Have you ever wondered what it would be like to go on vacation with nearly 20 family members?

I have the answer.

Here are some of the tips and tricks that helped us along the way.

A scrapbook collage of family vacation photos from Costa Rica

Credit:Frames, Stamps: Getty Images; Photos: Alessandra Amodio/Travel + Leisure

For us, that was uncle Frank.

Everyone shared their individual family needs and desires; then, he took that information and ran with it.

This way, there werent more than a dozen people trying to communicate and plan.

A family photo at dinner at the Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica

Alessandra Amodio/Travel + Leisure

Its also important to establish even the most basic ground rules before leaving.

Communication is a must for any successful trip, but especially when dealing with a group of our size.

Alessandra Amodio/Travel + Leisure

Sometimes, the best tricks can often be the smallest.

A large group getting into a bus at the Liberia Airport in Costa Rica

Alessandra Amodio/Travel + Leisure

Ensuring the whole group hadTSA PreCheck, for example, helped us fly through the airport.

When traveling with nearly 20 people, thats an immeasurable commodity.

Asking for help when necessary was also vital to our trip’s success.

A mojito and pools at the Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica

Alessandra Amodio/Travel + Leisure

Tagging in a travel agency and accepting help from the incredible staff atDreams Las Mareaswas paramount.

We knewCosta Ricaand Dreams Las Mareas would be the perfect backdrop for a trip this special.

One must for our trip was anall-inclusive resort.

A family in front of the Pacaya Waterfall and hot spring at Buena Vista del Rincon in Costa Rice

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The unlimited passion fruit mojitos didnt hurt, either.

Theres also an on-site waterslide, which the adults enjoyed just as much as the three-year-old.

We were told anything later than 7 p.m. would be difficult to accommodate, given our group size.

The waterslide and breakfast at the Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica

Alessandra Amodio/Travel + Leisure

Having those quick conversations allowed us to enjoy every meal together.

Its also crucial to understand everyone has a different vacation style and respect that on a family trip.

If youre like me, youll wind up being the family photographer.

Two people getting a fish pedicure at the spa at Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica

Alessandra Amodio/Travel + Leisure

Its the easiest, stress-free way to distribute photos during and after a trip.

Dont be afraid or feel guilty if you better close that adjoining room door.

If you do this, youll be left with only good feelings.

A guest room balcony and capuchin monkey at the Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica

Alessandra Amodio/Travel + Leisure

Feelings of recognizing how special the last few days have been.

I also recommend checking in on your family group chat the morning after you return home.

Youll all need a little cheering up and perhaps even start planning a follow-upfamily adventure.

Next up, were thinking of getting 20 people on a flight toThailand.