Nothing is more important than family, which is why you want to make every reunion an event to remember. Instead of the same old barbecue or crowded get-together at a family member’s house, why not plan an epic family reunion that everyone will be talking about for many holidays to come?
Planning an epic family reunion is much easier than you’d think. The three keys to make sure you cover are comfort, convenience and experiences that you don’t get to enjoy every day.
Amazing Place to Stay for Out-of-Town Family Members or During a Destination Reunion
The most important decision you will probably make is where to have the family reunion. Often times a location that’s close to home for many family members is the destination of choice. If you’re like the typical American family, a significant portion of people will still have to travel even if it isn’t a true destination vacation for the whole family.
This is actually an opportunity for far-off family members to spend a lot of quality time with one another – if they all stay in the same spot. There are just three must-haves when choosing a hotel for the family:
Space to Accommodate – The resort should have enough rooms for all of the out-of-town family members. Bonus if you can stay in rooms next to each other or suites.
Caters to Large Families – Is the hotel or resort ready to cater to your large group? For example, Welk Resorts is one of the few resorts in San Diego that is set up to host large family gatherings. If this is the case, you could actually have the reunion (or part of it) at the resort.
Amenities, Amenities, Amenities – When you have a lot of family members staying at one place, it will quickly become a fun hang out if there are things to do.
Catered Food with Family Favorites
One of the most important elements of any gathering is food. According to a survey by Ipsos, 60% of respondents said group meals were among their most cherished family reunion memories. Usually a few family members take on the task of handling the eats and drinks during a reunion. For those few people, the family reunion becomes a job.
Epic family reunions have amazing food, but a select few relatives don’t have to sacrifice their vacation for it. Catering can be a serious chunk of change, however, the expense is usually worth it. With a little bit of research you should be able to find a decently priced catering service that will handle everything for you. Figure out what the cost per person will be and get each family member to pitch in. Also have everyone provide meal suggestions so the spread has something everyone wants to eat. The convenience and delicious food will make catering a family tradition.
Activities People of All Ages Can Enjoy
All too often family reunions just focus on getting people together. But once family members are in one place that’s where the planning stops. The reunion just consists of eating, drinking and talking.
Having the reunion at a resort, park, etc. can provide some entertainment, but it’s best to plan out at least a few fun activities that can be enjoyed by all family members. Come prepared with games for kids. Schedule a day at a golf resort where enthusiasts can play a round while others relax at the pool or get some R&R at the spa. Plan at least a few activities that everyone can take part in as well as down time where every can just relax and reminisce.
Location-Specific Family Outing That’s Totally Out of the Norm
If you want to make the family reunion truly memorable, try something new. Brand new experiences have a lasting impact, and the further they are from your regular routine the more noteworthy they are.
For a truly out-of-the-norm outing, choose a location-specific activity that can really only be experienced in that city. Step two – go big. Think way outside of the box to find an epic event to enjoy. Plan an offshore whale-watching excursion. Horseback ride in the backcountry. Go skydiving for the first time. (Rest assured family members will watch the video again and again.)
Find just one thing that will be so memorable family members will retell the story for generations. And that is how you plan an epic family reunion.
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