Find the perfect location for your family reunion! Discover essential tips for family travel planners to ensure everyone enjoys the trip
Planning a family trip for a multi-generational group can be quite a challenge. Each family member, from toddlers to grand parents, has different needs, abilities, restrictions, and preferences. The key to a memorable and successful trip is to find a location that caters to everyone in your group. With thoughtful research and planning, family travel planners can plan a vacation that every generation will enjoy.
This article covers essential family travel planning tips to help you choose the perfect location for your group. From understanding your family’s unique needs to finding budget-friendly options and family-friendly activities, these strategies will make the planning process a breeze.
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Know Your Family’s Needs
The first step to planning a successful family trip is understanding what each family member needs and wants. Consider age, mobility, interests, and preferences when selecting a destination for your trip.
Physical Limitations
You’ll also need to consider any family members with physical limitations. If members of your group have physical limitations, you’ll want to choose destinations with accessible accommodations and activities. For example, national parks with wheelchair-accessible trails or resorts that offer ground-floor rooms and shuttle services are fantastic options for families with elderly or disabled members.
Pro Tip: Consider sending out a short survey to your family before starting your trip research. This will allow you to understand everyone’s preferences and any limitations that need to be accommodated.
Demographics and Preferences
Families can be a mix of babies, children, teens, adults, and seniors, and each group has different requirements. Here are some things to consider for each age group:
- Babies and Kids: Look for destinations with child-friendly activities like parks, playgrounds, zoos, children’s museums or museums with sections for children, or theme parks.
- Teens: Teens might prefer more adventurous activities like zip-lining, surfing, kayaking, hiking, or amusement parks with roller coasters.
- Adults: Adults may enjoy a combination of relaxing activities and opportunities to explore local culture, like wine and food tasting, themed or cultural museums, or live performances.
- Seniors: Make sure there are easy-access accommodations and activities like walking tours, museums, or live performances that offer seating that appeal to older generations.
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Family Travel Planning Tips on Budget Considerations
One of the most essential family travel planning tips is budgeting. When planning for a large group, choosing a destination that works for everyone’s budget is important. Here are a few key points to consider when planning your trip:
Flexibility to Accommodate a Range of Budgets
Remember that not all family members may have the same financial flexibility. So, choosing a destination that offers a variety of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hotels and vacation rentals to free and low-cost activities to more premium experiences ensures that everyone can participate without feeling financially stressed or left out of the fun.
Accommodation Choices
For large families, consider booking vacation rentals that offer shared spaces like kitchens and dining areas. This can reduce the cost significantly by allowing the family to cook meals together rather than dining out for every meal, which can get costly over the entire duration of your trip. Vacation rental platforms like Airbnb or Destination Reunions are great places to start your search.
Check our Destination Reunions vacation rentals site for family-friendly and budget-conscious accommodations for your next family trip.
All-Inclusive Options
All-inclusive resorts can be a fantastic and budget-friendly option for multi-generational family vacations. These resorts typically include all meals, activities and entertainment, making it easier to stick to a set budget. Plus, they cater to multiple generations with a range of activities that everyone with varying abilities can enjoy.
Cost-Saving Tips:
- Look for group discounts on accommodations and activities.
- Consider traveling during the off-season to avoid peak-season pricing.
- Choose destinations that are within driving distance to cut down on flight costs.
BONUS: Check out our detailed budgeting guide for reunions and group trips here.
Researching Family-Friendly Destinations
Finding the perfect family trip destination starts with thoughtful and detailed research. Luckily, plenty of resources are available to help you identify family-friendly travel destinations that cater to all ages and abilities. Here are some tips to consider before you begin your research:
Online Research
Websites like Trip Advisor, family travel blogs like the Family Vacation Critic and The Backpacking Family, and review sites are excellent resources for discovering destinations that have something for everyone. Look for recommendations on family-friendly beaches, national parks, or resorts with kids’ clubs and organized activities, and seasonal offerings for the time of year you’ll be traveling.
Social Media and Travel Forums
Social media platforms and travel forums can also be valuable tools. Search Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for hashtags like #familytravel, #multigenerationaltravel or #familyvacationto see real-life experiences from other families. Travel forums like those on Reddit or Lonely Planet can provide first-hand advice and experiences on specific destinations you might be considering.
Another resource to consider is Facebook groups, which you can quickly search for on the Facebook platform. Groups allow you to ask members specific questions about their experiences and any advice they want to give.
Consultation with Travel Experts
If you start feeling overwhelmed, consider reaching out to a family reunion travel planner or a local travel agent. These experts can offer tailored advice based on your family’s unique needs and desires while helping you find hidden gems.
Some examples of family-friendly locations that can accommodate multi-generational groups include:
- Theme parks like Disneyland, Disney World, or Universal Studios in Orlando ,Florida
- National parks like Yellowstone, Acadia or Grand Teton
- Beach resorts with kids’ clubs like Rosewood Baha Mar in the Caribbean, the Nickelodeon Hotel Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, or The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida
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Accessibility and Proximity on a Reunion
Choosing a destination that’s accessible for everyone is important, especially if you have family members coming from different regions. Think about how members of your family will get to the destination (driving, flying, charter bus, train) and how long it will take them. Consider the nature of the destination (is it remote with little mobile phone service or is it more urban with more amenities and accommodations).
Centralized Locations
Consider choosing a destination that’s centrally located for most of your family members. This helps to minimize travel time for everyone and makes it easier for family members to attend. For example, if you have family members flying in from different states, consider a destination with a major airport nearby.
Transportation Considerations
You’ll also want to ensure that your destination is close to major highways or airports. Check if the area has reliable public transportation like buses, trains or taxis, and if it doesn’t, locate nearby car rental companies. For older family members or those with mobility issues, make sure that accommodations and activities are wheelchair accessible. One last consideration is the distance from any activities you plan. Make sure the attractions you choose are easily accessible from your lodging.
Family Travel Planning Tips for Choosing the Right Accommodations
The right accommodations can make or break a family trip. Here’s how to discover the perfect place to stay:
Vacation Rentals vs. Hotels
Vacation rentals offer the most flexibility for larger families because they offer shared living spaces, outdoor areas and full kitchens. Vacation rentals provide a comfortable and cost-effective way to keep your family in one place. This also provides the opportunity to create even more memories with family game nights or having the family cook dinner together.
Hotels are also an option to consider if your family members don’t want to stay together in a single rental. Hotels offer members privacy, additional quiet and relaxation, and cleaning services, but they may not be as budget-friendly as sharing one accommodation. Many also offer adjoining rooms for privacy and convenience. Do a quick search on platforms like Kayak.com or Hotel.com to find the best hotel deals in the area of your trip.
Resort Stays
Resorts often have built-in amenities like pools, on-site restaurants, on-site entertainment, and various activities for kids, teens, and adults. They also offer the added benefit of daily housekeeping and organized excursions.
Room for Gathering
One of the most critical factors in choosing accommodations is ensuring enough space for the entire family to gather comfortably. Whether it’s a large living room, a communal dining area, an outdoor patio, or a natural space, make sure there’s a place for everyone to come together that’s accessible for all.
Platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, and Destination Reunions specialize in family-sized accommodations and are great resources for planning your next family trip.
Here’s a handy checklist of what to consider when looking for your accommodations:
- Make sure there are enough bedrooms to accommodate your entire family on the dates of your trip.
- Make sure there are ample bathrooms for the size of your family and in an arrangement that suits your group.
- Check to see if there are shared spaces where your group can gather comfortably. If not, check to see what’s nearby to serve this purpose.
- Make sure your accommodation is easily accessible from the airport or major high ways.
- Make sure your accommodation is close to any activities you have planned for your trip.
- Check to see what types of food are available nearby if you aren’t planning to stay at an all-inclusive resort or other accommodation that provides food.
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Planning Activities for All Ages
A successful family trip includes activities that appeal to every age group in your family. Here are some key points to consider:
Multi-Generational Activities
Look for destinations that offer a nice balance of both relaxing and active options for your group. For example, beach destinations often work well because they provide opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports, while also offering relaxation for older family members. Another example is a resort that also has kid-friendly clubs or activities. Resorts are family-friendly and offer games, entertainment, and relaxing activities for all ages.
Cultural and Educational Activities
Family trips provide more than just a relaxing good time; they also provide a great opportunity for learning and bonding. Consider touring historical sites, visiting museums, or attending local cultural events that can be fun and engaging for all age groups. Consider adding questions to your survey about your family’s interests, passions and hobbies so you can plan activities around these themes.
Examples of Family-Friendly Destinations
- Theme Parks: Popular options like Disney World or Universal Studios have attractions for all ages and can accommodate people with disabilities.
- National Parks: Places like Yellowstone or the Smoky Mountains offer hiking trails, wildlife viewing, nature activities, and stunning scenery.
- Zoos and Aquariums: Most states have zoos and/or aquariums that offer engaging exhibits, lectures, and learning opportunities for the whole family.
- Beach Resorts: Locations with kids’ clubs and water sports can entertain the younger crowd, while adults and seniors enjoy the serene beach atmosphere and on-site entertainment.
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Consider Seasonality
Another essential factor to consider when planning a family trip is the time of year you’ll be going away. This will determine the budget, accommodations, and activities of your trip. Here are some things to consider when planning your trip for a specific time of year:
Off-Season Advantages
If you’re planning a trip on a budget, traveling during the off-season can save you money while avoiding large crowds. For example, planning a beach trip in late spring or early fall ensures good weather and an affordable trip without the peak summer rush.
Weather Considerations
Weather is another consideration. Try choosing a destination with weather that suits all generations. For example, avoid very hot destinations for elderly members and avoid extreme winter destinations if traveling with very young children. However, caveats, like going on a family ski vacation, going to the Adirondacks and visiting Santa’s Village, are geared toward a younger crowd.
Seasonal Activities
Places like ski and beach resorts offer relevant seasonal activities like skiing and snow boarding, boating, and swimming, along with year-round activities. Consider checking these resorts for discounted rates in the off-season and what activities they offer when it’s not peak season.
For example, you could visit Lake Placid, New York, in the spring or fall instead of the summer or winter. This predominantly ski-oriented town with ski resorts offers miles of hiking trails and lakes for boating in the spring. In the fall, become a ‘leaf peeper’ and take in the beautiful red, orange, and yellow leaves, or stroll down Main Street to shop, dine, or watch a local band play music by the lake.
Booking Early and Negotiating Group Deals
To secure the best accommodation rates, it’s essential to book your trip early and take advantage of any group deals you can find. Here are some tips to book early and get a great deal:
Working with Travel Agents
A travel agent specializing in family trips is a great resource and can help you negotiate deals and secure accommodations that fit your group’s needs. They may also have access to exclusive discounts and perks tailored to groups.
Some places offer discounts if you book early, like Wyndham Hotels, which offers 15%off for booking early, or Westgate Resorts, which offers up to 20% off for booking early. As you do your research, note down any places that offer discounts for booking early if that’s important to you.
Group Discounts
Many resorts, vacation rentals and airlines offer discounts for large groups. When booking your travel and accommodations, ask about any group rates provided, as this can significantly reduce your overall costs. Sometimes, this information is readily available on the company’s website; if not, a quick call or live chat can answer your questions.
Advanced Planning
Once you have a date for your family trip, you’ll know when to start booking accommodations and travel. If your trip is during a peak season, start booking several months ahead to ensure you get the best deals and the perfect accommodations and travel that suit your group. If you’re planning a trip during an off-season, you should still plan a few months ahead but not as far ahead as during peak seasons.
Get excited about your trip and the opportunity to spend quality time with the people you love. This will give you the motivation and inspiration to start your planning early. Before you know it, you’ll be ready to enjoy a wonderful family reunion or group vacation that caters to all generations.
Ready to book the perfect destination for your family trip? Explore our vacation rentals to find the ideal spot for your next family reunion or vacation. Don’t forget your FREE latest edition of Destination Reunions digital magazine for more inspiration!
