Planning the Perfect Trip for a Family Reunion: DIY Ideas for a Fun and Memorable Gathering

by | Jan 22, 2025 | For Organizers

Planning a family reunion is a fun way to bring relatives together from near and far, celebrate shared history, and create new memories. Whether small or large, these gatherings require careful planning, especially for group travel. Fortunately, with the right tools, tips, and strategies, you can plan the perfect family reunion that everyone will enjoy.

At Groups360, our goal is to make group travel easy. In this article, we offer expert advice on organizing a DIY family reunion trip that will be both fun and memorable. From picking the right destination to managing accommodations and activities, the principles of group travel apply to family reunions too.

 

1. Picking the Right Location for Your Family Reunion

Group of kids leaning over a fence feeding carrots to a giraffe.

The first step is to choose the perfect spot to host your family reunion. As it’s a group trip, you should look for a location that is easy for everyone to access no matter where they are coming from. You should also seek out a place that has activities for all ages and enough space to accommodate your entire family.

Considerations when selecting a destination:

    • Accessibility: Choose a location that is easy for everyone to access so no one gets left out. This not only means picking a place that isn’t too far from everyone but is also easy for those with accessibility needs, such as elderly family members.
    • Group-friendly amenities: Look for venues and destinations that cater to groups, such as resorts or hotels with multiple rooms or suites.
    • Activities for all ages: To ensure everyone has a good time, pick a location where you can plan activities for the various ages of everyone in your family. For example, kids might enjoy a nearby zoo, while adults might appreciate a day at a winery or a local golf course.

Some popular options for family reunion trips include beach resorts, mountain cabins, national parks, or even a charming city with lots of family-friendly attractions, like Orlando or San Diego.

 

2. Booking Accommodations for a Large Family Reunion

Happy couple with two young boys checking into a hotel.

Finding accommodations that can fit everyone’s preferences and needs for a family reunion can be challenging. The good news is that there are plenty of group-friendly options out there if you know where to look.

Group Travel Booking Tools

With the right tools and services, such as those offered by Groups360, you can simplify the booking process, taking the stress out of your family reunion planning. Such tools allow you to find, compare, and book accommodations, meeting spaces, and even venues that are suitable for your entire family. Whether you are looking for a block of hotel rooms or a vacation home, group travel booking platforms offer a streamlined way to make sure everyone’s needs are met.

Room Blocks and Special Discounts

Many hotels offer discounts when you book multiple rooms together, which can be a huge money-saver. When booking accommodations for your family, ask the hotel or resort about group discounts or room blocks. A room block lets you reserve a set number of rooms at a fixed rate, ensuring your family is all housed together at the best price.

Accessibility

Again, when making your reservations, take into consideration the needs of all family members. Is there someone with mobility issues? Do you need cribs or child-friendly amenities? Some hotels and vacation rentals offer specialized services like accessible rooms, childcare, or even pet-friendly options if you’re bringing furry family members along.

 

3. Creating an Itinerary for Your Family Reunion Trip

A child sitting alone on a blanket in the grass watching groups of people in the distance.

Once the accommodations are sorted, it’s time to start planning how you’ll spend your time together. A well-planned itinerary for a family reunion can help ensure everyone is engaged and having a good time while keeping things running smoothly. 

Plan Group Activities

For a fun and memorable family reunion, plan activities that bring everyone together. Think group games like family trivia or scavenger hunts. You can even put together a sort of “family Olympics” if the weather is nice and you have the outdoor space. Other options include a family talent show, a movie night, or an outdoor barbecue.

Don’t Forget Free Time

While group activities are important, it’s also a good idea to allow for some free time. Not everyone will want to participate in every activity. Give family members the flexibility and space to explore, relax, or spend time on their own.

Include Something Special

Consider adding a special event to your family reunion itinerary, such as a family photo session, a meal at a nice restaurant, or a DIY family history project where relatives can share stories or create a family tree. A unique experience like this can make the reunion even more meaningful.

Keep Travel Time in Mind

If your family is traveling from different locations, be mindful of how much time will be spent getting from place to place. Include enough downtime in your schedule to avoid overwhelming everyone with too many back-to-back activities.

 

4. Managing Meals and Group Dining

Groups of people serving themselves a plate of food from a buffet of colorful food on a table.

Feeding everyone in your family at a reunion can be more challenging when you aren’t simply hosting them in your own home or some other local venue. However, with a little planning, you can make sure everyone is fed and satisfied on your group family trip. 

Here are some options to consider:

    • Self-catering: If your accommodations have a kitchen or an outdoor grilling area, you can cook for everyone the same as you would if you were hosting the reunion at home. You could also do pot-luck style meals if others can also cook and bring a dish to share. To make it fun, you can do themed meals, like taco night, BBQ, or picnic-style meals.
    • Group dining: If you plan to dine out with the whole family, you’ll want to make reservations ahead of time. Some restaurants offer group dining packages or private rooms, which can make it easier to accommodate everyone. Just make sure you consider everyone’s dietary restrictions when selecting a restaurant. 
    • Group catering: If you want to take the stress and guesswork out of everything, you could consider hiring a local caterer wherever you’re staying. Many catering services offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner options for large groups and parties. 

 

5. Planning Activities

Couple rowing a canoe on a lake with trees at sundown.

One important element that makes for a successful family reunion is making sure there’s something for everyone to enjoy. No one should feel left out or bored, no matter their age. 

Here are some ideas to keep everyone entertained:

    • Outdoor adventures: If your family reunion is set in a scenic location, take advantage of the outdoors. Hiking, swimming, or playing outdoor games like volleyball or frisbee are great for active family members. A beach day, a picnic in the park, or a nature walk can also offer a refreshing way to bond.
    • Indoor options: In case the weather doesn’t cooperate, or if there isn’t much of an outdoor space, make sure to have some indoor activities planned. Board games, card games, and arts and crafts are great for keeping kids entertained and bringing the family together in a cozy environment. Movie nights, karaoke, or DIY activities can also be fun indoor alternatives.
    • Family storytelling:  Taking a trip down memory lane is another great way to bring everyone together. Set aside some time for family storytelling, where older relatives can share personal stories, or create a memory wall where everyone can contribute photos and keepsakes. You could even make a scrapbook to document the event for future generations.

 

6. Handling Family Reunion Travel Logistics

Happy family on a couch looking at a laptop.

When traveling with a large group, it’s easy for things to get disorganized. To avoid this, here are a few ways to keep things running smoothly:

Create a Shared Communication Hub

Set up a shared communication platform like a Facebook group, WhatsApp chat, or email thread to keep everyone in the loop. You can use these platforms to share important information such as flight details, activity schedules, or last-minute changes.

Designate a Group Coordinator

It can help to have one person—perhaps a family member who enjoys organizing—take on the role of group coordinator. This person can help manage the itinerary, communicate with family members, and troubleshoot any issues that come up.

Track Expenses and Contributions

Managing group expenses can be tricky. Use apps like Splitwise to keep track of contributions and ensure everyone shares the cost of meals, accommodations, and activities fairly.

Check out this article for more Practical Tips for Safe, Efficient, and Memorable Group Travel

 

Bring Your Family Together with Stress-Free Group Travel Planning

Planning the perfect family reunion trip involves a lot of moving parts, but with careful preparation and the right tools, you can create an event that everyone will cherish. By choosing the right destination, making travel arrangements easy, and incorporating fun activities that everyone can enjoy, you’ll create lasting memories and a truly special experience for your family. At Groups360, we aim to make group travel easier, and we hope these tips help you plan the perfect reunion. Whether you’re a small family or part of a large, multi-generational gathering, these strategies will ensure your family reunion is one for the books. To learn more about our group travel services, visit Groups360.com today!  

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