Tech-Savvy Travel: Bridging the Generation Gap with Adventure
Tech-Savvy Travel: Bridging the Generation Gap with Adventure
Asbury Methodist Village residents Ron Stevenson and Pam Parmer belie the birthdates on their driver’s license. This adventurous couple thrive on hiking, biking, and exploring new destinations that would challenge people half their age.
Ron and Pam’s travel journey began in 1978 with climb up Virgina’s Old Rag Mountain. That initial hike set the stage for decades of adventure that have included a 100-mile walk on the Cotswold Way in England, a seven-day, self-guided drive through Ireland and cross-country skiing in New Hampshire’s White Mountain. Supplementing their wanderlust — which often includes friends and generations of family — is a keen knowledge and adaptation of technology making their global, intergenerational experiences richer and more memorable — from selecting destinations to planning activities to reflecting on their adventures afterward.
The Digital Evolution Begins
Ron, his brother, and sisters grew up in Sioux City, Iowa. By 1975, his parents and one sister and her family remained in Iowa while Ron lived with his family in Maryland. Another sister moved with her family to Texas and his brother settled in California.
Concerned that her grandchildren would grow up not knowing their cousins, Ron’s mother organized a family vacation at a lake in northwest Iowa so everyone would get to know each other. It worked. Now first cousins and even some second cousins know each other. What started as a simple cabin reservation blossomed into a 48-year and counting, annual gathering enriched by technology. Each year, multiple cabins host four generations, creating countless digital communications.
“The bonds we build during these weeks are now cherished in the digital chatter of the youngest generation, swapping stories about Granny’s hilarious aversion to sticky floors,” jokes Ron.
Cherished Memories and Tech-Infused Lessons
As the family’s interests diversified, so did their travel focus. Their wilderness explorations expanded into visits to family worldwide. The adaptability of family and friends ensured that each journey catered to every generation’s preferences, with tech-savvy activities taking the spotlight.
Fond recollections, like self-guided walks in England and Scotland, highlight the importance of navigation. Ron notes, “We’ve learned valuable lessons, and technology has played a pivotal role in preserving them.”
6 Tech Tips for Intergenerational Travel: Upgrade Your Adventure
A 2023 AARP survey reveals that technology is integral to life for 8 in 10 respondents, connecting them with loved ones frequently.
- Create a Shared Digital Platform: Establish an online space for trip documents or a family group on social media.
- Use Tech-Fueled Trip Planning Apps: Coordinate schedules and preferences with apps like Google Trips.
- Navigate with Digital Maps: Utilize real-time navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze.
- Curate Digital Memories: Create shared digital photo albums using platforms like Google Photos or iCloud.
- Stay Connected with Video Calls: Use video calls and messaging apps to share excitement in real time.
- Digitize Travel Journals: Encourage digital travel journals with apps like Day One or Journey for future reflections.
As Ron and Pam navigate retirement, they view it not as a time to settle down but as an era for exploration and connection. They watch their grandchildren set off on their own adventures, a wonderful sight that becomes part of their shared digital memories.
Looking ahead to future travel aspirations, Ron highlights a simple yet profound mantra: “keep moving.” As family dynamics evolve, the torch of organizing activities has passed to the children. Says Ron, “We just try to keep up and not fall asleep during dinner.”
