<p>Nine close friends, including DH and me, are turning 50 next year and we’re planning a big meet up sometime in the spring. 7 of us live on the west coast and 2 on the east. Las Vegas is out, we’re considering Costa Rica, Hawaii, Cabo, even Europe. Most of us have up to 10 days. We’d love ideas!</p>
<p>I would suggest wherever you go you minimize the moving around. Everything gets complicated when you have a lot of people. When we have traveled with a large group it is nice to have a large house or several houses or condos versus hotel rooms. With hotel rooms there is no natural place to just hang out. While cooking on vacation isn’t always ideal it is nice to not always have to round up 9 for each meal.
One year we rented a large house with guest house on Maui. It was on the water and it was great since we could cook or go out. Also it had some places that were walkable so we weren’t always getting everyone in the car. Also did an African safari. Colorado or Utah if it is still earlier enough to get in some spring skiing. Bahamas. A couple of catamarans in the British Virgin Islands.</p>
<p>I like cruises for group vacations because there are lots of opportunities to “do your own thing” but still meet up for meals and other events. As was pointed out, the herding to meals issue is off the table then, too.</p>
<p>A friend of mine went with a large group and they rented a villa in Italy and loved it. It came with a chef and housekeeper. Like mom60 said, moving with a large crowd can get difficult. When you have a big house with a chef, you can go out if you want, but you don’t have to for every meal. It made for a more relaxing trip.</p>
<p>I agree with you about not moving with a large crowd. 5 of us in that group just returned from a cruise w/our kids. It was nice to be together (4 families) and at the same time have freedom to do whatever we pleased. I’m going to suggest an adult cruise (we did Disney) and Caribbean sounds fun. But I believe some of the men will want to golf so we will have to consider that.</p>
<p>Keep the ideas coming please!</p>
<p>Hawaii five-o!!!</p>
<p>We just returned from a cruise in the western Caribbean celebrating my in-laws 50th wedding anniversary. There were 14 of us. It worked out wonderfully. We all met for dinner every night (they were able to accommodate us at one large table!). A couple days were ‘at sea’ so we did fun, relaxing things on the ship those days in smaller groups (whoever wanted to join was welcome to). On the islands there were plenty of options, including golf, shopping, dining, water sports, etc. I would highly recommend it.</p>
<p>GOLF? Rent a large house in Hawaii.
very close to two courses:</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.tripadvisor.com/VacationRentalReview-g29220-d1420244-Wailea_Beachfront_Estate-Maui_Hawaii.html[/url]”>www.tripadvisor.com/VacationRentalReview-g29220-d1420244-Wailea_Beachfront_Estate-Maui_Hawaii.html</a></p>
<p>My parents rented a house for three families in Normandy and there was local woman who would bring in dinner, which we did most days. It was lots of fun. People who wanted to sightsee did, but you could just hang around the farm too. The place sleeps 12.</p>
<p>The Caribbean would also be fun - it doesn’t have to be a cruise there are lots of places on St. John that would be fun.</p>
<p>St. John is my favorite place, but I think the eating options would get complicated with a large group. Many of the restaurants are smaller and just moving around the small island can be difficult with a bunch of people to herd. If it is a group that can forego luxury, Maho Bay would be a blast, but it isn’t for everyone! (eco-resort community on St. John)</p>
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It seems like a lot of expense and trouble to head to Europe for a meet-up like this just to end up hanging around a house whether it happens to be in France or not. If I went through that much expense and trouble I’d want to go looking around and not be hanging around with a bunch of people at a house or in one location or area. One could do that anywhere - someplace closer and less expensive.</p>
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<p>I’d recommend getting a house as a home base. We rented a villa near Florence. Day trips included Florence, Sienna, Pisa, and San Giamiano. (And there seemed to be golf…) But if everyone really wanted golf, Hawaii or Hilton Head or Ireland or Scotland might be a better idea.</p>
<p>Cruise, hands down. The very best vacation for a large group. Plenty of destinations to choose from, many even have world class golf courses. </p>
<p>Never have to worry about food options, entertainment options, or anything else. No need to even have a “designated driver” if that’s a consideration!</p>
<p>Sail out of San Diego, Texas, Florida, New Orleans…endless opportunities. </p>
<p>A party ship, a mellow ship and everything in between ships to choose from. </p>
<p>The toughest part will be choosing what cruise line, and the ports to visit. (Tough!!)</p>
<p>:)</p>
<p>Well my parents did more hanging around - we went sightseeing everyday, but it was a pretty area, just shopping at the local farmer’s market felt exotic. Lots to see in an easy drive - Normandy beaches, Mont St. Michel, one of the beaches where Monet painted, a monestary with gorgeous Gregorian chanting…</p>
<p>I’m going to Canyon Ranch for my 50th. Or, if that’s not in the budget, I’m having a keg party. </p>
<p>I’ve never been to Canyon Ranch, so I don’t know how it would work for a group celebration. They do sell packages for parties of 8+. If you’re into rest, relaxation, fitness, and nutrition, it sure looks nice.</p>
<p>I would also vote for a cruise,Royal Carribean newest ships are great…many have shore excursions for golfing when in a port…dining together is easy on board, and enough activities that allow for opportunities to do as YOU please for awhile</p>
<p>I’m not a huge fan of timeshares in general, but do you or any of your friends own a timeshare? There are often special deals you can get through RCI. We got a week on Grand Cayman, ocean front, in a 2 br 2bath condo for about a thousand bucks a couple years ago, and there was no sales pitch involved. Hawaii is wonderful, and Maui especially has something for everyone. An all inclusive is another good idea. Same concept as a cruise, but people could golf also.</p>
<p>We have loved the Playa Del Carmen area in Mexico. We did just this was some friends in December at a all inclusive Secrets resort for adults only. Why did we wait until 50 to try all-inclusive and adults only? It was fabulous. So much fun. Great food - and lots of drink. Going to Playa is fun. A day trip to Tulum or Chitzen Itza is fabulous. Can also deep sea fish, snorkel, etc. It’s very, very reasonable. And safety was just not a concern. If you want more recommendations or specifics - feel free to PM me. I would highly recommend our resort and the tour company we used.</p>
<p>We did an Alaskan cruise last summer for my in-law’s 60th anniversary. There were 25 of us and it was amazing. We’ve also done the rent a house for several couples which is lots of fun, too. Definitely a different feeling. Canyon Ranch? Not a big fan. Been there a few times and it just never grew on me. It’s 98% women so I’d discount that even if you were all into health and exercise.</p>
<p>For a group of nine cruises are the best option. Lots to do, plenty of together time and down time too. You get to see new things and entertainment is planned.
If you’re really close friends with a good track record then renting a house or taking over a bed and breakfast somewhere would be fun. Need some entertainment though that doesn’t take 4 cars and a lot of driving–that turns it into a deal breaker.
Always heard Costa Rica is wonderful (I haven’t been).<br>
Everyone has to buy into the budget to do any of this–you don’t want resentment to be the end result of a celebration. If some of your group hasn’t traveled much the dollars spent going somewhere that’s not at the top of their list can lead to resentment.</p>