Family Reunions: It’s Time to Come Back!

BY TRACY SHORTER

Like the lizard who came uninvited into my home this week, the pandemic came without warning and invitation. The two-year quarantine caused many families to postpone their annual family reunion gatherings. But in a quest to get back to sharing and creating memories with your family and friends, I will be discussing 4 tips to assist with planning your next destination family reunion.

The Opening Conversation - To plan a great family reunion event, it’s important to get a majority agreement on a location, time, and budget. This conversation usually starts with a few key people from each family unit. So spend some time discussing the pros and cons of each location, the best time of year (i.e., remembering schoolage children), and a budget per person. There will be those who will immediately say yes, those who will be on the fence, and then the definite no’s. But just start with the confirmed number you have and don’t worry; it always grows bigger.

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Sharing the Information - Waiting to the last minute to provide family with event decisions, timelines, payment due dates, etc., is not a good idea. Participants will need time to budget this reunion expense into their monthly bill payments. Finding the best way to keep everyone informed is tricky. There are many options, such as those who prefer email, texts, and those who appreciate a phone call. But apps like Google Docs and Trello are great at keeping family informed, and changes are immediately noted so everyone stays updated.

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All-Inclusive Has BenefitsDeciding to book an all-inclusive resort or cruise can make the financial obligation for families easier. These preplanned vacation options will allow family members to explore on their own during the day or do group activities and then come together for dinner and dessert each night. The one price that individuals pay save money because it includes accommodations, food, activities, and evening shows or parties. Often there are incentives that can be spread across the entire group that serve as amazing bonus perks.

The Right Vendors are Key to Enjoyment - A strong and committed planning committee is vital to success, but there are some other people and resources that when used properly make the reunion experience enjoyable for everyone. The first resource is your area Convention and Visitor Bureau. This organization can provide you with free pamphlets, area coupons, and free or reduced bags for swag items for your reunion attendees. The second person is a local travel agent. This person can review and be sure all contracts for room blocks meet your group’s needs, arrange group air and ground transportation, even group excursions. If you or your committee are left with all these details on event day, you most likely will not enjoy the reunion to its full effect.

Reunions are an opportunity to continue family bonds, legacy, and make memories that become your family’s history. Many people dread the chance to serve as a reunion chair or committee member, because proper planning is not done soon enough. We are now back to our in-person meetings, so get started planning your next family reunion event today.

Tracy is a Group and Cruise Travel Specialist with Shorter Route Travel and has been in the travel industry since 2017. With over 15 years’ experience as a former wedding/event planner, she has a broad knowledge in planning group and individual travel. A few of her personal travel destinations have included Jamaica, Puerto Rico, San Cabo, St. Thomas, Nassau, and Alaska. Providing her clients with excellent customer service is her top priority.