Hello -

We are considering a family reunion in July 2006. There will be 18 adults and 8 kids.

Some in the family have less money than others, so it will have to be something reasonably priced. The kids range in ages from 2 to 14, so we'd need something that would appeal to a wide age range. With so many people, logistics such as meals and activities could also get complicated. I had thought about a cruise b/c the meals are taken care of and they tend to have strong family programs, but there doesn't seem to be much interest.

Any suggestions?

I have organized several family reunions, with the same issues you face regarding ability to pay. It would help to know where all your family members are located. Ours were spread out throughout the country so we would choose locations either central to all, or switch coasts depending on the year and which side of the family. One year, we did a mountain resort in West Virginia. Very affordable, Beautiful grounds, golf, fishing, pool, kayaking, hiking. Good for shorter stay, no shopping (4 days). .

Next, Middleton Inn in Charleston SC. Outside of the city, but grounds beautiful. Connected to gardens and plantation. Rooms then, very reasonable. Next, an inn on Lake Michigan with huge porch. We had the run of the place. Swimming, relaxing, cookouts, scavenger hunts for the kids. Another, Lake Cumberland Kentucky where we rented huge houseboats and traveled the lake. Must love your family for this, since you spend an awful amount of time together. Lots of swimming, fishing, cooking. The latter being a drag sometimes, but each family cooked one day.

I usually take a random sampling of ideas at family gatherings and then send a newsletter with 2-3 choices asking for their input. Whichever gets the most votes wins. That way no one can complain. I really think you need to pin point what people expect from this. Our major goal was to spend more time together socializing whether it would be by the pool, lake, or on the golf course. The minute you throw in a place that has too many distractions, you have everyone scattered which really isn't the point of a family reunion. Hope this helps.