I just returned from Yellowstone, Grand Tetons and Mt. Rushmore with my family and relatives. Welcome to my first true multigenerational tour!

The group consisted of nine children from 5 to 9 years old, one 13 year old and 7 parents, plus two sets of grandparents - 21 in total.

What did I learn?

Grandparents
If your kids are along, don't parent your grandchildren. Try to leave that to the parents.

Structure of the tour
Everyone loved the Motorcoach! We had WiFi, electrical outlets by each seat to charge our electronics, a DVD and CD player, plus a microphone, restroom and a great driver. We gave each of the kids turns making announcements on the microphone – however, they had to ask permission to speak on the mic.

Traveling by motorcoach
My great nephew said this was "heaven on wheels." No seat belts gave them some mobility. Every morning the kids would fight for the front seats. Well, nothing new on that.

Step on guides really make the difference
One of the top highlights on the tour was the all-day circle tour of Yellowstone. This was accomplished by staying right in Yellowstone National Park for two nights. We picked up our Yellowstone guide (her name was Rose) and the fun and learning experience began. Rose called ahead and learned that Old Faithful was going off in 20 minutes. We pulled right up and got dropped off for a very short walk to the geyser. Everyone was excited and soon the action started as Old Faithful spouted. This occurs about every 90 minutes and we timed it perfectly.

The entire day flew by with ease as we went from place to place....mud pots, more geysers, travertine cliffs, buffalo (or bison, as they are known) the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and other sights galore. Everyone was riveted by Rose and Yellowstone. And everyone agreed that we would have NEVER seen or learned what we did with such ease if we had not been on an escorted holiday. John and I just smiled.

Meals need to be planned
All dinners and breakfasts were included. This was good as they were prescheduled and reserved. I noticed that the adults wanted to sit together and they put the kids together at their own table. Next time, we need to plan more casual meals, such as a pool party with pizza. Lunches on our own were good but several places just can't handle 21 people, so for the future we will plan accordingly and ask for separate checks. Now, you would have thought we would have split up for lunch on our own and gone to different restaurants yet they just kept following me with smiles on their faces. Oh, someone needs to be in charge of 'firewater' by the way, and ice cream stops are a must.

This travel experience was one of the highlights of our lives. Why give your family toys and electronics when you can give them the gift of travel?