Family reunions can be a lot of fun. You get to see family members you may not have seen for a couple of years. Perhaps, there are ‘new’ family members you haven’t met. The good news is there are plenty of family reunion locations throughout the U.S. The possibilities are endless!

It’s important to make arrangements early and find a place that works for everyone. This is a good way to prevent family feuds! If you wait too long to plan your family reunion, your favorite hotel or resort could be booked solid. Also, family members may not be able to attend due to previous travel plans.

How to Plan a Family Reunion, Cut Costs, and Have a Good Time

Book Your Family Reunion Locations Early! Photo credit: Stock exchange-Sign-Helen Bobis

Book early

Beach family reunion locations are popular. The most popular beach vacation destination is Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. If you have your heart set on having your family reunion in SC then you better book your location early. Otherwise, the entire family will be left out in the cold.

Tie your family reunion to an important date

If grandma and grandpa are celebrating 65 years of marriage, celebrate their special day at the family reunion. Building your family reunion around a holiday could be tricky. Big holiday’s like Memorial Day and the Fourth of July are during the travel ‘high season.’ You may not be able to find accommodations or someone may not be able to attend.

Hold your family reunion in the off-season

It may be cost effective to hold your family reunion in the off-season. Family reunion locations such as Florida, North and South Carolina, Georgia, and other popular destinations can be expensive during the ‘high season’ which is usually during the summer. Some family members may not be able to afford to attend. Take this into consideration when planning your family reunion. Holding in the off-season could work for everyone.

Meet at a family member’s home

Holding your family reunion at a family member’s home is another way to cut costs. Perhaps, a family member with five or more acres of land will be willing to host the family reunion. Everyone can bring something, a hot meal, desert, or soft drinks. Of course, cash would probably be accepted too!

Decide on the size of your family reunion

Your family reunion doesn’t have to be large. A small and intimate family reunion could be more inviting. First-time family reunion planners may want to plan a smaller affair. You’ll get a sense of what it’s like to plan reunion.

Raise money for your family reunion 

Send out an email blast and ask family members to have garage sales, silent auctions, raffles, car washes, rummage sales, etc. to raise money for your family reunion.

Plan cost-effective family activities

Ask family members what they like to do. Ask family members what their kids like to do. You can’t please everyone. But you can plan activities ahead of time to keep people entertained. Ideas are:

• Renting a karaoke machine.
• Set up a sound system outside (if you’re holding at your home).
• Booking golf outing.
• Swimming
• Hiking
• Going to the park.
• Renting a ‘bouncy castle’ or other inflatable rentals.

Now you know how to plan a family reunion, cut costs, and have a good time! Keep the lines of communication open. Correspond via email or Facebook. Keep in mind that everyone may not have a computer or Facebook page. Contact family members when you have the date, time, and location settled. Keep family up-to-date with the latest information. Happy planning!

CRUISE CONTEST: Win a free cruise! 

Related Articles

• 7 Must-See Family Beaches in the USA (guestquest.com/blog)
• 5 Hot Tips to Help You Plan Your Family Vacation (guestquest.com/blog)

Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront

Nestled on a pristine stretch of sand, Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront captures the allure of Florida’s SpaceCoast. Our location is ideal for vacations, business meetings or overnight stays before your cruise. From spacious accommodations to versatile event space, our Cocoa Beach Florida hotel provides unparalleled comfort in a blissfully relaxed setting.

Stroll lazily along the soft sand, and enjoy the sun-wreathed waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Allow the stresses of yesterday to melt away beneath the warmFloridasun.

We are located directly on the Atlantic coast,Orlando’s closest beach. We are only minutes from Port Canaveral’s cruise terminals, John F. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and JettyPark. The popular Disney and Orlando attractions are about an hour away.

Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront

1550 North Atlantic Avenue

Cocoa Beach, FL  32931

800-526-2609

                      Vacation of your life!

Located between Destin and Panama City Beach, our vacation rental properties range from modest studio units to magnificent five-bedroom, gulf front homes. We specialize in gulf front properties including beach houses, condos and townhomes.

All vacation properties are individually owned and appointed with linens, washers/dryers, TV/DVD, and fully equipped kitchens. Many include amenities such as pools, tennis courts, balconies, screened porches and sun decks.

We are located on the Gulf Coast of the Florida Panhandle, approximately 18 miles east of Destin onScenic Route30A and approximately 8 miles west of Panama CityBeach. Our beaches are truly the world’s finest, featuring sugar white sandy beaches and the beautiful Emerald Waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

We encourage you to visit us for the Vacation of Your Life!

Emerald Waters Realty, Inc.

8281 Highway 30A

Seacrest, FL 32413

800-226-3974

www.emeraldwaters.com  ¤

A room for every reason – A suite for every season.

People who vacation at Beacher’s Lodge know what makes it so special, but for those who have never visited this charming Crescent Beach Condo-Hotel there are many reasons to make the trip to St. Augustine, Florida. All the ocean front suites share a great ocean view. If you are stopping in for the night or you want to stay all week, the suites are equipped to make you feel at home. After a long day of sightseeing, our ocean front heated pool awaits. Our conference room is a great spot for receptions or family gatherings.   

Historic St. Augustine is only 10 miles away. St. Augustine is a remembered spot, a historical spot, a place to make your own history. Better yet, bring your vacation seaside at Beacher’s Lodge Oceanfront Suites, where there is a room for every reason, a suite for every season.

www.beacherslodge.com     800-527-8849

Destin Vacation Rentals…World Class!

If you are looking for the very best condo rentals in Destin, Florida, then Edgewater Beach Condominium is the ultimate seaside vacation playground in Destin, Florida. With a touch of the French Riviera, the resort rises majestically beside the sparkling emerald waters, pristine white sands and fiery sunsets of Northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast.

Our unique architecture is a landmark along the Emerald Coast. The resort offers luxurious yet casual one-, two- and three-bedroom condos with private balconies overlooking lushly landscaped gardens and two shimmering pools (one heated), children’s pool and Jacuzzi. Enjoy nearby boutique and outlet shopping, fine dining, spectacular golf and sport fishing, beautiful sunsets or just relax in the Florida sun.

Enjoy our resort’s many amenities, includingFREEhigh-speed wireless internet,FREEbeach set-up andFREEuse of our state-of-the-art fitness center. Children’s playground and kid’s program available.

For America’s Best Beachfront Condo Rental Value, call 800-822-4929 or visit our website for specials at www.edgewaterbeach.com.

Edgewater Beach Condominium
291 Scenic Gulf Drive
Miramar Beach, Florida  32550  ¤

Set your own pace as you enjoy the beautiful emerald green waters while relaxing in Florida’s warm sun. Our beach service can provide you with chairs and umbrellas for your enjoyment. Have lunch or your favorite beverage at Rick’s Sand Trap located in the Beach Pavilion as you enjoy the white sandy beaches.

Take a refreshing dip in one of our five swimming pools or three hot tubs located throughout the property.

Grab your clubs…step outside your door and enjoy a round of golf on our lush 9-hole par 3 golf course that meanders throughout the property. Enjoy playing tennis on one of our six courts; three are lighted.

Have dinner right on property at one of Destin’s finest restaurants the Louisiana Lagniappe and watch the sun set over the harbor.

Come join us with family and friends for relaxation at its finest!

Sandpiper Cove

775 Gulf Shore Drive

Destin, Florida  32541

toll free: 866-446-9018

www.sandpipercove.com   ¤

Inlet Reef Club Condominiums

Visit our beautiful white sandy beaches, enjoy the wonderful restaurants and great shopping experiences. We have FREE golf, FREE track tickets, FREE DVD rental, plus many local discounts.

Located directly on the beach in Destin, FL,  Inlet Reef Club features two and three bedroom Gulf front and Gulf view units. All units have many things to offer including king size beds in the master bedroom, full size kitchens, washer/dryer, iron and ironing board, large vanity and dressing area in master bath, inside/outside wet bars, sliding glass doors off the living room and master bedroom.

Enjoy the sauna and hot tub, tennis courts, shuffleboard and weight room. Relax in our seasonally heated pool. Beach service is available.

Inlet Reef Condominiums are centrally located in the heart of Destin, on Holiday Isle, near shopping and dining.

Inlet Reef Condominiums
506 Gulf Shore Drive
Destin, Florida 32541
800-367-1801
www.inletreefclub.com