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

Could astrology play a role in planning your next fun family vacation (or trip alone)?

Though we’re not soothsayers here, we’re not willing to completely deny that, for the right people, planning a great family vacation getaway might just be “in the stars”!

Know your sign?

Then check out our handy dandy guide (which is for entertainment purposes only, of course!) and see where you might want to go this spring, summer or fall.

ARIES

In a nutshell: You’re a pretty fiery person who is adventurous. So when you look through your vacation guides, ask yourself if each place has enough to keep you busy.

TAURUS

In a nutshell: Loyalty runs through your blood, so you may want to find a vacation spot that hearkens back to your earlier years. There’s nothing wrong with nostalgia! (Go through old pictures to help jog your memory.)

GEMINI

In a nutshell: You’re sociable (if mercurial at times), so don’t pick a family vacation destination that’s too isolated. A beach condo might be a better choice than a beach house unless, of course, there will be plenty of people in the home!

CANCER

In a nutshell: You love food, home, hearth, anything familial. So pick a family vacation destination where you and your clan can cuddle around a fire or huddle tonight at night playing a rousing game of cards or Suduko!

LEO

In a nutshell: You’re theatrical and passionate, so you might enjoy a fun family vacation that’s close to a cultural center, whether urban or suburban. Maybe this is finally the year to take those long awaited New York City vacations!

VIRGO

In a nutshell: You tend to be pretty practical and detail-oriented, so you might find the planning aspect of your trip as much fun as making it to your family vacation destination, no matter where you go!

(Didn’t see your sign? Check out GuestQuest’s blog next week for the rest of the astrological signs!)