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

family reunion locations

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

Share

Beaches in the USA are great for family vacations. Kick back and relax and stick your toes in the sand!

It’s no surprise that families who live in colder parts of the USA flock to America’s beaches throughout the year, especially during the summer months. Don’t worry about crowds. There are plenty of beach destinations in the USA. The only problem you may have is choosing which one to visit.

Are you ready to find out the must-see family beaches in the USA? Here we go…

7 Must-See Family Beaches in the USA

beaches in the USA

"7 Must-See Family Beaches in the USA" Photo credit: Jason Weeks. Visit http://about.me/jasonweeks

Alabama

An Alabama beach vacation is the perfect family vacation destination. This gulf state has championship golf courses, white-sand beaches, charter fishing, water sports, and more. Coastal locales include Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Fort Morgan, and Dauphin Island.

You and your family can rent a condo or vacation home or stay in one of the many hotels and resorts that can be found throughout the state. You’ll have easy access to the beach!

Florida

Florida is home to renowned sandy beaches, dreamy resorts, and some of the best attractions found within the USA.  Daytona Beach is one of the must-see family beaches in the USA. There are plenty of hotels and resorts in the area along with vacation rentals such as condos and homes.

Georgia

A family vacation is just peachy when you travel to Georgia!

Jekyll Island is one of the most spectacular family beaches in the USA. Here’s a secret … it’s known as the “best kept secret” in the Southeast. Jekyll Island is an untouched, natural beauty which makes it a unique family vacation destination. There’s plenty to do from lounging on the beach, kayaking, boating, biking, birding, horseback riding, and more. The possibilities are endless.

Jersey Shore

Like it or not, your teenagers may be glued to the TV watching the antics of Snookie, JWoww, Pauly D, and the rest of the cast from MTV’s “Jersey Shore.” The good news is that New Jersey is filled with family-friendly activities such as amusements parks, and, of course, 127 miles of the best glistening beaches in the USA. Visit Sandy Hook and Cape May and take advantage of the warm weather and fun family activities such as festivals, concerts, and more.

North Carolina

Some of the must-see family beaches in the USA can be found within North Carolina. Home to top cities such as Raleigh-Durham and Charlotte, families enjoy North Carolina’s beaches such as the Outer Banks and Ocracoke, where pristine beaches still exist. Relax and let the stress melt away as you relax on the luxurious sands of the Atlantic coast.

South Carolina

A South Carolina beach vacation is perfect for the entire family. The most popular beach destination is Myrtle Beach. With 60 miles of sandy beaches, you’ll like you’re in heaven. There’s plenty to do such golfing, sight-seeing, shopping, dining, and more.  Accommodations include hotels and resorts, vacation home rentals, and motels.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a must-see family beach destination. Known for its famed boardwalk, golf, and family friendly atmosphere, you’ll want to visit over and over again. Accommodations include rental homes, hotels and resorts, and campgrounds. You and your family will enjoy Virginia Beach activities such as lounging on the beach, surfing the waves, kayaking, shopping, wildlife trails, and more.

It’s a good idea to plan for rainy days. Visit the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center and Contemporary Arts Center of Virginia. See a movie or play a game of Laser Quest. Check out the books at the Central Library or at one of the eight area libraries.

Happy travels!

What’s your favorite family beach in the USA? Share.

Free Download: Travel Brochures. Start planning your family vacation now!

Share

Located at the northern tip of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge,Waycross is filled with southern hospitality and charm.

From rounds of golf at The Lakes at Laura S Walker State Park, to exploring the swamps of the Okefenokee, to experiencing life on a 19th century homestead in the swamp and to touring one of our 4 museums, there is so much to do in Waycross, Georgia.

Just 9 miles from Waycross is Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, one of the oldest and best preserved fresh water systems in America. Here among the acres of cypress forests, lakes, marshes and islands can be found over 400 species of animals, birds and reptiles including alligators. Visit the Okefenokee Swamp Park and take a boat ride through history.

Whether you are staying overnight or just traveling through,Waycross will be a place to remember.

Waycross Tourism Bureau

Located in the Historic Waycross Depot

314-A Plant Avenue

Waycross, Georgia  31501

912-283-3742

www.swampgeorgia.com

Share

Villas by the Sea Resort, Jekyll Island, GA

Looking for a “warm” place for the winter? Snow Birds Welcomed!  We specialize in extended stays. Call for details.

The weather is perfect for Golf and we have the best rates for your Jekyll Island stay! Whatever your reason for coming to Jekyll Island we provide you with more room for your money! We offer the only fully appointed Condominiums on the Island.

Stroll through our 17 acres of lush landscape where boardwalks lead you to unspoiled beaches. Enjoy a stroll on our 400-foot oceanfront boardwalk or relax under our beach pavilion.

One, two or three bedroom fully furnished Condos are available. Each boasts a full kitchen, separate living and dining areas, private balconies or patios.

Nightly, Weekly & Monthly rates available. Call for reservations.

Villas by the Sea Resort & Conference Center

1175 N. Beachview Drive

Jekyll Island, GA  31527

800-841-6262

www.JekyllislandGA.com

Share

Days Inn & Suites, Jekyll Island, GA features 40 Oceanfront one-bedroom suites, 76 double-bed guest rooms and 8 King rooms. All rooms contain “free” in-room coffee, micro-fridges, irons and ironing boards, hairdryers, clock radios, and free WIFI access. Guests staying at the hotel enjoy the Complimentary Deluxe Continental Breakfast including fresh “cooked to order” Belgian Waffles and assorted yogurt in an abundant breakfast bar overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

This moderately priced sparkling oceanfront hotel offers many things for guests to enjoy while at the hotel and on the island – great beach access, two spacious swimming pools including a brand new heated pool, kiddy pool, hot tub, grilling and picnic areas. Bike rentals on property. 2Kan Tiki will be opening Spring 2012!

Please visit www.DaysInnJekyll.com to learn more about our many specials and packages ~ also sign up for our last minute “Hot Deals”!

Days Inn & Suites

Beachview Drive

Jekyll Island, GA  31527

toll free: 888-635-3003

Direct Line: 912-635-9800

Fax: 912-635-2287

Share

Whether you are spending the night or are looking to spend your winter in a gentler climate – Villas by the Sea in Georgia is your ideal winter vacation destination.

Why simply reserve a room when you can reserve a fully appointed Condo that allows you plenty of space for rest and relaxation.
Villas by the Sea is located on 17 acres of lush landscape. Beach boardwalks lead you through tropical greenery to un-crowded and unspoiled beaches. Enjoy a stroll on our new 400 foot oceanfront boardwalk, a dip in our solar-heated pool or plan an event on at our beach pavilion.

One, two or three bedroom fully furnished Condos are available. Each boasts a full kitchen, separate living and dining areas, private balconies or patios.

Call for reservations.

Villas by the Sea Resort & Conference Center
1175 N. Beachview Drive
Jekyll Island, GA 31527
866-920-1263
www.JekyllislandGA.com

Share

Located at the northern tip of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Waycross, Georgia is a perfect vacation spot, filled with southern hospitality and charm.

Attractions such as the Okefenokee Swamp Park and Obediah’s Okefenok, give an in-depth look at a one-of-a-kind ecosystem, including the wildlife, plant life, and pioneer life in the area. Train enthusiasts can catch a glimpse of the train traffic coming in and out of the second largest computerized yard for CSX in the U.S. by relaxing on the Visitor Center patio in Downtown.

Learn more about the history of the area and pick up a Historic Walking Tour Book at the Visitor Center. Take a stroll through downtown or visit the Okefenokee Heritage Center and Southern Forest World museums.
Whether you are staying overnight or just traveling through, Waycross will be a place to remember.

Waycross Tourism Bureau and Visitor Center
315-A Plant Avenue
Waycross, Georgia 31501
912-283-3744
www.swampgeorgia.com

Share