things. A new purchase can bring a quick thrill, but its novelty fades. Experiences, however, tend to grow in value over time. We revisit them in conversation, share them through photographs, and weave them into the stories that shape who we are.
Think back to your own childhood. What memories stand out? For many, it isn’t the objects they were given, but the trips, adventures, and time shared with loved ones. That week at the beach, the road trip with grandparents, or the first time you explored a new city together — those moments often stay with us for life.
Research supports this approach: a study from Cornell University found that people consistently rate experiential purchases as bringing them greater and longer-lasting happiness than material possessions. Experiences become part of our identity — possessions simply become part of the background.
Families are embracing this shift: the 2025 Global Travel Trends Report by American Express revealed that 58% of Millennial and Gen Z parents plan to include grandparents and extended family on their next trip. Travel is no longer just about a getaway — it’s about creating a legacy of connection.
The rise of multigenerational travel
As families become more spread out and busy schedules make it harder to connect, the idea of gathering across generations in a special place is gaining momentum. Whether it’s a luxury cruise, a cultural journey through Europe, or a simple week by the coast, multigenerational holidays offer something unique: uninterrupted time together.
According to Family Travel Association research, multigenerational travel is now one of the fastest-growing segments in the industry, with demand rising steadily year after year. Resorts are adding family-friendly suites, cruise lines are expanding interconnecting cabins, and tour operators are designing itineraries that suit every age group.
The reason is simple — families recognise that what matters most isn’t just seeing the world, but seeing it together.
Living your legacy today
Financial security and traditional inheritance will always play a role in how families plan for the future. Legacy Travel offers something complementary. It’s not about choosing one or the other — it’s about recognising that some of life’s most enduring legacies aren’t measured in dollar amounts, but in laughter shared, sunsets watched, and new experiences discovered side by side.
And it doesn’t need to be extravagant. For some, Legacy Travel might mean gathering the family once a year for a long weekend away. For others, it could be marking milestones — a 50th birthday, a graduation, a retirement — with a journey that reflects shared values and dreams.
What matters most is the intentional choice to invest in experiences that bring people closer.
Stories that live on
Beyond the psychological benefits, travel allows families to create their own stories — moments that are remembered, retold, and cherished for generations. Whether it’s a holiday by the beach, an immersive cultural journey, or celebrating a milestone together, these experiences become part of the family’s narrative.
Research shows the impact: a survey by Expedia found that 74% of travellers say the best memories of their lives come from experiences they had while travelling. In other words, these shared adventures aren’t just holidays — they’re the experiences that shape who we are and how we connect with one another.
A lasting gift
Legacy Travel is ultimately about giving the gift of time, connection, and shared discovery. It acknowledges that while possessions may fade, experiences become part of the stories families carry forward for generations.
So when you’re thinking about the mark you want to leave, consider not only what can be handed down, but also what can be lived together.
Because at the end of the day, legacy isn’t only about what remains when you’re gone — it’s about the memories created along the way.
Your journey, your legacy, your gift.