Written By: Laura Tracy for The Travel Exchange
Planning family trips can be tough, but throw in a few more family members than usual and it gets downright complicated. Between varying budgets, interests, and ages, it could be hard to find something that fits everyone. One of the first, and most important, decisions to make is where everyone will meet up! As the organizer, you may need to make some tough decisions on behalf of the group, so here are some suggestions that I give to my clients based on the things that matter the most to groups; budget, weather, and ease of planning.
10. Adventures by Disney:
Budget: $$$
Weather: Depends on destination and time of travel
Ease of Planning: 1-Very Easy
Activities: High Level
Notes: Adventures by Disney is a little known offering that provides a Disney trained tour guide to some fabulous destinations. Some of these destinations include itineraries in Europe, Asia, and even in the United States. These trips are great for smaller groups because Disney plans out everything and it requires almost no up-front work for the organizer. The only negative is that these trips can be very expensive. Having one price for everyone is helpful, and it is Disney, so you get what you pay for, but you would definitely want to be sure that your traveling companions have the room in their budget.
Budget: $$$
Weather: Depends on destination and time of travel
Ease of Planning: 1-Very Easy
Activities: High Level
Notes: Adventures by Disney is a little known offering that provides a Disney trained tour guide to some fabulous destinations. Some of these destinations include itineraries in Europe, Asia, and even in the United States. These trips are great for smaller groups because Disney plans out everything and it requires almost no up-front work for the organizer. The only negative is that these trips can be very expensive. Having one price for everyone is helpful, and it is Disney, so you get what you pay for, but you would definitely want to be sure that your traveling companions have the room in their budget.
9. St. Croix, USVI (Buccaneer Gallows Bay)
Budget: $$
Weather: The weather is beautiful all year round!
Ease of Planning: 2- Somewhat Easy
Activities: Moderate Level
Notes: St. Croix is a moderate selection all around for any family. With very steady temperatures and only a minimal rainy season, it could be the best place to go if inconvenient schedules are a factor. Buccaneer Gallows Bay is a resort that is known for its on property offerings, including free activities for guests of all ages. It was even one of the filming locations for the popular ABC TV show, The Bachelor.
Budget: $$
Weather: The weather is beautiful all year round!
Ease of Planning: 2- Somewhat Easy
Activities: Moderate Level
Notes: St. Croix is a moderate selection all around for any family. With very steady temperatures and only a minimal rainy season, it could be the best place to go if inconvenient schedules are a factor. Buccaneer Gallows Bay is a resort that is known for its on property offerings, including free activities for guests of all ages. It was even one of the filming locations for the popular ABC TV show, The Bachelor.
8. Captiva Island, FL (South Seas Resort)
Budget: $$ to $$$
Weather: August to end of October is hurricane season and the winters can sometimes get cold.
Ease of Planning: 2- Somewhat Easy
Activities: Moderate Level
Notes: The South Seas Resort on Captiva Island is a self-contained paradise. The resort features six restaurants, 18 swimming pools, and 18 tennis courts, and plenty of unique options for group activities to pass the time. Guests love this resort so much that they often book their next stay before they leave!
Budget: $$ to $$$
Weather: August to end of October is hurricane season and the winters can sometimes get cold.
Ease of Planning: 2- Somewhat Easy
Activities: Moderate Level
Notes: The South Seas Resort on Captiva Island is a self-contained paradise. The resort features six restaurants, 18 swimming pools, and 18 tennis courts, and plenty of unique options for group activities to pass the time. Guests love this resort so much that they often book their next stay before they leave!
7. Vail, CO (The Osprey at Beaver Creek)
Budget: $ to $$
Weather: You can’t go wrong any time of the year!
Ease of Planning: 2- Somewhat Easy
Activities: High Level
Notes: The Osprey at Beaver Creek is a ski in/out resort with many amenities located in the heart of Beaver Creek Village. This resort is only 15 feet from the Strawberry Park Express Lift and features heated pool, hot tub, fitness facilities and more. The resort is also a short walk to the activities of the village and wonderful restaurant options, so it would be a great choice for families who would like some time all together, but also some time to enjoy the area autonomously.
Budget: $ to $$
Weather: You can’t go wrong any time of the year!
Ease of Planning: 2- Somewhat Easy
Activities: High Level
Notes: The Osprey at Beaver Creek is a ski in/out resort with many amenities located in the heart of Beaver Creek Village. This resort is only 15 feet from the Strawberry Park Express Lift and features heated pool, hot tub, fitness facilities and more. The resort is also a short walk to the activities of the village and wonderful restaurant options, so it would be a great choice for families who would like some time all together, but also some time to enjoy the area autonomously.
6. Tour Group- Europe (e.g. Insight or Trafalgar)
Budget: $$ to $$$
Weather: Depends on the destinations
Ease of Planning: 1- Very Easy
Activities: Low Level
Notes: Looking to just pick an itinerary, send it to everyone, and let them worry about booking themselves? Then a guided tour through some of the popular European tour providers may be the answer. It’s difficult to identify a particular tour group for this one because they all have their own specialties, but once you narrow down some possible destinations, you can find reviews for them everywhere. In this case, having a travel agent may also be useful since they would be able to recommend a particular tour based on your budget and desired destinations. Or you can get adventurous and have your travel agent develop a unique itinerary just for your family!
Budget: $$ to $$$
Weather: Depends on the destinations
Ease of Planning: 1- Very Easy
Activities: Low Level
Notes: Looking to just pick an itinerary, send it to everyone, and let them worry about booking themselves? Then a guided tour through some of the popular European tour providers may be the answer. It’s difficult to identify a particular tour group for this one because they all have their own specialties, but once you narrow down some possible destinations, you can find reviews for them everywhere. In this case, having a travel agent may also be useful since they would be able to recommend a particular tour based on your budget and desired destinations. Or you can get adventurous and have your travel agent develop a unique itinerary just for your family!
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5. Hawaii (Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort and Spa)
Budget: $$ to $$$
Weather: There really is no bad time to go to Hawaii, but the best times are March to May and again September to Novemeber.
Ease of Planning: 3- Not Very Easy
Activities: Moderate Level
Notes: Hawaii is a dream destination, but buyer beware it can get very expensive. That’s why I selected this particular resort. It’s price point makes it a very good value, plus it happens to have quite a lot to do. There the usual on-site amenities like a fabulous pool, hot tub, fitness center, and..oh yea, the BEACH! What is extra nice about this resort is that it is also within walking distance of two shopping center areas (one more luxury pricing and the other more standard) as well as a little grocery store called the Island Gourmet.
Budget: $$ to $$$
Weather: There really is no bad time to go to Hawaii, but the best times are March to May and again September to Novemeber.
Ease of Planning: 3- Not Very Easy
Activities: Moderate Level
Notes: Hawaii is a dream destination, but buyer beware it can get very expensive. That’s why I selected this particular resort. It’s price point makes it a very good value, plus it happens to have quite a lot to do. There the usual on-site amenities like a fabulous pool, hot tub, fitness center, and..oh yea, the BEACH! What is extra nice about this resort is that it is also within walking distance of two shopping center areas (one more luxury pricing and the other more standard) as well as a little grocery store called the Island Gourmet.
4. Charleston, SC (Isle of Palms)
Budget: $ to $$
Weather: The best time to visit Charleston is when the humidity is not 100%, so perhaps anytime from October to May (but watch out for hurricane season).
Ease of Planning: 2- Somewhat Easy
Activities: Low Level
Notes: Even if the weather is not quite hot enough for the beach, there is still plenty to do. I selected the particular area known as the Isle of Palms for large family groups specifically because of the vast amount of rental options out there. Some of the luxury houses are as large as 10 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms with a private swimming pool. Yes, this house could cost $10K for the week, but if you are splitting it amongst 10 parties, it suddenly becomes a very reasonable trip. It’s especially nice to be able to have a kitchen so that the group does not have to eat out for every meal. The other nice thing is that while the Isle of Palms is quiet and a bit out of the way from Charleston, it is still close enough to take day trips into the city to see the sites. There is incredible shopping, dining, and historical sight-seeing tours that would make it easy to plan something for the whole group, or for heading out separately.
Kiawah Island resort is also a terrific alternative to Isle of Palms, especially if you have golf lovers in the family!
Budget: $ to $$
Weather: The best time to visit Charleston is when the humidity is not 100%, so perhaps anytime from October to May (but watch out for hurricane season).
Ease of Planning: 2- Somewhat Easy
Activities: Low Level
Notes: Even if the weather is not quite hot enough for the beach, there is still plenty to do. I selected the particular area known as the Isle of Palms for large family groups specifically because of the vast amount of rental options out there. Some of the luxury houses are as large as 10 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms with a private swimming pool. Yes, this house could cost $10K for the week, but if you are splitting it amongst 10 parties, it suddenly becomes a very reasonable trip. It’s especially nice to be able to have a kitchen so that the group does not have to eat out for every meal. The other nice thing is that while the Isle of Palms is quiet and a bit out of the way from Charleston, it is still close enough to take day trips into the city to see the sites. There is incredible shopping, dining, and historical sight-seeing tours that would make it easy to plan something for the whole group, or for heading out separately.
Kiawah Island resort is also a terrific alternative to Isle of Palms, especially if you have golf lovers in the family!
Interested in planning a family reunion? Let us help you get started!
3. A Cruise Getaway
Budget: Depends on the Line but can sometimes be a great value $ to $$$
Weather: Depends on the destination
Ease of Planning: 1- Very Easy
Activities: Moderate Level
Notes: Oh boy are cruises great! Everything is self-contained on a floating city and when it comes to dealing with planning the trip, you are looking at minimal work. Get a travel agent and it can be even less. Plus, depending on the number of state rooms your group needs, extra savings could also be a great perk. Often times cruise lines will work with groups to give them discounted pricing or even a cabin or two for free depending on how many are booked. It might be nice to just set something up, send the pricing information and booking instructions to your family, and then step back and let everyone worry about their own reservations. A few do’s: Do review the cruise line and ship carefully and make sure it is a good fit for your family, do select a destination appropriate for the time of year you are traveling (don’t try to save a few bucks and risk a hurricane), and do consider planning some fun welcome party for your group once you get on board (sometimes this can be done at little to no cost). It’s nice to start off altogether, discuss times when you will and will not need to be together, and perhaps take a few nice pictures to kick off your voyage!
Budget: Depends on the Line but can sometimes be a great value $ to $$$
Weather: Depends on the destination
Ease of Planning: 1- Very Easy
Activities: Moderate Level
Notes: Oh boy are cruises great! Everything is self-contained on a floating city and when it comes to dealing with planning the trip, you are looking at minimal work. Get a travel agent and it can be even less. Plus, depending on the number of state rooms your group needs, extra savings could also be a great perk. Often times cruise lines will work with groups to give them discounted pricing or even a cabin or two for free depending on how many are booked. It might be nice to just set something up, send the pricing information and booking instructions to your family, and then step back and let everyone worry about their own reservations. A few do’s: Do review the cruise line and ship carefully and make sure it is a good fit for your family, do select a destination appropriate for the time of year you are traveling (don’t try to save a few bucks and risk a hurricane), and do consider planning some fun welcome party for your group once you get on board (sometimes this can be done at little to no cost). It’s nice to start off altogether, discuss times when you will and will not need to be together, and perhaps take a few nice pictures to kick off your voyage!
2. Club Med or Sandals
Budget: $$ to $$$
Weather: Depends on which destination you select, but generally the high season is from November to May (sometimes earlier) because the summers are hot and hurricane season is hard to predict.
Ease of Planning: 1- Very Easy
Activities: High Level
Notes: With Club Med and Sandals destinations, you get what you pay for. These resorts tend to have an incredible array of activities for everyone in the family (from toddlers to great-grandma) and they are all included in the price. The nice thing is that it can appeal to everyone, whether you want to sit on the beach or take sailing lessons, there is so much to do. These properties do tend to offer discounts to groups (depending on their size) and can sometimes offer some great deals on group dining or events. Traditionally, Club Med tends to be priced a little lower than Sandals, but they are both a great value when you factor in the amenities, dining, and accommodations.
Budget: $$ to $$$
Weather: Depends on which destination you select, but generally the high season is from November to May (sometimes earlier) because the summers are hot and hurricane season is hard to predict.
Ease of Planning: 1- Very Easy
Activities: High Level
Notes: With Club Med and Sandals destinations, you get what you pay for. These resorts tend to have an incredible array of activities for everyone in the family (from toddlers to great-grandma) and they are all included in the price. The nice thing is that it can appeal to everyone, whether you want to sit on the beach or take sailing lessons, there is so much to do. These properties do tend to offer discounts to groups (depending on their size) and can sometimes offer some great deals on group dining or events. Traditionally, Club Med tends to be priced a little lower than Sandals, but they are both a great value when you factor in the amenities, dining, and accommodations.
1. Walt Disney World, Orlando, FL
Budget: $ to $$$
Weather: There is really no bad time to go to Walt Disney World, however the summer months are sometimes not unlike walking on the surface of the sun and the winter months do get cool enough that swimming may be out of the question.
Ease of Planning: 3- Not Very Easy
Activities: High Level
Notes: There is nothing quite like Walt Disney World (and even Universal Studios). While there are both fans and critics of each, like any other vacation, proper planning and setting expectations makes all the difference. The popularity of these destinations means some level of pre-planning with regard to accommodations, dining, and park visits. The options and atmosphere make this particular destination for family reunions incredibly magical, but also incredibly complex. I highly recommend if you are interested in planning a family reunion to the Orlando area that you seek out a reputable and experienced travel agent who specializes in these destinations. A family reunion to DIsney (or other Orlando destinations) may take a bit more work up front, but the memories will be quite incredible!
Budget: $ to $$$
Weather: There is really no bad time to go to Walt Disney World, however the summer months are sometimes not unlike walking on the surface of the sun and the winter months do get cool enough that swimming may be out of the question.
Ease of Planning: 3- Not Very Easy
Activities: High Level
Notes: There is nothing quite like Walt Disney World (and even Universal Studios). While there are both fans and critics of each, like any other vacation, proper planning and setting expectations makes all the difference. The popularity of these destinations means some level of pre-planning with regard to accommodations, dining, and park visits. The options and atmosphere make this particular destination for family reunions incredibly magical, but also incredibly complex. I highly recommend if you are interested in planning a family reunion to the Orlando area that you seek out a reputable and experienced travel agent who specializes in these destinations. A family reunion to DIsney (or other Orlando destinations) may take a bit more work up front, but the memories will be quite incredible!
This listing is not meant to be all encompassing. What's important to remember is that each family is different as are their needs. Please contact us if you would like information on these or any other destinations and we can tell you more! If you have a particular destination that you have recently visited for a family reunion, please feel free to share your thoughts and reviews in the comments below. You do not need to sign in to comment!
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