Travelling with a Big Family – A Joyful Chaos

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Travelling with a Big Family – A Joyful Chaos

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As I grew older, I began to love the process of planning these trips. When my brother started visiting India with his family, we—now grown-up siblings living in different cities—would seize the chance to organise family getaways with our parents, spouses, and kids. Local trips to places like Pondicherry and Kovalam were relatively easy to pull off.

But in 2016, the real challenge arrived—my father suggested an international trip. And not just for a few of us. He wanted all of us. The whole family.

By then, our headcount had grown from 8 to a whopping 21 people. Planning this was like coordinating a mini-conference—with wildly different needs, preferences, and attention spans.

After much debate, we chose Dubai for a 7-day adventure

The Joys and Juggles of Family Travel

The first thing I did was list all the must-see attractions in Dubai. Then, I broke them down by age group interest—what would excite the kids, keep the teens engaged, and still appeal to the parents and grandparents.

We kicked things off with Dubai Garden Glow on day one. It was magical—giant glowing installations, vibrant colours, and the highlight for the kids: mechanical dinosaurs that roared and moved. Even the adults couldn’t stop clicking photos.

Then came the Dubai Mall—a wonderland for all ages. The kids went wild in the play area (undeniably one of the best we’ve seen), while the rest of us marvelled at the grandeur of the mall. Watching the fountain show at the Burj Khalifa was simply breathtaking.

Being a family that loves exploring places of worship, we visited two beautiful masjids—Jumeirah Mosque and the majestic Grand Mosque.

And then, there was Ferrari World—a high-octane day that the teens and uncles still talk about. The Miracle Garden was a floral dream, and the dune bashing in the desert was a heart-pounding thrill followed by a serene evening. Under the stars, we enjoyed scrumptious food while dancers performed by the fire—an experience that felt both surreal and grounding.

On quieter nights, we found joy in the simple things—like the delicious Pakistani food we discovered at a small store near our stay. These moments, around a table filled with laughter and stories, made the trip truly unforgettable.

The Real Struggles Behind the Smiles

Travelling with a big family, however, isn’t always a breeze.

Coordinating flights, visas, and accommodation for 21 people is a logistical beast. Preferences clash—some want adventure, others want to relax; the kids need naps while the teens want to shop; grandparents want heritage spots while the younger ones are chasing rollercoasters.

Mealtimes turn into full-blown strategy meetings. Deciding where to eat is a democratic process with the intensity of a political debate. And don’t get me started on headcounts—there’s always one missing when the bus is ready to go.

Yet, in the chaos lies the charm. We bickered, got lost in malls, lost track of time while the group waited, and cribbed over planned itineraries. But we also laughed till our stomachs hurt, made memories for a lifetime, and strengthened bonds across three generations.

Would I Do It Again? Absolutely.

Despite the hiccups, the joy of travelling as a big family is unmatched. It’s not about picture-perfect moments but the little stories that come from shared experiences. It’s in the teasing, the unexpected detours, the shared meals, and the collective awe of discovering something new together.

So yes—it’s chaotic, exhausting, and logistically insane. But it’s also heartwarming, life-affirming, and deeply fulfilling.

And if you ask me whether I’d plan another family trip?

I already have a spreadsheet open.

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