Is planning your family reunion stressing you out? Travel costs have risen significantly this year in several categories. According to CNBC, airfare alone is up 25%, outpacing inflation. However, planning a family reunion doesn’t mean that you have to break the bank. With a little creativity, you can plan an unforgettable event for your whole group. These 7 affordable family reunion locations will help you create lasting memories with your extended family.
1. Local VFWs
If you’re looking for an affordable location for your next family reunion, your Veterans of Foreign Wars Post is a great option. Typically, VFWs can hold a large number of people for a small rental fee. Usually, you can hire a caterer and bartender or bring in your own food. Some even have kitchens, making it possible for you to cut down the cost even more. Additionally, the rental fee and any other fees associated with renting the space will help benefit veterans in your area.
2. Destinations with Free Activities
A great idea for family reunions is to host it in a place with free attractions. For example, Washington D.C. is a great city to visit on a budget. Smithsonian museums have 17 properties, a zoo, and galleries that are free. Plus, the National Mall and monuments are great for sightseeing. While accommodations in D.C. can be expensive, the surrounding towns in Maryland and Virginia are more affordable. You can take a short drive to D.C. from your hotel or Airbnb for the day. There is also a great public transportation system, making it easy and cheap to get around while you’re there. Other destinations with a lot of free activities include Yellowstone, Los Angeles, New Jersey, and even London.
3. Ranches
You don’t have to sacrifice adventure to stay on budget for your family reunion. A dude ranch could be the ideal affordable location for your family reunion. The Dude Rancher’s Association suggests Red Rock Ranch near Jackson Hole. You can spend hours horseback riding through the trails with your family. Other activities include pickleball, team penning, and fly fishing. Heading to a ranch is typically an all-inclusive trip, meaning you will only have to shell out money once and everything else is included.
4. Budget-Friendly Beach Towns
Beach towns are popular destinations for family reunions. With a range of places to stay, there are options for all budgets. Look for beaches that aren’t tourist destinations for the best deals. Many towns on Cape Cod are affordable, like Dennis Port. There’s plenty to do with your extended family including great beaches, biking, kayaking, and a variety of restaurants. Other possible destinations might be Topsail Beach, Mitchelville Beach, Enderts Beach, Roque Bluffs, Cumberland Island National Seashore, Mansion Beach, and others.
5. National Parks
National parks are wonderful places to host family reunions. Plus, there are usually affordable accommodations in the surrounding areas, from RV parks to camping sites and lodges. One hidden gem in the Rocky Mountains is the YMCA of the Rockies in Colorado. The two locations offer activities such as archery, hiking, axe throwing, disc golf, rock climbing, and fishing. There are also meeting spaces to host your reunion.
6. Ski Resorts in The Off-Season
Ski resorts have many lodging options for your family reunion. Smuggler’s Notch in Vermont has cabins to accommodate the whole family. A wide range of activities make this resort a great choice for all ages, even during the off-season. The resort will help you plan your reunion trip as well.
7. Cruises
What could be more fun than taking your extended family on a cruise? There are many short voyages that are quite affordable. In fact, they can be more affordable than hotels in some cases. On some cruises, kids even sail free. You can always save money with group discounts or by choosing interior rooms. Carnival Cruise Lines takes short cruises to the Caribbean, Bermuda, Eastern Canada, and Mexico. Cruises always have itineraries that will entertain the whole family.
Planning an Affordable Family Reunion
Whether you and your family are looking to stay local or plan a getaway for your family reunion, you can do it affordably. Make sure to take advantage of group discounts and book early to get the best deals. What has been the best family reunion you’ve been to? Let us know your favorite locations.
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Teri Monroe started her career in communications working for local government and nonprofits. Today, she is a freelance finance and lifestyle writer and small business owner. In her spare time, she loves golfing with her husband, taking her dog Milo on long walks, and playing pickleball with friends.
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