Ideal Getaways for Family Reunions

When the time finally comes, make it a grand occasion!

If you've been waiting to hold a family reunion, it’s an excellent opportunity to celebrate big when you finally get together. A proper family getaway is a significant upgrade from the usual backyard barbecue!

Choosing a destination for your reunion is a classic way to create unforgettable experiences with your family, and larger families often benefit from group discounts. Additionally, with a few cousins around, adults can sneak in some enjoyable time away from the kids.

The pressing question remains: where should you go? Here are some top destinations for an unforgettable family reunion:

When it comes to domestic cities bursting with character, "The Big Easy" is unmatched. Known for its vibrant Mardi Gras celebrations in the winter, this city offers family-friendly activities all year round. New Orleans truly has a European feel that makes you feel like you’re on an international getaway. 

For an adventurous experience, embark on a swamp tour to see alligators (and perhaps even feed them!), or dive into the local voodoo culture on a ghost tour that explores its significance in the Crescent City. 

While adults might enjoy a late-night jazz performance, there’s music filling the central squares at all hours, allowing the entire family to dance along to the lively sounds of a brass band. 

New Orleans is a culinary haven, where you can indulge in fried catfish, powdered sugar beignets, jambalaya, and king cake to satisfy your cravings!

Similar getaways: Explore other warm-weather coastal cities, such as Tampa Bay.

Does your family prefer a beach escape? This exclusive Bahamian paradise is accessible only by boat.

The award-winning Half Moon Cay boasts numerous appealing features, including soft white sands and clear Caribbean waters. For larger families, it's possible to rent an entire private beach cabana (or even a whole villa!) to serve as your beachside retreat.

Everyone can partake in a guided horseback ride to the island's highest point, while thrill-seekers (of all ages) can snorkel with stingrays, bike to a stunning lagoon, or embark on a guided jet ski tour!   

Similar getaways: While nothing compares to the top-rated private island experience, other Bahamian destinations like Nassau and Freeport are also excellent choices.  

For many families, a retreat in the Northeast is easily accessible and ideal for fall break when school is out! 

The east coast is rich with waterways, and Peggy’s Cove near Halifax, Canada, features a rugged coastline and a historic lighthouse that's over 150 years old. In St. John, New Brunswick, you can kayak on the beautiful St. John’s River close to the Bay of Fundy and witness the "reversing falls," where tidal changes create swirling whirlpools.  

Traveling further south, you’ll find history at every turn, from the Freedom Trail in Boston that highlights key Revolutionary War sites to the cobblestone streets lined with shops in Portland, Maine. 

Seafood enthusiasts in your family will delight in fresh Maine lobster and oysters from Prince Edward Island. Plus, for those with a sweet tooth, fall brings apple festivals across New England, offering delicious pies and picking opportunities! 

Similar Getaways: The Pacific Northwest, which is home to the “other” Portland, features similarly rugged coastlines and an abundance of apples. 

Did you know that you can enjoy a family vacation on a tropical island without needing a passport? Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory, is home to El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the nation. Here, you can encounter tropical frogs and parrots, as well as La Coca Falls, which is said to be the fountain of youth and a source of endless family jokes.

San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, features historic Spanish forts that date back centuries. Castillo San Felipe del Morro sits at the edge of the city, along with Fort San Cristobal. Both sites offer breathtaking ocean views, perfect for history enthusiasts and photographers alike.

Similar Getaways: The nearby Dominican Republic also boasts a Spanish-speaking island and its own “San Felipe” fortress.