Family Reunion Planning Tips: How to Organize an Unforgettable Trip
- My Incredible Vacation
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Start Planning Early
The earlier you start, the better your options. Large vacation homes, especially in popular destinations, book up fast. Ideally, begin 6 to 12 months in advance, especially if you're coordinating across multiple households and travel schedules.
Pro Tip: Use a survey tool like Google Forms to gather date preferences from the group.
Where to Stay: Look for large vacation rentals on platforms like VRBO that can accommodate your entire crew.
Pick the Right Location
Choose a destination that suits your family’s needs and travel comfort level. Consider:
Proximity to major airports
Weather during your travel window
Variety of activities for all ages
Dining options and grocery availability
Some popular family reunion spots include:
St. Thomas, USVI for beach lovers
Gatlinburg, TN for mountain getaways
Destin, FL for a sunny, drivable option
Divide Up Responsibilities
Don’t try to do it all yourself! Assign roles to make planning smoother:
Lead planner – main decision-maker
Activity coordinator – finds fun things to do
Meal planner – organizes group dinners
Money tracker – handles deposits and shared costs
Tip: Use a shared Google Sheet or app like Splitwise to manage expenses transparently.
Choose the Right Vacation Rental
Hotels can feel disconnected, but a large vacation rental keeps everyone under one roof (or nearby). When booking:
Filter for homes that sleep 10+ guests
Check for multiple bathrooms and living areas
Look for amenities like a pool, game room, or private beach access
Here are a few things to consider:
Is there enough parking?
Are there stairs or accessibility concerns?
Can you host a large group meal on-site?
Plan Group Activities—but Not Too Many
While it’s great to have a few activities planned, leave plenty of downtime. A mix of structured fun and free time keeps everyone happy.
Ideas for group-friendly activities:
Beach day or hike
Boat charter or fishing trip
Family talent show or game night
Group photo session (hire a local photographer!)
If your rental is near attractions, build an itinerary with optional outings so family members can join as they wish.
Coordinate Meals in Advance
Feeding a crowd can be chaotic. Here’s how to simplify it:
Assign each household a meal to prepare
Use Instacart or local grocery delivery
Plan a mix of eat-in dinners and group restaurant outings
Consider hiring a private chef for one special evening
Make It Memorable
Create moments you’ll talk about for years. A few fun additions:
Custom t-shirts or tote bags
Shared photo album on Google Photos
Family trivia night
A memory wall or “time capsule”
These small touches go a long way in bringing everyone together.
Final Tips for Success
Have a backup plan for weather or travel delays
Make a group packing list and share it
Designate a “go-to person” for questions during the trip
Remember—perfection isn’t the goal. Togetherness is.
Ready to Plan Your Family Reunion?
Your dream vacation starts with the perfect place to stay. Explore handpicked vacation rentals built for big groups and make this reunion your most incredible one yet.
