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!

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Local attractions in the city include: The Cross at the Crossroads, which stands at 198 feet; The Rosebud Theatre, which hosts live performances by local, regional and national performers; Ballard Nature Center, where visitors can explore nature as they hike wooded trails; and Lake Sara, which is an 800-acre recreational lake nestled into a wooded shoreline.

Effingham is also home to several annual events, such as the Corvette Funfest, Funfest for Air Cooled VWs, Wonderland in Lights, and Sculpture on the Avenues.

For more information about the city, visit www.visiteffinghamil.com or call 1-800-772-0750 to request a free Visitors Guide.

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The Seneca Hotel & Suites
200 East Chestnut
Chicago, Illinois 60611
800-800-6261
http://www.senecahotel.com

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Located in a safe and exciting area this award-winning hotel offers free Wi-Fi, a complimentary deluxe continental breakfast with fresh waffles, free access to Bally’s Health Club next door, expanded cable TV with HBO and Lodgenet pay-per-view, USA Today newspaper, and duvets or triple sheeted beds. All rooms have 27″ TV’s, laptop safes, alarm clock radios, hairdryers, and voice mail. Business-class rooms offer extra amenities including 30% additional Wyndham Rewards points! Convenient valet parking is available.

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Days Inn Chicago

644 W. Diversey Pkwy

Chicago, IL 60614

(888) LPN-Days

(773) 525-7010

http://www.daysinnchicago.net

With so many choices, it’s nice to know you have a friend in GuestQuest.

Located in Central Illinois where Interstates 57 and 70 meet, Effingham has a little something for everyone. With 19 hotels and over 60 restaurants, Effingham provides the very best in service and hospitality and welcomes visitors to come spend a few days exploring what the city and surrounding communities have to offer.

Local attractions in the city include: The Cross at the Crossroads, which stands at 198 feet; The Rosebud Theatre, which hosts live performances by local, regional and national performers; Ballard Nature Center, where visitors can explore nature as they hike wooded trails; and Lake Sara, which is an 800-acre recreational lake nestled into a wooded shoreline.

Effingham is also home to several annual events, such as the Corvette Funfest, Funfest for Air Cooled VWs, Wonderland in Lights, and Sculpture on the Avenues.

For more information about the city, visit http://www.visiteffinghamil.com or call 1-800-772-0750 to request a free Visitors Guide.

With so many choices, it’s nice to know you have a friend in GuestQuest.