28 Jul 10 Family Reunions Made Easy
Family reunions are a rarity- so when you do plan one you want it to be a success. You need to appeal across all ages and find a location that brings the family together.
Whether it is a 70th birthday, golden anniversary, a weekend break, or holiday with a few families or a reunion it is best to choose somewhere that everybody has to travel to. Then your get together is the focus -as the event everyone is there for. A bonus to this is not one family is shackled with all the responsibility of planning and catering.
Some locations are surrounded by a beautiful backdrop with a range of activities to cater for visitors- so make it easy on yourself and set your reunion in an area of natural beauty. Consider your budget when deciding on accommodation, activities and catering. Groups may pool a kitty so incidental expenses are dealt with however, it is a good idea for each family unit to be responsible for paying their own expenses to make it easier for organisers.
It is good to have a range of accommodation to suit couples through to family groups. Search for somewhere that gives each family or couple their own space to retreat to with lots of common areas that all ages can interact. Check that there are ground floor units available in case someone has mobility issues, and highchairs and cots available for little ones. If you can, choose a central location- somewhere that relatives can meet half way.
Ensure your accommodation has common meal preparation areas- for example covered BBQ areas preferably overlooking playgrounds, pools or gardens. Self contained accommodation is ideal as it gives more flexibility with budgets and meal options. Determine well beforehand how meals will be catered for. At our last reunion, each family took turns catering for a different meal: we even had a system for the group catering for the kids snack times. The older generation were also supplied with lunches from their family- so it meant they rarely catered for themselves. Other nights were designated for a meal out or fish and chips on the beach, and we tried to include a girls’ night out and boys’ visit to the pub.
Of the families, not everyone will want to be involved in group outings all the time. Schedule your time so everyone can do their own thing. Ensure the location has easier meal options so the group can go their separate ways- preferably to an assortment of restaurants, cafes and takeaway options. It is best if they are in walking distance. If you want some group meals out- book as soon as possible in case the venue is busy on the day.
In the same way, your group needs a range of activities to choose from. Certainly, organised day tours are an option for large groups of people – the fact that they provide meals is a bonus too. It is good to balance these with some free activities e.g. fishing, beach swimming, bushwalking, picnics and visits to areas of natural beauty. A game of soccer, badminton or touch football is a great way to mix with relatives you haven’t seen in a while – make sure there are options to include some physical activity in your holiday. Some of the group may want to include some extreme adventures – and mark the event with a sky dive for instance. Others may prefer to keep to activities for the whole family and pop on a boat, visit the playground or see some native animals.
Although one or two family members takes the lead on organisation, it is good to poll the whole family to determine dates, locations, venues, activities and catering. Go with the majority – but be sure to make it easy for the organisers to pull it all together.
All this and more is here at Rainbow Getaway, for your next no fuss- all fun family celebration, big or small, with family activities for all ages and abilities. Share this with your relations to get them thinking – for the best beach holiday or celebration.
Related posts:
- Is It Possible To Take Luxury Holidays On A Budget? Want to plan a luxury holiday on a budget for...
- The Very Best Trip Spots If you are organizing for a trip with your family,...
- Popular Vacation Spots In Sydney Australia Always a magnificent vacation no matter what time of the...
Tags: accommodation, accomodation Rainbow Beach, beach holiday, budget holiday, events, Family, family activities, family reunions, group tours, holiday, holiday planning, Queensland, self catered accommodation, travel, Travel & Leisure
