Avoid these 6 common family reunion disasters

​You may also want to hire a travel agent or event planner to coordinate the reunion and manage the unpleasant task of collecting payment.​ ​4. BAD WEATHER Boles learned firsthand about the

importance of having a rain plan at her 2021 reunion. The family had booked a resort in Mexico with lots of kids club activities, but when it rained that whole week, there wasn’t much to

keep adults busy.​ ​“In hindsight, we should have found somewhere with more for adults to do indoors in case of inclement weather,” she says. “Luckily there was a big lobby where we could

hang out together and play games that we brought and just relax.”​ ​If the reunion is supposed to take place outdoors, ask the venue about alternate arrangements in case of foul weather, and

remember to bring a range of activities for relatives of all ages in case outdoor games get rained out.​ ​5. FAMILY DISAGREEMENTS While the hotel discount snafu caused some tension at the

Snider family reunion, Snider says, “Everyone got over it pretty quickly and had a great time.”​ ​Other families are less forgiving. If a disagreement—or an outright fight—breaks out over

anything from current events to old family dramas, Marino suggests slowing down and showing respect.​ ​“You can say something like, ‘I can see that this conversation has become unproductive,

so I am going to step away,’” she says. “If it’s a conversation that needs to be continued, tell them, ‘I do think we should talk about this again when we’re both calmer.’”​ ​Most

important, Marino adds, is to be true to yourself and stay mindful of when you or the other person can no longer manage the emotions that are coming up. The ultimate goal is ensuring that,

even when emotions are running high, family squabbles won’t ruin the reunion.​ ​6. LOST HOTEL RESERVATIONS No one wants to show up to a family reunion only to discover that the hotel has no

record of their reservation. Staying with relatives who live nearby might be a backup plan, but Boles has a better idea: Call and confirm your reservation prior to departure.​ ​“At the very

least, make sure you have all confirmation emails saved to show the staff,” she says. “Having travel insurance can help in this situation to reimburse any costs for lost reservations when

you can prove that you have a reservation.”​ ​Once you check in, you can unpack, relax and look forward to enjoying the reunion!​