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

Planning a Family Vacation or Reunion? Book a Condo or Home from Sandbridge Realty

Sandbridge Realty - Virginia Beach Vacation Condo Rentals

Sandbridge Realty offers hundreds of homes and condos in the southern area of Virginia Beach. Family Friendly community with accommodations ranging from two bedrooms to expansive twelve-bedroom luxury homes. Planning a family vacation or a family reunion? We have something for everyone:  Pools, Indoor Pools, Theater and Game Rooms, Putting Greens, Dog Friendly, Homes with Elevators, Screened in Porches, Easy Beach access…the list is endless. A water lover?…then Sandbridge is the place for you with the sparkling Atlantic Ocean on the east and beautiful Back Bay to the west. Surf, swim, kayak, stand up paddle, fish, crab…the choices are endless. Miles of hiking and biking trails take you through the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, home to hundreds of migratory birds and seasonal wildlife.

Visit us online at www.sandbridge.com or call 1-800-933-4800 today. There is always a vacation home or condo perfect for your needs. SEASONAL SPECIALS ALWAYS OFFERED.

Luxury is Sanctuary Realty at Sandbridge 

Sanctuary Realty - Luxurious Oceanfront Resorts

Sanctuary Realty at Sandbridge is one of Virginia Beach’s newest and finest luxury oceanfront resorts. Located in the most southern part of Virginia Beach in beautiful Sandbridge, and nestled against over 13,000 acres of National Wildlife Refuge. 2, 3, 4 bedroom and penthouse units are available all year long offering views of the Atlantic Ocean and Back Bay. Private decks from all units, some with multiple decks from living areas and bedrooms. Two courtyard pools (one with a child’s water-play area) and an oceanfront pool are available in the summer, along with a private boardwalk to enjoy at your leisure. Amenities within the resort include a fitness room, library with Wi-Fi, a game room and meeting room. Grilling stations and ample lounge chairs and tables are located within the nicely landscaped courtyards.

Visit us online at www.sanctuaryrealtyva.com or call today 1-866-933-4801. BOOK IN ADVANCE AS THE BEST UNITS GO FIRST!

Everything you’d expect from a world-class resort awaits you at Greensprings Plantation. Luxury accommodations include 2 and 4-bedroom units that include a full kitchen, washer dryer, Cable TV with VCR VCP and balcony or terrace. Relax in your private Jacuzzi and lounge in front of your very own fireplace.

Greensprings Plantation provides every essential amenity for your well-deserved vacation. Take a swim in the indoor/outdoor pools or play a set on the lighted tennis courts. Golf enthusiasts will enjoy the adjacent Nicklaus-designed course.

Onsite amenities also include Fitness center, bike rentals, volleyball courts, miniature golf, basketball courts, barbeque area, shuffleboard, playground, laundry facilities, spa, sauna and gift shop.

Delight in 18th century villages, explore cultural museums and enjoy the excitement of the world famous theme parks. Nearby Virginia’s “Historic Triangle” brings colonial America to life with the nationally recognized historic sites of Williamsburg – one of the 13 original colonies; Jamestown – one of the first permanent English settlements established in 1607; and Yorktown – where independence was won during the American Revolutionary War.

Greensprings Plantation

3800 Ludwell Parkway

Williamsburg, Virginia 23188

800-424-1943

www.sunterra.com

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

When searching for the perfect vacation destination, The Historic Powhatan Resort in Williamsburg Virginia provides luxurious, yet comfortable one- two- and three- bedroom villas complete with a kitchen, washer/dryer, cable TV with DVD and a private balcony/patio.

Truly a home away from home with plenty of on-site amenities for your enjoyment, including indoor/outdoor pools, tennis, basketball and volleyball courts, a playground and pavilion, a 19-hole mini-golf course, and hiking and exercise trails, the resort is also conveniently located near historic sites, exciting theme parks, shopping and outdoor recreation. Also located on-site and open for daily tours is the restored historic Georgian-style Manor House, circa 1735.

Named for legendary Algonquin Chief Powhatan and once a colonial plantation, the resort occupies 256 rolling acres of woodlands with five small lakes and two restaurants –The Grill, featuring family-friendly, home-style cooking and The Kitchen, offering, fine dining with American and International cuisines.

Book your reservations today!

1.800.Get.Away (800.438.2929)

The Historic Powhatan Resort

3601 Ironbound Road

Williamsburg, VA 23188

757-220-1200

http://www.historicpowhatanresort.com

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

You’re getting married? That’s fantastic! Now the planning can begin… and if you’re dead set on making a Virginia lodging facility the site of your “I dos”, you’re in luck.

This “southern, but not too southern” state is a family vacation destination and boasts mountains and a relaxing shoreline. However, you need to know the ins and outs of getting a marriage license in Virginia before you can proceed with your dream wedding.

• If you’ve been married before, you may have to provide proof that you’re either divorced or widowed. This depends on the county; if you already have any of the numerous Virginia condos in mind as your destination, the staff there may be able to help you find out if their county requires documentation in this area.

• The fee to get married in Virginia is relatively low – under $40 as of the writing of this post. That means you’ll have change to spare. Perhaps you can go to one of the many Virginia resorts and sample some of the amazing cuisine this state has to offer!

• You must be 18 or older to get married in Virginia without parent/guardian consent.

• As with Pennsylvania (described in last week’s post), same sex marriages are not recognized in the state of Virginia.

• There is no waiting period in Virginia, meaning you can literally check into one of the many hotels in Virginia and, as long as it’s during business hours, you can get your license that day. Now that’s a super deal!

Next time, GuestQuest will travel to Michigan to discuss the issues surrounding getting married in the state that looks like a glove! (Did you notice the word “love” is inherent in the word “glove”? Coincidence? Or not?)