Missed birthdays, cancelled parties, postponed special events… It’s been a long, difficult year without the ability to celebrate special occasions and spend quality time together. As the country begins to reopen, it’s time to plan your next family gathering. And what better place to reconnect with loved ones than in the tropics?
Rather than worrying about accommodations, groceries and cleaning, why not stay at an all-inclusive resort where everything is taken care of? You’ll be able to fully enjoy time with your family instead of worrying about logistics, household chores and meal preparation. We’ve created a handy guide to help you plan the perfect family reunion in a slice of paradise.
Test the waters to see who will come
Start an online group chat with your family members to get a sense of who might be up for a trip down South. Chances are, everyone will want to head to the tropics! Even if you live in different cities and are flying out of different airports across the country, including small regional ones, you can still get together in the South and take advantage of exclusive group deals . Those of you flying out of the same airport can also reserve a block of seats on the plane and arrive in style with private airport-to-hotel transfers.
Choose your favorite destinations
With so many beautiful tropical destinations to choose from, it can be hard to decide where to gather. If you’re looking for a classic sun-filled getaway and simply want to relax on a pristine beach with your loved ones, the stunning coastlines of Cancun , Punta Cana , and Varadero are great choices. Want to explore an exotic island and experience unforgettable adventures?. Lucia , watch the sunset from the Shirley Heights Observatory in Antigua , or discover the lush rainforests of Grenada
Find a hotel that will please everyone
You want to make sure you choose a hotel that will please everyone in the family, from kids to grandparents! Many properties offer lively activities and convenient amenities for all ages. Royalton Bavaro Resort & Spa features a mini-golf course, a lazy river and a FlowRider® surf simulator ($) that kids – and kids at heart – will love. With a new water park and non-motorized water sports like paddleboarding, snorkeling and kayaking, Riu Palace Costa Rica is the perfect place for groups who love to have fun in the water. Looking to host the ultimate family dinner? Enjoy unlimited reservation-free dining at the Royalton Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa ’s gourmet restaurants . For a personalized meal at the chef’s table, we recommend booking the C/X Culinary Experience ($).
Book early to stretch your budget further
Now that you’ve compiled your guest list, chosen your destination and chosen your hotel, it’s time to book your family reunion! When you plan your group vacation with 10 or more adults, you can take advantage of exclusive perks like reduced deposits as low as $150 per person and incredibly low prices. As vaccination programs roll out across the country and more Canadians are eager to travel again, prices will increase and the best getaways will sell out quickly. So it’s best to book your family getaway as soon as possible. Plus, planning your vacation now will give you something to look forward to, with the halo effect starting the moment you book.