The Advice Sisters

"What Works" - Extended Family Vacations: A Unique Way To Get Families & Friends Together !

In the "old days" getting families and friends together used to be easy, but today they're more likely to be scattered all over the country, perhaps even the globe. It's difficult, if not impossible, to find a place that is practical and affordable for gathering everyone together. There are few places where you can gather people virtually hassle-free, in a fun, festive, affordable location with minimal travel.

A new trend is developing that merges holidays and occasions with vacation --the group vacation! It's the ultimate way to get together, and also "get away from it all!"

THE ADVICE SISTERS know of many groups of friends who don't live close by, who manage to stay connected by getting together at least once a year. Groups go camping, or to exotic locations, or even on cruises. We think it's also an excellent way for a family to get together for a special event such as a wedding, anniversary, birthday, graduation, family reunion.... or just to end the "who-shall-we-visit-for-the-holidays?" dilemma. We've met with one family who took a cruise together to mark a less-joyful event (the scattering of "Aunt Ethel's" ashes)!

What is especially great about getting a group and going on vacation is that everyone can relax and have a godo time. Most of arrangements are practically made for you, no one has to play host (or make beds, or fix meals) and there’s something for every age and interest.

What kind of place could you choose for an extended family vacation? Just about any place you'd go normally. For small groups, spas have become especially popular, replacing the traditional bridal shower or "big" birthday celebration with a pampering weekend (or longer).

For large groups, cruises, are THE ADVICE SISTERS top pick. Most cruise lines have group/event departments staffed by experts that work with groups and their special requests all the time. They can easily help you make your arrangements, perhaps even suggesting activities or suppliers you might now have access to you on own. Imagine celebrating with those you love best in unuusal and exotic locales. How about a family reunion at a beach party on a private island? Getting married in a tropical paradise, or rewewing your wedding vows surrounded by a sparkling sea, or under the stars? Family group vacations are becoming so popular (especially for weddings) that many of the cruise lines are even re-instituting (legal) marriages at sea, and building new onboard wedding facilities to meet the need. One cruise line even has a live internet capability to broadcast your special event as it happens to the few, unlucky, family and friends who just couldn't get away.

If you’ve got a major event in your future, or you’d just like to try something exciting and new for the holidays, here are the most important things you need to consider if you’re taking a family group along:

Timing is Everything: All modes of travel have peak, shoulder and off-season pricing based on the destination and time of year. It might be more likely that you’ll get family to join you during the holidays and summertime , but if finances are an issue, consider planning your special event off-peak when the resorts and cruise ships aren’t as full, and discounts are plentiful. If your budget is really tight, consider a weekend package or a short "cruise to nowhere." Be prepared to pack a lot of fun into those few days!

Location, Location, Location: Depending on where you live, some cruises and vacation destinations will be more practical and affordable than others. If most of your group lives in the East, for example, cruises from to Bermuda, Canada or transatlantic, or from Florida to the Caribbean or Mexico, will be cheaper. If you are planning a trip to Europe, most flights go to New York as a hub. If most of your group is from the Midwest or West Coast, cruises from Seattle, Vancouver, Los Angeles, or Texas to Mexico, Hawaii, and Alaska are good bets. Airplane flights to the South Pacific or the Orient will connect from from the West Coast. Let one person book the cruise, hotel, or vacation package for everyone, and you’ll qualify for cheaper rates as a "group." Usually just 10 or more rooms or cabins qualifies you for discounts, and sometimes, free rooms or cabins (check the supplier directly, or consult your travel agent). If there are singles in your group, keep in mind that nearly all cruise lines charge a singles supplement. Encourage solo travelers to double-up. Some cruise lines and many hotels will offer free or reduced rates for young children sharing your room or cabin. Some rooms may house a family of three or four, but not all. Check before you select!

Ship Shape: If you choose a cruise. you’ll find something for almost everyone on virtually all cruise ships, but some will appeal to your group more than others. Celebrity Cruise Lines , for example, is quickly becoming a leader in family group cruises. They cater to groups of every size, budget, and interest. Their "something-for-everyone" approach is reflected in the wide range of onboard activities, shore excursions, dining options, and even the public rooms (everything from video games to gaming tables, coffee to cigar bars). For the youngsters, most ships offer special facilities and age-appropriate programs. The kids are well supervised so the adults have time to themselves, but the family can still gather together as much as desired. Some ships only offer children’s programs in peak season and holidays so know before you book.

Not sure what cruise line is for you? There are literally dozens and dozens of cruise lines to choose from. There are so many we can't list them all here. Cruise2.com is a good and comprehensive site where you can access a list of cruise lines broken down by "type." This site also has tons of information including reviews, brochures, news, deck plans, even a tipping guide and information about getting married at sea. CruiseOpinion.com offers just that __ reader opinions about their shipboard experiences. There are also newsgroups for cruise enthusiasts where you'll find no_holds barred, unsolicited opinions about cruising

Meanwhile, to make the task a bit easier when choosing what kind of family cruise to take, here are a few guidelines. If you’re traveling with a large group of young children, you might want to choose a family-oriented line (E.g. Disney ). An informal, non-stop party atmosphere will be found on the less expensive lines such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean, or Norwegian Cruise Lines. Some of the lines catering to a more adult audience with more discerning tastes (E.g. Holland America , Cunard , Orient, Renaissance, Radisson Seven Seas, Windstar or Princess). For those with sophistication, and the ability to pay for an ultra-luxury vacation, try (E.g. Windstar, Crystal, Silversea, or Seabourn ). The cruise brochures all look wonderful, but the descriptions can be confusing to the first-timer. Ask other people you know who have been on cruises what they liked, and didn't like, and seek guidance from your travel agent. Be sure to check with the cruise line’s special events or group departments, especially if you’re planning a wedding or other formal event. Ships different within the same company, and not every one offers identical facilities and services.

Time is Money: Holidays are the most popular travel time for all destinations, so be sure to plan and make your reservations well in advance. Expect higher prices and fewer discounts than you would get, off season. Most cruise lines and tour companies have air/sea packages to help you get the flights you need at a reasonable price. If you’re planning to book your own air for a cruise or a land-tour, keep in mind that the cruise line or tour operator may hold the ship for passengers on their air/sea program if there is a delay, but if you are on your own and have a problem, they probably won't wait for you.

The next time you’re wondering how to get the family together, take a cruise! Be sure to bring loads of film....you’ll need it to capture all the memories!

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