Trips that combine destination experience with family visit (grandparents, relatives abroad, longtime friends) double the benefit of travel time. Children get extended family connection; adults get genuine adult time; family relationships strengthen.
Where this works particularly well
Grandparents in different city/country (annual visit). University friends scattered geographically. Family members abroad. Family events combined with destination trip (cousin's wedding + tourist time).
How to structure
Pre- or post-event extension to family visit. Multi-week trips with 4-5 days family time and remainder destination time. Split rentals (some nights with family, some independent).
Most families default to either pure family visit or pure destination trip. Combining produces deeper benefit with same travel time and cost.