The first day of spring was just weeks ago, but it’s never too early to start planning summer activities. When making a list of ideas full of adventure at every turn, don’t forget that summer is also the time to reconnect with family. With kids out of school on summer break and pleasant enough weather to get those snowbird grandparents outdoors, summer is the best season for a family reunion! Make this year’s reunion something to remember with these tips!
Getting together
The hardest part of planning any event is actually getting people in the same room. Summer eliminates some of the planning hazards that could lead to cancellations (like blizzard flight delays and rainouts), but other issues can still arise. For bigger events, communication overflow can become a real problem. Prevent this issue by taking trip planning out of the family group chat and use apps like Troupe or TripIt which keep your trip organization and communication all in one place.
Another obstacle to keep in mind is the extra attention some family members need when making the journey. For young kids, travel toys and activities are welcomed for any long-distance trip and will likely help avoid the dreaded “are we there yet?!” Our family elders may also have special conditions that require an extra set of hands when traveling, so make sure to touch base with them before deciding on a location that could be out of their reach.
Pack what you need
When it comes to any kind of trip preparation, nothing is more infamous for causing problems than packing. Figuring out what you want to bring is the easy part; making sure it all fits in your bags is where you may have trouble. Pre-packing is when some personal judgment comes in handy. Ask yourself important questions like: How much extra space do I need for souvenirs and gifts on the trip home? Can I ship my gifts ahead of time to save some space? And — of course — did I pack my swimsuit?
Here are a few more tips to keep in mind if you’re still having trouble deciding what to bring:
- Make a list: Writing a list before packing is a great way to track which necessities have made it into the bag. If you like to be extra organized, you can rank your list by importance to make sure the needs go with you and the wants stay home.
- Bring smaller bags: It might seem counter intuitive but using a smaller bag can force you to downsize. There are different sized bags for a reason and many of us will only be traveling for the weekend. A backpack full of clothes, your phone charger and a toothbrush might be all you need for a night or two with family.
- Keep toiletries separate and easy to access: This tip is especially important for those flying to their destination, but it still applies to long drives or a quick trip. Keeping your toiletries in one bag can make airport inspections much quicker. Even when traveling by land, it can be handy in an emergency to have your sensitive items in an easy-to-access place.
- Keep your bag smelling fresh: What else would you expect from Scentsy? We know that one of the worst experiences on a trip is the smell of a well-used travel bag. Scent Paks are the perfect way to replace that odor with great fragrance! For other great scents on the go, try Scentsy Car Bars, Scent Circles and Travel Twists.
Reunion fun
Now that you’ve made it to your destination, let’s make the most of your time with family. After the many hugs and cheers for everyone who walks through the door, it’s time to get down to the good stuff. First, what’s the food situation? Did you plan for a potluck? Will each family bring their own meals? Are you having the event catered? Food can often be a sticking point at large events, so make sure to double check everyone’s allergies and food restrictions when planning a group meal.
After food comes fun! Incorporate family traditions, group activities and competition. Don’t have any family traditions? There’s no better time to make some! Ask family members about their favorite memories and build a list of things you could turn into traditions. Or consider trying something new to spice up the yearly reunion. Separate everyone into two teams for a trivia night featuring questions about the family. Organize a kickball tournament, water balloon battle, talent show or even a scavenger hunt if you want to get the whole family involved in some friendly competition!
Most importantly, take lots of pictures! You’ll always cherish photos of the little ones covered in ice cream or grandpa napping on the sofa. Celebrating memories and making new ones is exactly what a family reunion is about. We all know that scent and memory are connected, so make those memories last for years to come by linking them to your favorite Scentsy fragrance.
What are some of your favorite family traditions? How will you celebrate your family reunion this year? Let us know in the comments!
