Family Reunions and Vacations – Planning Tips and Survival Tricks

On Jun 17, 2015

Getting the entire family together can be tough, but adding extended family and hosting a reunion can feel like a mission impossible assignment. Try these family reunion and vacations planning tips and survival tricks to make the party and trip an easy task.

Location

Having a family reunion at someone’s home can be fun, but it puts a lot of pressure on the host and cause squabbles. Consider having the reunion somewhere neutral and as equal distance from each relative as possible. Parks are a great option that are often free, have picnic tables, and plenty for the kids to do. Some parks may even offer an indoor event center in case the weather doesn’t cooperate.

Reunion Vacation

Some families opt to make a trip out of their reunions. It can be a wonderful experience, but it’s also an opportunity for problems. When considering a destination reunion, also consider planning an inexpensive and easy opportunity for everyone as a part of the vacation. Everyone will get to take part in some aspect of the trip and no one will feel left out.

Food

Pot luck feasts are a popular option, but it can be tricky to time food with people arriving at different times or trying to travel with dishes. Create a spread with the star of the show something simple like hot dogs. Grab buns, and offer an assortment of toppings. Great creative and make signature family creations, like the Harrington Dog that tops a turkey dog with chili, onions, and mustard. Or, for foodie families, try creating a meal idea before the reunion and delegate a team of family members to do the shopping, another team to cook the meal, and a final team for cleaning up. It will spread out the responsibilities, and share the cost of food.

Space

A lot of people in one place can result in tension. Sometimes, family drama ensues and it can be unavoidable, but offering separate spaces for people to escape can ease the tension, or maybe even prevent it. Set up a canopy outside, or a set up some tables in the garage to create space for everyone.