Top Family Reunion Travel Destinations for 2025

Bringing the entire family together for a reunion is something out of a movie, with all the fun and memories being made. Although the reunion can be hard to plan, starting with picking a family reunion travel destination can be a step in the right direction.

There are many ways you can go about planning your family reunion, a local park, maybe something more adventurous? But for a good rule of thumb, it’s always best to have something to do for everybody from toddlers to the elders.

The Outer Banks

The Outer Banks is a near-perfect family reunion destination. Let us count the ways:

1.     It’s domestic, so no one has to mess with a passport.

2.     It has a massive inventory of rentable vacation properties.

3.     It offers sun, sand, surf, golf, and shopping.

4.     It’s relatively easy to get to.

What fault could people find with the Outer Banks? It’s not centrally located, so some family members might have to travel farther. That and hurricane season is about it.

Okay, but that’s practically everywhere. The Outer Banks is a destination with few red flags where it’s easy for large groups of people to get together, eat well, do fun things, and not feel compelled to all have to do the same things at any given time.

That’s the stuff of a near-perfect family reunion destination.

Also Read: Tips for Traveling to St. Lucia: From Resorts to Rainforest

Galena, Illinois

All of the above also applies to Galena, Illinois, with the advantage of a more central location.

If you’re unfamiliar with this Midwest gem, Galena is a former mining town in northwest Illinois that’s been transformed into an Outer Banks without the sand-‘n’-surf but with everything else.

It also has the advantage of being a great launching pad for day trips – following the Great River Road along the mighty Mississippi, checking out Dubuque, Iowa, or exploring the cool small towns that dot the rolling countryside.

Like the Outer Banks, Galena has a robust rental inventory. It also has its hot-and-sticky season and its snow-and-ice season, but no hurricanes.

Galena doesn’t have quite the tourist infrastructure of the Outer Banks, but few American destinations do. Instead, it offers a central gathering place that’s eminently reachable from anywhere, by just being a two-and-a-half-hour car ride from Chicago O'Hare Airport.

Puerto Rico

If the family is craving a getaway-type reunion but doesn’t want to mess with passports and customs, Puerto Rico is the obvious choice.

Besides offering an authentic Caribbean vibe – beaches, palm trees, turquoise waters – Puerto Rico has a substantial inventory of rental properties, making it a cost-effective destination to rent a place that can fit multiple families.

Puerto Rico will take care of your family reunion needs, and feed you a mean arroz con pollo.

Italy

Why not consider Italy for your next family reunion? Italy offers a unique blend of rich history, stunning landscapes, and world-renowned cuisine that can make any family gathering unforgettable.

Imagine exploring ancient ruins in Rome, taking a gondola ride in Venice, or enjoying the breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast. Italy's diverse regions provide a variety of experiences, from the rolling hills of Tuscany to the vibrant city life in Milan.

Italy is also known for its family-friendly culture, with plenty of activities that cater to all ages. Whether it's a cooking class in Florence, a beach day in Sicily, or a visit to a historic castle, there's something for everyone.

The country's extensive network of vacation rentals and hotels can accommodate large groups, making it easier to find a place that suits your family's needs. Plus, the Italian hospitality ensures that you'll feel welcome wherever you go.

While it might be a bit more expensive and require some travel planning, the memories made in Italy will be worth every effort. The combination of delicious food, beautiful scenery, and rich cultural experiences will make your family reunion truly special and memorable.

A country of origin

If your family shares common lineage, follow it back to a common place and meet up there.

And here’s the cool part: This doesn’t have to exclude the U.S. If your family came over on the Mayflower, there’s probably an old family home somewhere back east worth checking out, and a rental somewhere in the vicinity that can fit everyone.

Otherwise, Scandinavia, Ireland, Greece, Mexico, West Africa, Japan, China, wherever – they could all be amazing destinations for a family reunion. The trip is worth it.

Cruise 

Maybe the best family reunion destination isn’t a fixed geographical point but a point that moves around – a cruise ship.

The positives of a cruise ship align with what people generally want from a family reunion. It offers a special time with family but not 24/7 time with family, opportunities for family members to do their own things, opportunities for excursions and activities, and opportunities to celebrate.

These are all reasons why cruises are popular family reunion “destinations” – and once again, the cruise doesn’t have to go to Polynesia or the polar ice cap. Three days around the Caribbean will do quite nicely.

Travel protection and family reunions

Whatever your family reunion destination, it’s bound to be a special trip that deserves protection. And we specialize in offering travel protection designed for trips like family reunions.

Travel insurance with assistance services from Generali Global Assistance can cover up to 10 family members on each plan, from great-grandparents all the way to second cousins once removed. Everyone on the same plan needs to live in the same state, but you can buy more than one plan to make sure everyone is covered. For more guidance, read our article about tips for the best ways to get travel protection for your full group.

Family reunions are special, so choose a destination carefully and then help protect your trip with Generali Global Assistance. Start by getting a quote.

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