The best examples of family reunion location selection checklists

Quick-start examples of family reunion location selection checklists

Let’s start with what you probably came for: practical examples of family reunion location selection checklists you can actually use.

Think of these as starting templates. You can copy them into a shared doc, email, or group chat and have relatives vote or comment.

Example of a basic family reunion location checklist (good for most families)

This is a simple example of a family reunion location selection checklist that works for most situations:

• Travel distance and cost

  • Is the location within a one-day drive or affordable flight for most relatives?
  • Are there multiple airline options, or is it a very expensive airport?
  • Are gas, tolls, and parking reasonable?

• Lodging options

  • Are there enough hotel rooms, vacation rentals, or cabins within 10–15 minutes of each other?
  • Can people choose different price ranges (budget, mid-range, nicer)?
  • Are group discounts or room blocks available?

• Accessibility and mobility

  • Are there step-free entrances, elevators, or ground-floor rooms for older adults and anyone with mobility challenges?
  • Are bathrooms and common areas easy to access?
  • Is there nearby medical care if needed? You can check local hospitals and urgent care centers via resources like MedlinePlus.

• Weather and season

  • Is the typical weather comfortable for your dates (heat, humidity, storms)?
  • Are you visiting during hurricane, wildfire, or heavy snow season?
  • Are there indoor backup options in case of rain or extreme heat?

• Activities for all ages

  • Are there parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly activities?
  • Are there quieter options for older adults (scenic drives, museums, easy walking paths)?
  • Are there affordable or free activities so no one feels pressured to overspend?

This basic template is one of the best examples of a family reunion location selection checklist for a typical mix of ages and budgets.

Examples of family reunion location selection checklists by family type

Different families have different priorities. Here are more detailed examples of family reunion location selection checklists tailored to specific situations.

Checklist example for a budget-conscious family

If money is tight for many relatives, your location checklist needs to focus hard on cost.

• Travel affordability

  • Can most relatives drive instead of fly?
  • Are there low-cost airlines, bus routes, or train options nearby?
  • Is carpooling realistic for some branches of the family?

• Lodging price range

  • Are there motels, budget hotels, or campgrounds under your target nightly rate (for example, under $125 per night)?
  • Are vacation rentals cheaper when split among multiple families?
  • Are there extra fees (resort fees, parking, cleaning fees) that could surprise people?

• Food costs

  • Are there grocery stores nearby for cooking instead of eating out every meal?
  • Does the location allow you to bring your own food for the main reunion meal?
  • Are there affordable restaurants and fast-casual options within a short drive?

• Free or low-cost activities

  • Are there public beaches, parks, hiking trails, or free festivals?
  • Are museum or attraction tickets reasonably priced, with family or group discounts?
  • Are there simple on-site activities (yard games, board games, campfires) that don’t cost extra?

This example of a family reunion location selection checklist is especially helpful when you want to avoid awkward money conversations. You’re not asking, “Can you afford this?”—you’re asking, “Does this location offer enough low-cost choices?”

Checklist example for a multigenerational family (kids + elders)

Multigenerational reunions need locations that are safe, comfortable, and flexible.

• Health and safety

  • Is there a hospital or urgent care within 20–30 minutes? You can locate facilities through tools like HealthCare.gov.
  • Does the area have extreme heat or poor air quality during your dates? The CDC offers guidance on heat and climate-related health issues.
  • Are there shaded areas, air-conditioned spaces, and places to sit and rest?

• Accessibility

  • Are main gathering spaces on one level, or is there an elevator?
  • Are paths paved or at least smooth enough for strollers and walkers?
  • Are there accessible restrooms near your main gathering area?

• Quiet vs. noise

  • Are sleeping spaces away from loud bars, highways, or nightlife?
  • Is there a separate quiet area where babies can nap and older adults can rest?
  • Can you control noise after dark (especially in rentals with neighbors close by)?

• Mixed-age activities

  • Is there a nearby playground or splash pad for kids, plus easy walking paths or scenic drives for elders?
  • Are there indoor options (bowling, museums, aquariums) in case of bad weather or heat?
  • Can everyone participate in at least one group activity without too much walking or standing?

This is one of the best examples of family reunion location selection checklists for families with both toddlers and grandparents in the mix.

Checklist example for a “destination” reunion (beach, city, or resort)

If you’re planning a more travel-heavy reunion, your checklist should balance fun with practicality.

• Flight and airport logistics

  • Are there direct flights from major cities where relatives live?
  • Is the airport close enough (under an hour) to your lodging?
  • Are rental cars, shuttles, or ride-shares easy to get?

• Weather and seasonality

  • Are you visiting in peak season (higher prices, more crowds) or shoulder season (better deals, fewer people)?
  • Are there seasonal risks like hurricanes, wildfires, or snowstorms?
  • Is the average temperature comfortable for kids and elders (for example, not 100°F on the beach all day)?

• Group-friendly spaces

  • Does the resort or hotel allow group gatherings in common areas?
  • Are there meeting rooms, picnic spaces, or pavilions you can reserve?
  • Are there noise rules or quiet hours that affect evening gatherings?

• Activity variety

  • Are there enough options beyond the main attraction (for example, not just the beach, but also nearby towns, markets, and cultural sites)?
  • Are there safe swimming areas with lifeguards for kids?
  • Are excursions (boat tours, city tours, etc.) priced reasonably for most of the group?

This example of a family reunion location selection checklist keeps you from choosing a destination that looks great on Instagram but doesn’t actually work for your real-life relatives.

Real examples of criteria families actually use in 2024–2025

Let’s talk about what real families are prioritizing right now when they build their own examples of family reunion location selection checklists.

Health, safety, and medical access

Since the pandemic, families are much more aware of health and emergency planning.

Common checklist items now include:

• Distance to the nearest hospital or urgent care
• Availability of pharmacies for prescriptions and over-the-counter medications
• Indoor spaces with good ventilation and enough room to spread out
• Reasonable access to masks, hand sanitizer, and basic health supplies

For general health guidance, families often refer to sources like the CDC or Mayo Clinic when considering older relatives, pregnant relatives, or anyone with chronic conditions.

Digital connectivity and remote work

In 2024–2025, many people can’t fully disconnect from work or school, even during a reunion.

Modern checklists often ask:

• Is there reliable high-speed internet at the hotel or rental?
• Are there quiet spots where someone can take a video call if needed?
• Is cell service decent for most carriers?

This might sound small, but it can be the difference between “I can come for four days” and “I can only come for the weekend.” Adding this to your example of a family reunion location selection checklist can dramatically increase attendance.

Cultural, religious, and dietary needs

More families are intentionally including cultural and religious considerations in their location selection.

Checklist items might include:

• Are there nearby places of worship for relatives who want to attend services?
• Are there grocery stores and restaurants that support specific dietary needs (kosher, halal, vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.)?
• Are there local cultural sites, museums, or neighborhoods that reflect your family’s heritage, making the reunion feel more meaningful?

This is where the best examples of family reunion location selection checklists go beyond logistics and start to support the emotional and cultural side of gathering.

How to build your own checklist from these examples

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Use these examples of family reunion location selection checklists as building blocks.

Here’s a simple way to create your custom version:

• Start with the basic checklist above.
• Add the budget section if money is a concern for many relatives.
• Add the multigenerational section if you have babies, kids, and elders attending.
• Add the destination section if you’re considering flights or resorts.
• Layer in health, connectivity, and cultural questions that match your family.

Then, for each potential location, walk through the same list and rate each item (for example: good / okay / poor). When you compare locations side by side, the best choice usually becomes obvious.

You’ll also notice that using these real examples of family reunion location selection checklists keeps the conversation less emotional. Instead of “I hate that city,” you’re talking about, “This place fails three of our top priorities.” That’s a much calmer discussion.

FAQ: examples of family reunion location selection checklists and how to use them

What are some quick examples of family reunion location selection checklists I can copy?

You can start with three short sections:

• Travel & cost: How far is it, how expensive is it to get there, and are there multiple ways to travel?
• Lodging & accessibility: Enough rooms or rentals, different price points, and easy access for anyone with mobility issues.
• Activities & weather: Things to do for all ages and realistic weather for your dates, with indoor backup options.

Those three alone give you a simple example of a family reunion location selection checklist that works for most groups.

How many criteria should I include in my checklist?

Aim for enough detail to compare locations fairly, but not so much that no place can ever pass. Many of the best examples of family reunion location selection checklists use 10–20 core questions, grouped into travel, lodging, accessibility, activities, and budget. If a question doesn’t change your decision, drop it.

How do I get the whole family to agree on a location using these checklists?

Share the checklist first, then share the locations. Ask everyone to rate each location against the same checklist instead of just voting on favorites. This way, people see why a certain spot works better for the whole group. Using shared, written examples of family reunion location selection checklists takes the pressure off the organizer and makes the process feel fair.

Should health and medical access always be part of the checklist?

If you have older relatives, babies, pregnant relatives, or anyone with chronic health conditions, yes, it’s smart to include it. Even younger families benefit from knowing where the nearest urgent care or hospital is. Trusted resources like the CDC and Mayo Clinic offer guidance on travel and health considerations you can factor into your checklist.

Can I reuse the same checklist every year?

You can, but it’s better to treat these as living documents. Review your checklist after each reunion: What worked? What did people complain about? Update your checklist based on real feedback. Over time, your own version becomes one of the best examples of family reunion location selection checklists because it’s shaped by your actual family, not just theory.

Use these examples as your starting point, then customize them to fit your family’s quirks, traditions, and non-negotiables. The more honest your checklist is about what your people really need, the smoother every reunion location decision will be.