Family reunions are becoming an important way for Americans to stay connected, as many families have been separated over long distances. According to the United States Travel Association 72 million people traveled to a family reunion over the past three year. Family members may stay home if they are worried about the cost of transportation and hotel rates, which could lead to tighter budgets.

Even if you have a limited budget, extended families don’t need to borrow to enjoy each other. Ancestry.com has some great tips.

Set up a family reunion budget. Ask family members to discuss what they can afford for travel, lodging, food, and other expenses.

– Choose the length and place of the reunion. A weekend barbecue and a trip to the lake are better options than spending a week in an oceanfront hotel. It might be worth hosting the reunion in a family member’s home, where others can stay with the host. Consider the number of people expected to attend, their ages, and any special needs.

– Plan your itinerary. Plan your activities using your budget. Consider activities that your family can do together such as hiking, swimming and games. You don’t have to plan everything. Family members should be able to catch up and talk without being rushed.

– Create assignments. One person should handle accommodation, one for activities, and one for planning meals or other details. Split up the tasks during the reunion in the following manner.

– Share your family’s history. Family history is shared to create memories. A slide show of family photos can be displayed. Interview relatives about their lives, complete a family tree, and take many pictures.

Document the photos and stories once the reunion is over. Ancestry.com and other Web sites can be used to create family keepsakes that will last a lifetime. Ancestry.com allows users to create a family tree online, upload photos and record audio. Users can create digital scrapbooks using MyCanvas and order bound copies.

Ancestry.com has more information on how to plan reunions or create your family tree.