Amanda Longacre•Apr 25, 2025Planning a family reunion can feel like herding cats, but it doesn’t have to! With the right approach, a bit of organization, and a great place to gather, it’s totally possible to pull off a fun, stress-free get-together that everyone will remember for years to come.
Whether you’re rounding up your favorite cousins, gathering three generations under one roof, or reuniting long-lost siblings, this step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan a family reunion that hits all the right notes.
We’ll also share our top tips for choosing a destination, expert advice for making your vacation relaxing and memorable, and answer your FAQs. Let’s dive in!
Finding a time and date to make plans with even one person can be tricky enough, let alone organizing a weekend away with 10+ family members! With this in mind, planning ahead is key.
The earlier you start, the better. Try to pick a date at least six months in advance – especially if your family is spread across multiple cities or states. For most destinations, summer is a popular choice, thanks to school holidays, warmer weather, and better flight availability. However, don’t overlook spring or fall – you’ll likely find better accommodation and travel options at a lower cost.
Top tip: Send out a poll to see which dates work best for the majority. Tools like Doodle, Google Forms, and poll widgets on messaging apps can help you quickly narrow things down without endless back-and-forth in the family group chats.
Now for the fun part – deciding where to meet! Here are a few things to consider when picking the perfect destination:
How will you travel there? If your whole family lives in one state, a nearby, drivable destination might be the most practical choice. If members are scattered across the country, consider meeting at a spot in the middle. If most people will be flying to the destination, make sure flights are widely available.
What activities are nearby? Some locations might have amazing nightlife but limited things for kids to do, and some might have incredible outdoor activities but nothing interesting for granny and grandpa. The best destinations have a wide range of activities for all ages nearby, so put these at the top of your shortlist to ensure everyone has a great vacation.
What’s the weather like? As with any vacation, climate and weather should be a consideration. If you plan to bond over outdoor activities or hikes, make sure the destination has a mild climate. However, the weather isn't so important if you plan to spend most of your getaway enjoying each other’s company in your spacious large group vacation rental.
How long will you stay? Traveling out of state can take hours, if not days. If your family reunion will only last a few days, it’s probably best to pick a nearby destination. However, if you want a week of quality time, you could afford to travel a little further.
Is it a good backdrop for your plans? Choose a destination that suits your family bonding plans. If you all love to ski, a winter destination like Colorado could be the perfect place to reunite the family. If you want to refresh those family pics with a photoshoot, choose a beautiful destination like Joshua Tree.
Looking for some ideas? Here are a few of our favorite family-friendly destinations to inspire you!
Florida: With iconic theme parks, fun waterparks, vibrant beaches, adventure activities, and a touch of history, Florida is the perfect destination for all ages. From the bright lights of Miami to the serene shores of St George Island, the Sunshine State ticks every box.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming: Just a stone’s throw away from Yellowstone National Park, Jackson Hole is your ticket to outdoor family adventures and stunning scenery for those group snaps. Enjoy winter sports in the cold seasons, easy family hikes in the summer, and horseback riding in fall and spring.
California: This state is home to beloved theme parks like Disneyland and Universal Studios, sandy beaches, surfing spots, and family favorites like Lake Tahoe. Whether you like it hot or prefer snow-covered peaks, it's a great year-round destination.
The Smoky Mountains: From the lively bustle of the Tennessee side to the quieter vibes of the North Carolina side, the Smoky Mountains are a great place for the whole family to visit. Discover unique attractions, explore hiking trails, try something adventurous, and enjoy cozy evenings by the fire together at your luxury vacation rental.
Best of all, if you’re looking for a luxury home with plenty of space for family fun, Wander’s family reunion vacation rentals are the ultimate places to stay.
Once you’ve locked in the destination, it’s time to find a place that fits everyone. A large group vacation rental means your group can stay under one roof, share meals, hang out in common spaces, and enjoy a more personal experience than you’d get in a hotel.
When choosing a vacation rental, consider:
The number of bedrooms and bathrooms: Pick a property that accommodates your number of guests and has enough bathrooms to go round.
Sleeping arrangements: Make sure the sleeping arrangements are appropriate. Members of your family who have never met before probably won’t be comfortable sharing a bed, while couples will likely want to sleep together, so factor this in when working out the number of bedrooms you need.
Layout: Another thing to consider is the location of each room. Young children won’t want to be far from their parents, while couples with young babies might be better off in a more secluded part of the house.
Communal spaces: Family reunions are all about getting together, so choose a vacation rental with plenty of shared spaces. Properties with BBQ areas, large living rooms, and outdoor pools are ideal for comfortably spending time with loved ones.
Kitchen and dining areas: It can sometimes be tricky to find dinner reservations that accommodate large groups, and cooking together is a great bonding experience. Our vacation rentals with fully stocked kitchens and large dining areas are perfect for family reunions.
Entertainment options: Regardless of how much time you plan to spend in your vacation rental, entertainment options are always a good idea. Homes with games rooms, private pools, sports courts, and movie theaters are excellent choices, especially for parties with energetic young children.
Downtime options: Spending time together is great fun, but we can all benefit from some alone time. Pick a vacation rental with numerous communal areas, spacious bedrooms, and dedicated offices so you can enjoy some time apart, too.
Wander homes are made for this kind of trip. Our family reunion vacation rentals have 6+ rooms, with options to accommodate up to 30 guests and plenty of space for spending time together and apart.
Our properties feature premium amenities like pools, hot tubs, and saunas, along with a range of activity zones like sports courts, arcades, and theater rooms to keep the whole family entertained. Plus, with fully-equipped chef’s kitchens, outdoor BBQ areas, and indoor dining areas, there’s no shortage of ways to cook up a storm together.
Situated in unique locations with stunning views, our luxury vacation homes provide the perfect backdrop for making memories with your nearest and dearest.
You don’t need a minute-by-minute itinerary, but having a few planned activities helps keep things lively and provides bonding opportunities. Here are some of our favorite family reunion activities:
Outdoor adventures: What better way to spend a summer vacation than by exploring the great outdoors together? Hike or bike through stunning mountain scenery; swim, sunbathe, and relax on the beach; try something new like paddleboarding, bouldering, or abseiling; or hire a boat to unwind in style.
At-home bonding: While some vacations are all about the destination, family reunions are all about the people you’re surrounded by. All you need are at-home activities like pool parties, family quizzes, games nights, movie nights, and cooking, eating, and drinking together.
Exploring the local area: Make the most of your destination by trying out the best activities it has to offer. This could include visiting museums, going wine tasting, making a splash at a water park, thrill-seeking at a theme park, browsing shops or local markets, sightseeing, dining at a renowned restaurant, or exploring historical landmarks.
This part isn’t as fun, but it is important. Work out the logistics of your family reunion to ensure a smooth and relaxing stay. Think about details like:
How you’ll get there: Arrange transport ahead of time, especially if you need to book flights or trains. Look into carpooling or mini-buses for large groups coming from the same area.
What you’ll eat: A group of 15 hungry kids and adults is a recipe for disaster! Make sure to bring food, figure out where the closest supermarkets and restaurants are, and plan meals to avoid a hangry reunion!
Book accommodation: Book your vacation rental in advance to avoid disappointment and keep prices low.
Figure out finances: Plan how you’ll split the cost of lodgings, food, transport, and activities, whether that’s setting a price per person or family unit or having a few generous members cover the whole thing.
Book activities: Plan and book a few activities before you arrive, especially if you’re hoping to try popular activities at a busy destination during its peak season.
No, it won’t be the most fun part of your reunion. However, working out the finer details can ensure everything goes according to plan and your vacation is perfect!
Once everyone arrives, try to let go a little. It’s tempting to micromanage every moment, but the best memories come from unplanned laughs, spontaneous parties, and lazy mornings with coffee on the deck.
Planning a family reunion is one thing. Keeping your sanity intact while doing it? That’s a whole different ballpark! Here are some expert tips from the team here at Wander to make your big reunion feel a little less daunting.
Set up a group chat on WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger to keep communications and information all in one place. Make sure all the important travel details, meal plans, activities, and emergency contacts are somewhere in this group.
This avoids those dreaded “Who’s meant to be getting the keys again?” messages! But FYI: Wander homes come with smart locks and digital keys, so you’ll never be arguing over lost keys on arrival!
If you’re a super-organized, tech-savvy planner, you could use shared documents on Excel or Google Docs as a hub for tracking these details – just make sure to teach the family how to use them too!
Even if you’re a go-with-the-flow kind of person, checklists are your best friend. Think: packing lists, shopping lists, game lists, activity ideas lists, meal rotation lists… the list goes on!
Share these lists with other family members and tick off who’s bringing what to avoid overlaps or missed items.
We’re all for living in the moment, but snapping a few pics can guarantee memories that last forever! Take plenty of group photos and create a shared digital album so everyone can contribute and download snaps.
‘Then and now’ recreations of old family pictures are always a fun idea, especially if it’s been a long time and you’ve some silly childhood photos to choose from.
Our vacation rentals offer amazing backdrops for frame-worthy shots, from cabins with stunning mountain views to beachfront homes. Make sure everyone is wearing their Sunday best, gather the whole family on the deck, and say cheese!
Looking for a local photographer who can guarantee 10/10 snaps? Contact Wander Concierge! Our team can arrange a photoshoot at your vacation rental or another favorite spot when it suits you best.
Organizing a family reunion is no small feat, and you’ll probably struggle to enjoy your getaway if you’re too busy micromanaging every moment. Delegating responsibilities lightens the load a little while making sure all your bases are still covered.
One person could handle activity booking, one could manage the budget and collect payments, and one could organise games. You could also share the meal planning load: put one person or family unit in charge of each meal and let them decide whether to cook for the party, order takeout, or organise a meal out.
The kids can even get involved! Let young children set the table, make signs, or organize games so they feel like the grown-ups!
Why not buy or make everyone a little something to remember the trip by?
Personalized t-shirts, mugs, or keyrings are always a good idea. Or, plan an activity where everyone can create their own keepsakes, like scrapbooking, friendship bracelet making, or rock painting.
Whether you go all out with personalized party bags or keep it simple with a collective guestbook, a small souvenir can ensure the trip stays in your heart forever!
Looking for the perfect home base for your next reunion? Wander’s family reunion vacation rentals are made for big gatherings. Whether you need ten bedrooms to house each family, a huge, fully-stocked kitchen for cooking family feasts, or dreamy views to enjoy your morning coffee together, there’s a home to tick every box.
Here are some of our top picks:
Wander Newton Lakefront: A 10-acre, 18-guest estate featuring plenty of natural spaces to explore alongside luxury amenities like a private pool, hot tub, grand piano, private gym, and movie room.
Wander Santa Rosa Shores: A three-story beach house sleeping up to 30 guests, with a BBQ area, chef’s kitchen, balcony, and games room, making it ideal for large family gatherings.
Wander Surfside Beach: With 8 bedrooms and room for 22 guests, this beachfront property offers panoramic ocean views, luxurious interiors, and plenty of space to spread out.
Wander Miami Hammock: A 7-bed retreat with spacious communal zones and premium amenities like an outdoor pool, hot tub, tennis court, and basketball court, perfect for active groups with young children.
Wander Kure Beach: A 7-bed oceanfront home in North Carolina with a private pool, games room, and direct beach access, ideal for entertaining the whole family.
Wander Davie Ranch: A luxury estate that sleeps 18 guests and has incredible entertainment options like a movie theater, batting cage, green, ping-pong, and a lakeside gazebo.
From forest retreats with mountain views to beach escapes and desert hideaways, our large group vacation rentals include smart home tech, 24/7 concierge support, and premium amenities – all with room for the whole family to breathe!
A good budget for a family reunion can range from $500 to $10,000+, depending on the size of your group, the destination, and the length of your stay.
If you’re planning a multi-day getaway in a luxury vacation rental, like those offered by Wander, aim for around $100–$200 per person, per night to cover accommodation, meals, activities, and extras.
Our spacious properties that sleep 20+ guests usually work out at less than $100 per person per night, so you can get the high-end experience without breaking the bank.
Family reunions are all about connection, celebration, and creating lasting memories. Typically, they include shared meals, games, and activities for all ages, group photos, storytelling sessions, and maybe even a themed night or two. At a Wander home, you can take it to the next level. Think private chef dinners, movie nights in a home theatre, and outdoor fun like hot tubs, firepits, and hiking trails just outside your door.
Absolutely. Wander homes are designed with families in mind. You’ll find spacious layouts, multiple bedrooms, and communal living areas that make it easy for everyone to relax together. Many homes also feature bunk rooms, game rooms, smart TVs, and kid-friendly amenities, so guests of all ages feel right at home. Whether you’re planning a multi-generational reunion or a quick weekend away, there’s plenty of room for everyone.
We know your dog is part of the family, too. At Wander, you’ll find many pet-friendly vacation rentals where pups are welcome to join the adventure. Check each home's listing details to see pet policies and fees. From private outdoor space to trails nearby, you’ll find everything you need to plan a pet-friendly vacation that’s paw-sitively paw-fect!
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