The Italian Job – from multi-generational employment to holidays for the whole family
- 98% of multi-generational travellers highly satisfied with their trip (AARP)
- Italy perfect for whole-family holidays (Appassionata)
- 83% of travellers highlight bringing family together as top benefit of multi-generational holidays (AARP)
Italy is a country synonymous with proud family heritage. Family values and the coming together of generations – particularly over meal times – are seemingly decaying in many countries, but in Italy these traditions are still strong. The country has found a way to embrace the contemporary world without losing its family bonds, to the benefit of future generations.
“Family is so important here,” observes Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs, founder of luxury holiday home company Appassionata. “We work with local artisans to source unique products – everything from lamp shades to wrought iron gates – and so many of them are third or fourth generation craftsmen, carrying forward the skills that they learnt at their father or grandfather’s knee.”
Dawn herself runs her business with several of her own family members. Husband Michael, daughter India and son-in-law Charlie all work together to present Appassionata’s luxury fractional ownership holiday homes to a global audience of owners, all of whom share a passion for Italy and the country’s way of life. Even little grandson Lucas likes to pitch in at busy times, like the olive and grape harvests.
With such a strong family focus, Italy makes an ideal location for multi-generational family trips, something that the latest research from AARP Travel has found are satisfying to 98% of travellers. The Le Marche region, where the Appassionata team is based, appeals to the whole family, with plentiful Blue Flag beaches, the Sibillini National Park, friendly towns and fantastic dining options.
The AARP Travel research has found that the top benefits of multi-generational holidays are precisely those that Italy has to offer. 83% of respondents felt that bringing the entire family together was the greatest benefit, 69% felt that it was helping build special memories and 50% felt that it was grandparents being able to spend time with their grandchildren.
Chris Everard, who owns a share in Appassionata’s three bedroom, three bathroom townhouse, Casa Tre Archi (fractions are available from £75,000 for five weeks’ exclusive use per year), took his daughter, son-in-law and brand new granddaughter to stay there recently. He feels that Le Marche makes an ideal holiday spot for multi-generational vacations. Not only are Casa Tre Archi and the local town of Petritoli ideal for a relaxed holiday, but the nearby facilities are fantastic. Chris comments,
“Within an easy 20 minute drive you arrive on the Adriatic coast and have the opportunity to enjoy a true Italian beach experience. Impossible to work out Italian family combinations arrive, make camp, squabble, play Boule, disappear for a three-hour lunch and return to sleep the afternoon away whilst various grandparents take it in turns to look after the bambini’s.”
Appassionata’s India Hobbs-Mauger adds,
“Le Marche is the perfect destination for whole-family trips as it is so welcoming to children. There are loads of activities here to keep everyone entertained and towns like Petritoli are just charming, whatever your age. It’s a wonderful family destination.”
For more information visit www.appassionata.com or contact the Appassionata team on +39 33154 13225.