Vacation Planning for Multiple Families

mjs · 07-07-2008, 02:49 PM

I have had my share of success and problems being in charge of vacations involoving multiple families. In the past some have included rentals of beach houses, houseboats, multiple condos at resorts etc. I hope to gather some info about planning strategies etc.
Some sample Issues:
Most of us in DCs reserve at 12 months or longer. Trying to get friends etc to committ this far out is difficult(most plan 1-2 months ahead). How do you manange this?
I do like the idea mentioned on another post, telling friends the time, date, and place, and inviting them hoping they will come(will I have room if they all come?)

I saw some family reunions have websites that those attending can see some activities that are planned and can put their names on so other people can see who is interested in snowmobiling etc. Has anybody done this?

Mark

3DH · 07-07-2008, 03:07 PM

We typically book 3-6 months out for our "friends" trips, and I can agree that even 6 months out, people don't want to commit! We, like Neil (if memory serves me), tell them dates and such, and I also send them our airline reservation information. If they get their ducks in a row, they are certainly welcome to go along!

Sweet revenge is when they don't book tickets until 1 month out and pay twice what we do!

And, if they aren't on the same flights... they have the home address and get their own transportation, while those of us that are actually "together" ride in comfort via the chauffeured transportation LUSSO provides!

We don't usually do too many activities, but the same rules apply... if we don't get your commitment in time, you stay at the home and make dinner & serve drinks when we get back!

Anyone want to travel with us on our next trip?

NeilGoBlue · 07-07-2008, 06:56 PM

It was me that suggested that...I usually invite one side of the family or the other..I don't over invite..so I always have room.. If no one shows up.. that's fine also..

A lot of our people have begrudgingly come, only to be blown away by the house and the service.. and of course, it's free for them... Then they fight over the next vacation.. (why didn't I get invited to cabo? Instead I got Hilton head...)

You never can win... I learned that early..

3DH · 07-07-2008, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeilGoBlue

A lot of our people have begrudgingly come, only to be blown away by the house and the service.. and of course, it's free for them... Then they fight over the next vacation.. (why didn't I get invited to cabo? Instead I got Hilton head...)

You never can win... I learned that early..

Oh how true... it is funny how our friends that have traveled with us in the past continually ask (hint!) when we are going on our next trip -- sometimes not to subtly!

If they would only get their own memberships, they could travel when and where they wanted!

LTTravel · 07-07-2008, 09:55 PM

I have wasted my breath inviting friends to come with us, so I now believe we have no friends. Whenever I mention this to acquaintances they volunteer to come along. But I don't know them well enough to want them to come with us.
So, we have basically given up. We have friends that have gone to the Royal Mayan in Cancun for 25 years in a row(and we actually went with them for four years just so we could be together) and we can't talk them into coming with us to a 5 bedroom villa in Cabo or Real del Mar, or Grand Cayman or Little Dix Bay for free. We give up.

3DH · 07-07-2008, 10:05 PM

We'll go, LT!

LTTravel · 07-07-2008, 10:10 PM

We'll make sure we let you know next time we go. We are leaving on a OIL next week (sorry, we have no room this time) but we'll make sure we save some space for you guys. (I was waiting for you at OBX but you didn't show)

3DH · 07-07-2008, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LTTravel

(I was waiting for you at OBX but you didn't show)

Missed that memo!

pwrshift · 07-08-2008, 06:06 PM

You guys pretty much echo of my suggestion that you can't always rely on family and friends to fill a 5 bedroom DC in the future. Once you become an empty nester, your vacation needs will change. In addition, I don't feel the DC companies are addressing the inevitable truth that 'bigger isn't better'. One day, you will all be empty nesters if you aren't already.

It was different when the kids were little - mom and dad made the vacation decisions - but that all changes when they leave the nest and get on with their own lives (not ours). Sometimes it's hard to let go...

With timeshares, you at least have alternatives such as renting, gifting, trading in for points, exchanging, etc. But whether it's a timeshare or a destination club, inviting friends and family quite often ends up with a bunch of last minute changes or excuses, and usually when it's too late to find someone else. Like LTTravel, I have (almost) given up inviting them as it's a lot less stressful.

Ebay became my best friend and I rented half of my Marriott Manor Club Sequel suite in just 7 days ... and, as you can see from this email I just got today from the renter, it was really appreciated even though they paid for it! How many of us get letters like this from those we invite to come free? You might find it interesting that I have found, over 10 or more years of casual renting, almost every renter sent me a comparable note, and it does make your day.

Hi Brian,
My name is Chris xxxxx and I won an e-bay auction off you for Williamsburg, VA. over the 4th of July. I just wanted to let you know that my wife and myself have had probably the best time on vacation that we ever had. I would like to keep in contact with you either by phone or e-mail and try to rent this off you at least one week a year if possible. I could easily spend one week here every year with how much there is to do. Your place here is very nice with all of the added benefits of the free golf you arranged, tennis, spa, pools, on-site gourmet restaurant and so on. I just wanted to send you this e-mail to let you know how much we have enjoyed ourselves this stay and thank you, because if you never would have listed this (on ebay), we never would have thought of coming. So, thanks again for the wonderful experience.
Chris xxxxx

Here's what the timeshare looked like:
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/g...g?t=1215548731

3DH · 07-08-2008, 06:13 PM

I agree, pwrshift that the letter is a great thing... although I can tell you we have gotten many thanks (and several in the form of letters) from friends and family we take along on vacation.

On the other hand, there is nothing saying my husband and I cannot enjoy ourselves (by ourselves) in a large home on vacation... and we do on occasion! We have never felt like we were "wasting" space by it just being the two of us. I think somehow, you have that in your mind. We are not talking about filling the space, but rather enjoying it.

I am thrilled that you enjoy using 1/2 of your TS unit, but I would feel cramped in such... as I am certainly not used to that at home, and is further evidence of why we joined a DC and don't utilize standard hotel rooms, either.

NeilGoBlue · 07-08-2008, 08:26 PM

It probably swings in cycles.. kids are young and teenagers.. lots of people traveling with you.. kids move into late teens and twenties.. you are officially an empty nester.... when grand kids come... you start traveling as a family again..

Tedpilot · 07-08-2008, 10:09 PM

Every time we have invited family they have come without issues and many of them absolutely love the opportunity. In our case, since we don't live near our families it is also an opportunity to spend more time together which makes it all the better. As for friends, we're taking along our first this winter to BC for some skiing.

Whether family or friends we've made it very clear when and where. We offer the invitation and then give them a date when they need to commit or not. Usually, within a few weeks of when we give the invitation we get an answer and to date we've not had anyone accept who didn't show.

As for activitiess...usually no commitments. Things change, other interests arise, etc... Usually we have a general plan...hiking, ATVs, shopping, etc...

We usually devise a meal plan. Each group brings their own breakfast and snack items. Each group is responsible for cooking 1 or 2 dinners for the whole group and the remainder are spent dining out. It works very well.

Though I enjoy many activities with my wife I often find great opportunities having other guys in the group. Guys/gals split up and head different ways...

Bopttom line: I'm on vacation, guests are on vacation and if we're not all enjoying ourselves it is all for not. That being said, I make no expectations for participation in activities, games, dining out together, etc...

07-07-2008, 02:49 PM	#1
mjs Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 47	Vacation Planning for Multiple Families I have had my share of success and problems being in charge of vacations involoving multiple families. In the past some have included rentals of beach houses, houseboats, multiple condos at resorts etc. I hope to gather some info about planning strategies etc. Some sample Issues: Most of us in DCs reserve at 12 months or longer. Trying to get friends etc to committ this far out is difficult(most plan 1-2 months ahead). How do you manange this? I do like the idea mentioned on another post, telling friends the time, date, and place, and inviting them hoping they will come(will I have room if they all come?) I saw some family reunions have websites that those attending can see some activities that are planned and can put their names on so other people can see who is interested in snowmobiling etc. Has anybody done this? Mark

07-07-2008, 03:07 PM	#2
3DH Super Moderator Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 742 Club: LUSSO Collection	Re: Vacation Planning for Multiple Families We typically book 3-6 months out for our "friends" trips, and I can agree that even 6 months out, people don't want to commit! We, like Neil (if memory serves me), tell them dates and such, and I also send them our airline reservation information. If they get their ducks in a row, they are certainly welcome to go along! Sweet revenge is when they don't book tickets until 1 month out and pay twice what we do! And, if they aren't on the same flights... they have the home address and get their own transportation, while those of us that are actually "together" ride in comfort via the chauffeured transportation LUSSO provides! We don't usually do too many activities, but the same rules apply... if we don't get your commitment in time, you stay at the home and make dinner & serve drinks when we get back! Anyone want to travel with us on our next trip? __________________ "Boutique" is better! Another extremely satisfied LUSSO member!

07-07-2008, 06:56 PM	#3
NeilGoBlue Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Ellicott City, MD Posts: 233 Club: Abercrombie & Kent Residence Club	Re: Vacation Planning for Multiple Families It was me that suggested that...I usually invite one side of the family or the other..I don't over invite..so I always have room.. If no one shows up.. that's fine also.. A lot of our people have begrudgingly come, only to be blown away by the house and the service.. and of course, it's free for them... Then they fight over the next vacation.. (why didn't I get invited to cabo? Instead I got Hilton head...) You never can win... I learned that early..

07-07-2008, 09:55 PM	#5
LTTravel Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 1,020 Club: ER, HCC Corporate, DHH Lite, Bud Lite (A few too many)	Re: Vacation Planning for Multiple Families I have wasted my breath inviting friends to come with us, so I now believe we have no friends. Whenever I mention this to acquaintances they volunteer to come along. But I don't know them well enough to want them to come with us. So, we have basically given up. We have friends that have gone to the Royal Mayan in Cancun for 25 years in a row(and we actually went with them for four years just so we could be together) and we can't talk them into coming with us to a 5 bedroom villa in Cabo or Real del Mar, or Grand Cayman or Little Dix Bay for free. We give up.

07-07-2008, 10:05 PM	#6
3DH Super Moderator Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 742 Club: LUSSO Collection	Re: Vacation Planning for Multiple Families We'll go, LT! __________________ "Boutique" is better! Another extremely satisfied LUSSO member!

07-07-2008, 10:10 PM	#7
LTTravel Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 1,020 Club: ER, HCC Corporate, DHH Lite, Bud Lite (A few too many)	Re: Vacation Planning for Multiple Families We'll make sure we let you know next time we go. We are leaving on a OIL next week (sorry, we have no room this time) but we'll make sure we save some space for you guys. (I was waiting for you at OBX but you didn't show)

07-08-2008, 06:06 PM	#9
pwrshift Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 344	Re: Vacation Planning for Multiple Families You guys pretty much echo of my suggestion that you can't always rely on family and friends to fill a 5 bedroom DC in the future. Once you become an empty nester, your vacation needs will change. In addition, I don't feel the DC companies are addressing the inevitable truth that 'bigger isn't better'. One day, you will all be empty nesters if you aren't already. It was different when the kids were little - mom and dad made the vacation decisions - but that all changes when they leave the nest and get on with their own lives (not ours). Sometimes it's hard to let go... With timeshares, you at least have alternatives such as renting, gifting, trading in for points, exchanging, etc. But whether it's a timeshare or a destination club, inviting friends and family quite often ends up with a bunch of last minute changes or excuses, and usually when it's too late to find someone else. Like LTTravel, I have (almost) given up inviting them as it's a lot less stressful. Ebay became my best friend and I rented half of my Marriott Manor Club Sequel suite in just 7 days ... and, as you can see from this email I just got today from the renter, it was really appreciated even though they paid for it! How many of us get letters like this from those we invite to come free? You might find it interesting that I have found, over 10 or more years of casual renting, almost every renter sent me a comparable note, *and it does make your day*. Hi Brian, My name is Chris xxxxx and I won an e-bay auction off you for Williamsburg, VA. over the 4th of July. I just wanted to let you know that my wife and myself have had probably the best time on vacation that we ever had. I would like to keep in contact with you either by phone or e-mail and try to rent this off you at least one week a year if possible. I could easily spend one week here every year with how much there is to do. Your place here is very nice with all of the added benefits of the free golf you arranged, tennis, spa, pools, on-site gourmet restaurant and so on. I just wanted to send you this e-mail to let you know how much we have enjoyed ourselves this stay and thank you, because if you never would have listed this (on ebay), we never would have thought of coming. So, thanks again for the wonderful experience. Chris xxxxx Here's what the timeshare looked like: http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/g...g?t=1215548731

07-08-2008, 06:13 PM	#10
3DH Super Moderator Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 742 Club: LUSSO Collection	Re: Vacation Planning for Multiple Families I agree, pwrshift that the letter is a great thing... although I can tell you we have gotten many thanks (and several in the form of letters) from friends and family we take along on vacation. On the other hand, there is nothing saying my husband and I cannot enjoy ourselves (by ourselves) in a large home on vacation... and we do on occasion! We have never felt like we were "wasting" space by it just being the two of us. I think somehow, you have that in your mind. We are not talking about filling the space, but rather enjoying it. I am thrilled that you enjoy using 1/2 of your TS unit, but I would feel cramped in such... as I am certainly not used to that at home, and is further evidence of why we joined a DC and don't utilize standard hotel rooms, either. __________________ "Boutique" is better! Another extremely satisfied LUSSO member!

07-08-2008, 08:26 PM	#11
NeilGoBlue Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Ellicott City, MD Posts: 233 Club: Abercrombie & Kent Residence Club	Re: Vacation Planning for Multiple Families It probably swings in cycles.. kids are young and teenagers.. lots of people traveling with you.. kids move into late teens and twenties.. you are officially an empty nester.... when grand kids come... you start traveling as a family again..

07-08-2008, 10:09 PM	#12
Tedpilot Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 299 Club: HCC	Re: Vacation Planning for Multiple Families Every time we have invited family they have come without issues and many of them absolutely love the opportunity. In our case, since we don't live near our families it is also an opportunity to spend more time together which makes it all the better. As for friends, we're taking along our first this winter to BC for some skiing. Whether family or friends we've made it very clear when and where. We offer the invitation and then give them a date when they need to commit or not. Usually, within a few weeks of when we give the invitation we get an answer and to date we've not had anyone accept who didn't show. As for activitiess...usually no commitments. Things change, other interests arise, etc... Usually we have a general plan...hiking, ATVs, shopping, etc... We usually devise a meal plan. Each group brings their own breakfast and snack items. Each group is responsible for cooking 1 or 2 dinners for the whole group and the remainder are spent dining out. It works very well. Though I enjoy many activities with my wife I often find great opportunities having other guys in the group. Guys/gals split up and head different ways... Bopttom line: I'm on vacation, guests are on vacation and if we're not all enjoying ourselves it is all for not. That being said, I make no expectations for participation in activities, games, dining out together, etc...

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