Five places that have something for everyone at a family reunion.
Family Reunion Month is a grand time to plan a family gathering. Here are five ideas:
1. Avalon Waterways, Budapest, Hungary
Satisfy your cultural curiosity while experiencing Avalon’s newly introduced Active Discovery itineraries. Cruise the Danube together and choose from activities that include canoeing the river, biking, exploring an ice cave, meeting with monks at the monastery and learning how to milk a cow and mow grass with a scythe. You’ll engage with locals, play golf or view the winding waterway after a guided hike to a hilltop. It will be an action-packed family gathering aboard a Suite Ship. And you’ll only have to unpack once. avalonwaterways.com.
2. Snow Mountain Ranch, Granby, Colo.
“Bull’s-eye!” It started on the archery range. Then she tackled the climbing wall, hiked amid wildflowers, paddled the canoe and careened across the zip line. Grandma’s amazing! At this highoctane YMCA camp, family members of all ages can strut their stuff and then share stories around the campfire come nightfall. Sleep in the new yurt village where six family members can snooze inside a round platform tent on a queen bed plus two bunks. Cabins, lodge rooms and campsites are also available. SnowMountainRanch.org.
3. Your Home Away
For multigenerational gatherings where sleep, snack and activity schedules don’t always align, a vacation rental can provide the perfect solution. As more companies make it easier to review the experiences of previous guests, your extended family can compare and book the destination and experience that will fit your reunion plan. Choose from lofts, cabins, condos, lodges or homes with the number of beds, baths and amenities that work for your crew. With room to roam, you’ll be set to make memories for a lifetime. www.homeaway.com.
4. Grand Cayman Island, Caribbean
The largest of the three Cayman Islands, this famous Caribbean beach destination pairs sandy relaxation with underwater exploration. Stow yourselves away inside the lush grounds of the Ritz-Carlton or spill onto the famous Seven Mile Beach where snorkeling, beach walking and sand castle building can engulf the day. The hotel’s Cousteauinspired Ambassadors of the Environment program offers dozens of playful learning programs each week, designed to send family members home with a greater understanding of the islands as well the interconnectedness of the natural world. www.ritzcarlton.com/ grandcayman
5. Hotel del Coronado, San Diego
A family favorite, this iconic Victorian gem is the crown jewel of one of the most popular beach-vacation spots in the United States. The long, wide stretch of sand provides easy access to the water and thus the perfect home base for your family’s seaside activities. Get out the boogie boards, issue a beach volleyball challenge, take surfing lessons or join a clambake. Top-notch children’s and teen programs are available. You’ll create family history in this legendary destination. hoteldel.com.