When I was growing up, my grandmother, aunt, uncle and two cousins lived down the block from me.  Within walking distance, or maybe a short subway or car ride away lived many other relatives, and it was quite common for us to all get together for dinner on Sundays, especially while my grandmother was alive.  While the grown-ups chatted, gossiped and complained, the cousins would play games (usually made-up ones), tease each other and make mischief.  When I told my son about these get-togethers, he couldn’t imagine what it was like to have so much family nearby.  Of course, many of his relatives live in Florida, North Carolina, Connecticut, New Jersey, Illinois, Colorado and California, so visiting with them is a rare event.  Today, the concept of "extended families" is somewhat unusual and due to jobs, climate and just personal preference, we find ourselves spread out across the country, or even in foreign lands.

In answer to this phenomenon, family reunions have become increasingly popular and, according to the Travel Industry Association of America, 34% of American adults have traveled to a family reunion in the past three years, and 22% have done so this past year. These events can range in size from a multi-generational trip with a few relatives to a genealogist’s fantasy of a few hundred people. If you choose the right location, everyone can reunite while enjoying favorite activities as well as a break from their normal routine.

Planning such an event can be a large undertaking.  While there’s lot of practical information out there about the logistics of organizing the group, dividing the tasks and setting a budget, perhaps the biggest question is "where should it be."  Considering several criteria such as geographic location (35% of reunion attendees travel 500 or more miles from home), available transportation, the variety of accommodations in different price ranges, activities to please every age, unique attractions, dining options and group discounts, FTF has selected the following as the “Top Ten Getaways for Family Reunions."  More detailed information about each venue is available elsewhere on FamilyTravelForum.com.

TOP SKI AND SUMMER GETAWAY

Northstar-at-Tahoe
Truckee, California
800/GO-NORTH

At this casual, year-round mountain resort, guests can ski and snowboard the dramatic Sierra Nevada Mountains, swim, fish and sail on Lake Tahoe, enjoy the varied sports facilities of the recreation center and pedestrian village, play tennis and golf, and mountain bike on 100 miles of trails.  And, for those who want to test Lady Luck, there are gambling casinos in nearby Nevada.  With such a variety of activities, this small, relaxed northern California village promises to entertain the family whether you choose togetherness or independence during your reunion.

Varied housing is available in redwood condos and contemporary homes with up to six bedrooms, and a free, frequent shuttle system means relatives of all ages can come and go at their own pace.  Of course, adults who want to enjoy uninterrupted conversations with their long-lost cousins can take advantage of the childcare available through the ski school during winter, and a camp for kids 2 to 6-years-old in summer.  The adults-only lap pool, television lounge and library area are popular places for grown-ups to congregate while kids are supervised in their own fun programs.

Northstar welcomes family groups and offers a discount if your family books five or more units.  The gorgeous summertime is their true value season with great prices and the widest availability, yet despite higher rates, you must book a few months in advance for group winter stays.  Rates range from $118/N for a room sleeping two people to $515/N for a 4-bedroom condo sleeping eight, depending on the time of the year.  Some handicap-accessible rooms are available.  A Northstar spokesperson says booking through the group sales department (530/550-8364) will save from 10 to 25% on your reunion package.