Maybe you'll be attending a class reunion in the not-too-distant future where you'll get to catch up with old friends. Or perhaps one of your relatives is planning a big family reunion. In either case, the overall price tag for attending a reunion can be surprisingly high. The following tips can help you save money on the reunion itself, travel and lodging.
By Times Staff Writer
Published August 3, 2003
1. Does the class reunion company offer flexibility? These days, many class reunions are coordinated by reunion companies. Sometimes the companies charge a flat fee of $200 or more for reunion admission. In other cases, you can select the reunion events you want to attend and pay only for those.
2. Family reunions are different. Your family reunion likely will be coordinated by a hardworking relative, not an outside company. The cost will vary depending on the location of the event: A relative's backyard? A city park? A rented space in a restaurant or hotel? An amusement or theme park? (Note: If you choose the theme park option, ask about group discounts.)
3. Remember the coordinator. With family reunions, each relative should contribute toward the costs of mailings, rentals, food and other reunion expenses, as well as a gift for the family member who organized the event.
4. Be cost-conscious as you make your way back home. If you must fly, be flexible with your travel plans. The best deals may be limited to travel on certain days (such as Tuesday through Thursday), or particular hours of the day (such as late-night departures).
5. Know when to look. The best time to start hunting for airfare deals on the Internet is about 1 a.m. Wednesdays, because many airlines begin posting their latest bargains at midnight Tuesdays.
6. Consult with travel agents. They may be able to help you find good deals on flights and save precious time by steering you away from long and inefficient travel routes.
7. Check out the Sunday paper. Examine those small airfare ads that run inside the travel section. It can be a great way to find bargains on domestic flights.
8. Can you carpool? If you don't have too terribly far to go, consider coordinating your travel plans with a former classmate or another family member. Maybe you can drive together and split the costs of gasoline.
9. Hunt for bargain accommodations. Your class reunion may be happening at a hotel, but you don't have to stay there if the rates are too steep. Shop for bargains at www.hotels.comwww.hotwire.com or www.priceline.com or consider sharing a hotel room with an old school friend.
10. If feasible, stay with relatives. Another money-saving option is to bunk with family for the duration of your class or family reunion. Take care to be a thoughtful house guest.
