How to Plan a *Super* Family Reunion

My years in public relations taught me a lot about settingnup successful events – and that’s what you family nreunion can be. Here are some tips.

1. You take the lead.

Maybe your family’s never had a family reunion. Probably nthey’d all like it, but someone has to get the ball rolling. It can be you!

2. Talk it up!

Get everyone used to the idea. Start talking -- "Wouldn't it be fun if?" and "Where could we all meet that would be fun?" You can listen to obstacles and objections and forge ahead with your plans. For instance, if Mary wants to be sure the children have entertain, start factoring these things in.

Remain positive you can pull this off and don't get discouraged. There always has to be a First Time, and a Prime Mover.

3. The date is the most important thing.

Choose a time when the kids are on vacation from school and adults are likely to have time off. Weekends such as July 4th, Memorial Day and Labor Day are good candidates.

4. Budget is the most important thing.

A cruise is a no-brainer, but not if some of the family nmembers can’t afford it. (But check 'em out - with the comprehensive price for transportation, room, board and entertainment, you can get some great deals.)

Do your research on the Internet or work with a Travel Agent or Vacation Coach. For instance, Grand Lake Lodge ( www.grandlakelodge.com ) in Colorado offers friendly prices, Rocky Mountain National Park at the front door, pool. Gourmet restaurant on-site, but Dairy Queen down the road, separate cabins (no phone, no t.v. … interesting) and also lodges for families. It has a central lounge area with rocking chairs around a fireplace inside for congregating, and the pool outside.

5. No, accommodating all age groups is the most important thing.

A family reunion is by definition a multigenerational and nwill include many age groups. Find the family-type resort nthat accommodates to all. Many will offer a day camp nexperience for the kids, and even babysitters at night.
Dude ranches can be a good choice with swimming, nhorseback riding, family-style dining, campfires, cookouts, nhayrides and other activities, and small towns nearby for nantique shopping, museums and enjoying nature. n
6. Find ways to make meals affordable.

Many families choose to gather at the shore where ncondominiums have kitchens and cooking facilities. If nyou’re driving there, buy your groceries before you leave nyour hometown, because prices go up in resort areas. Plan nthe meals together, so you can all eat together neconomically, and everyone doesn’t have to cook each nmeal each time. n
7. Take advantage of the “kids eat free” and “kids stay free” options at many hotels, restaurants and resorts.
IHOP and Dennys both offer kids eat free nights, and Luby’s cafeterias here in Texas.

8. Choose a location that has something for everyone. n
I remember planning a family vacation as a single parent nwith boys aged 8 and 18. Now there’s a challenge. I nwanted a hot tub and a first-class resort with gourmet ndining. My sons wanted to be able to go fishing. We all nliked tennis and snorkeling and lots to do and weren’t ninterested in shopping (“You can shop at home,” I always nsay. We found Cheeca Lodge ( http://cheeca.rockresorts.com ) in the Florida Keys – hot tub, tennis courts, excellent food, swimming pool, fantastic fishing and a unique environmental camp for kids. We wanted “barefoot elegance,” and that’s what they offer.

Here are family-friendly resorts worldwide: http://travelwithkids.about.com/library/toppick/naatpresorts.htm .

10. Don’t fuss and don’t overplan.

You might plan a few things, but leave lots of space for neveryone to do their own thing, announcing get-together ntimes and places but leaving a lot unstructured.

But do plan ahead so you can get some fun things like a Foster Family Reunion 2003 for everyone who attends.

Remember the purpose is to get together and to have fun, so make sure there's plenty of both!