12 Tips for planning that perfect family reunion abroad

By traveldecorum | 12 Tips for planning that perfect family reunion abroad

A family reunion is one of the most exciting and refreshing vacations one can take! It is emotions, rekindling, catching up and staying connected all rolled up into one big bundle of love and reminiscences. It can however get taxing for the one organizing it! After all, handling different life schedules and itineraries can never be easy. A family reunion abroad is a great way to explore a new city or country with the people who are most dear to you. It provides for an opportunity to enjoy as a part of a bigger setting. With people moving away from family for work or college more often now, these vacations keep the family bonds strong and keeps everyone informed about each other. You get to spend time with the people you know and get to know more about the people you don’t know.

When you plan the perfect family reunion abroad you have to keep in mind a few basic things and the rest just falls into place easily. Be it 5 people or 50 of them, the ground rules remain almost the same. Here are a few tips and tricks to ace the planning of your dream family reunion abroad.

Planning is key

A family vacation needs a lot of planning as everyone might be geographically scattered or from different walks of life and professional settings. Planning early on, getting preferred dates and asking for the most convenient time of the year might get you off to a good start. You will also score better discounts and offers on group bookings if done well in advance.

Choose the destination wisely

Not everybody is a beach person or a mountain lover! Respecting individual differences with personal choices is a must. Ask all family members for their suggestions and then pick a city close to that. You may not find something that scores a 10 on everyone’s list but listening to everyone will make you avoid the least loved options at least. You can pick a collection of 5 best cities according to you and then ask for everyone’s opinion to make it easier for you.

Ask for everyone’s schedule

Family reunions are tricky because of the age gaps and professional differences. Getting everyone together at the same time might be a challenge but some holidays are common amongst all. So asking for job schedules, free days and vacation slots will get you started on a more sure note for booking. This will make planning more cohesive.

Delegate the duties and planning

Do not take everything on your shoulders and don’t completely put it on someone else either! Delegate duties and responsibilities according to interest and initiative. This not only divides the work amongst all but also makes everyone feel included in the planning of this epic trip. Some family members might have taken a similar trip before or some may have contacts in the city or know someone who does. Distributing some tasks makes sure everyone is in the loop and active in the planning. This will get the best results and will not burden the organizer alone.

Plan the travel keeping everyone in mind

A family reunion includes nieces, nephews, grandparents, parents, close family friends etc. Age groups vary widely and so do interests. You cannot choose a destination so far away that makes children uncomfortable. A hiking expedition may not suit the plan if grandparents are involved. So planning the travel keeping everyone in mind is absolutely essential. An all-inclusive resort works well in such circumstances or a smaller city with all things close by.

Keep a well-planned itinerary with scope for adjustment

A strict itinerary in terms of schedule, time and place doesn’t work in sync with a family vacation. There should be flexible slots and more time-friendly activities. You are all going out to enjoy and spend time together and not to just explore the city fully. You should all go back home rejuvenated and refreshed. Insert spaces for rest and multiple options of what to do.

Decide the Budget beforehand

Not everyone belongs to the same financial strata of society even in one family. Asking for their comfortable budget and what are they willing to spend is a critical decision. The family reunion should not be a burden on anyone’s pocket yet it should be different and exciting at the same time. Fixing a median budget will help ease it out on all members of the family.

Research well

Research the destination city well! Knowing the city well will just help you plan the reunion better. You will be able to delegate duties and plan the itinerary well only if you know the city. Also knowing what is famous and what works for all age groups is a plus.

Give some free personal time

A family reunion doesn’t mean you have to spend all the time together in a group all the time. Plan appropriate breaks and halts so that people can catch a break and get some time for them. They may want to go see something you don’t have in your itinerary so a free day will give them opportunity to do that.

Create a group for sharing and other detail sharing

Sharing memories you created on the trip is the best thing about a family vacation! Create a Google sharing group or Whatsapp group. This will enable you to share pictures, videos, travel itinerary and much more. Planning becomes a lot easier in a group than on many individual chats. You can create the group right in the beginning so that all questions and planning can be simultaneous. And of course can end with some lifetime lasting evergreen memories and experiences.

Meal Plans

Meal planning might seem like a tiny part of the schedule but it is definitely important. You don’t want anyone to be “hangry” if you know what I mean. Have one or two meals sorted and keep the third one open to option. Ask for preferences and any suggestions to keep the family well fed and ready to enjoy!

Sit in the driver’s seat

Choose a leader or be one yourself! There has to one person calling the basic broad shots to lead the group well. Otherwise larger groups tend to get scattered and lose focus. Choose someone who gets along with everybody and is the heading the bookings and itinerary to make sure everything goes as per plan.

Family reunions are legendary if planned well! This is the time to make memories and bond for life. If these 12 things are kept in mind, be prepared to have the time of your life with your near and dear ones.

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