Trends in Family Reunion Trips Create New Opportunities for Agents

With far-flung relatives and demanding careers that leave little time off, Americans’ family reunion trips are skewing toward smaller groups. The development offers travel agents further opportunities for group travel, says an agent who sells the market.

While large groups have been traditional for family reunion travel, this is changing, said Lois Moran, a Naples, Fla.-based agent with Hurley Travel Experts.

Regardless of their size, family reunion trips are often tied to milestone events, Moran said.

Savvy agents should be aware of the opportunities these events present. “Anything in life is a celebration and a reason for families to get together,” she said.

Plant the seed
Moran said it’s time to suggest a family reunion if clients with far-flung families mention an upcoming birthday, anniversary or graduation.

Suppliers are tapping into the growing market with children’s programs that make travel easier and more appealing to extended families.

Regardless of which family member organizes the event, there has to be a point person to contact the group members, decide on dates and determine a destination and/or type of travel, Moran said.

“The biggest challenge comes with trying to know the interests of a number of people and to take a variety of interests and make a commonality,” said Moran.

“You have to find out what their goal is. Do they want to be sedentary? Do they want to be adventurous? What are their ages? You have to meld all of the interests into one goal.”

Determine budget, goals
Moran’s reunion groups range from six to 20 while the experiences and destinations they seek vary widely.

The best choice for a family reunion depends on the groups’ budget, preferred style of travel and their goals for the gathering.

“Do they want to go to the Galapagos or Africa or do they just want an all-inclusive resort? Do they want a cruise where people can experience snorkeling or diving?” Moran asked.

“People are really looking for experiential travel these days, so that focus is very, very popular for family reunions,” she added.

Exotic destinations
Moran’s agency sells a lot of nature-based trips including those from Micato Safaris in ten African nations or Natural Habitat Adventures, which creates custom programs for families in destinations like Yellowstone National Park, Machu Picchu and Tanzania.

The most unusual family reunion she has put together was the Family to Family Safari operated by Micato Safaris in Kenya and Tanzania. The trip included wildlife viewing, making traditional handicrafts as well as an opportunity for the children to join with local kids for meals and fun activities.

Moran said cruises of all types are suitable for family reunions but she suggests Silversea Cruises for older, sophisticated clients. Seabourn Cruise Line and Crystal Cruises are good choices for all-adult groups.

Another recommendation: The Antarctic with Lindblad Expeditions, which is not only an unforgettable experience but offers an onboard video chronicler who will create a custom video of the family reunion.