Purpose Drawing on solidarity-conflict model, expectancy disconfirmation theory and bottom-up spillover theory, this study aims to explore how intergenerational conflict is linked to parents’ subjective well-being through the serial mediating effects of family intimacy and travel satisfaction, self-efficacy and travel satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach Based on a survey of 411 senior parents who have family travel experience, a structural equation modeling was performed to test the hypotheses. Findings This study demonstrated the negative impacts of intergenerational conflict on parents’ travel satisfaction and subjective well-being and further reveals two serial mediators through individual level and family level (i.e. self-efficacy → travel satisfaction; family intimacy → travel satisfaction). Practical implications The findings of this research generate valuable practical implications for family members and destination organizations. Adult children should consider different generations’ needs to choose tourism products, help parents reduce tension and negative emotions about unusual environments and build confidence. The destination organizations need to design family interaction projects with a sense of rituals to enhance family intimacy. Originality/value This study focusing on the intergenerational conflict of adult children traveling with parents, empirically examines the negative impacts of intergenerational conflict on parents’ subjective well-being, uncovers the detrimental effects of family travel; it breaks the stereotype that family travel is always full of joy, enriching research on intergenerational relationships and family travel.