Group trips are more than just cute Instagram photos and epic selfies. A lot of planning and consideration goes into putting together a successful group trip, which can be a glorious experience when done the right way. Traveling with friends and family is a sure way to blow off some steam and create long-lasting memories. However, many group trips go south due to various reasons, leading to tension in families or friendships falling apart. This article is here to provide you with excellent tips to make your group trip a success.
Keep a group itinerary
It is crucial to have a central place of communication where members can get access to the budget and trip plans. Use shared apps and social media platforms with which everyone is conversant so that everyone is in the know. A group itinerary allows members to familiarize themselves with each other and builds anticipation for the D-day. You could opt to create a WhatsApp group and invite members to the private group. Facebook is also a great option if all your members have an active account. Creating a group itinerary to share photos of your trip and create memories with your buddies is essential.
Appoint one or two coordinators
Having one person doing all the work is quite strenuous. At the same time, if everyone participates in planning and organizing, there is bound to be tension and disorganization. Appoint two leaders who can be in charge of different aspects such as accommodation and group activities. The coordinators can then present their findings to the group and discuss the final choice.
Find a common goal
When planning a group trip, it is essential to find a common interest to have fun during the journey. Sharing a common goal will strengthen your bond, help you become closer to one another, and reduce the likelihood of specific individuals feeling left out.
Consider different accommodation options
Look for an Airbnb or a rental that can accommodate your whole group. You will save lots of money as these places will not charge you extra for using their utilities. It is much cheaper to buy groceries and cook your food, and bond with your fellow friends. Perhaps you currently have a timeshare, but it is now too small for a family or group getaway, or you are getting fed up with going back to the same place for every vacation. Now is the time to look at timeshare exit companies. A good exit company can help you to get out of your timeshare, leaving you free to look at some of these alternative options. However, with this in mind, hotels are not a great option, especially if you are traveling with a large group.
Agree on a budget
Ensure that you all agree on how much you are willing to spend to avoid people pulling out last minute because they cannot afford to go. It is advisable to start planning for your trip in advance so that members can begin saving or paying in installments.
Book travel tickets in advance
Whether traveling by plane or bus, ensure that you book travel tickets in advance to get the cheapest offers and avoid the last-minute rush. Prices tend to fluctuate a lot, especially during festive seasons and holidays. Ensure that everyone is on board with the choice of travel method.
Select the right destination
You will have different personality types in your group, each with different character traits. Some people are highly introverted, while others love the outdoors and are extroverted. Selecting a destination that offers a variety of activities to cater to different individuals is key to a successful group trip. Consider choosing an all-inclusive retreat center that will accommodate your whole group and appeal to the interests of other people. A perfect place where you can all relax and rejuvenate on your trip.
Pre-plan group activities in advance
Set a schedule with pre-planned activities to know what to expect and be more interested in tagging along. Things can get chaotic very fast if everyone decides to go out and do their own thing. Members should agree on a few pre-planned activities that will dictate where everyone should be at any given time.
Don’t be afraid to split up
Just because you are traveling together does not mean that everyone should stick together. A particular group might want to go hiking, while others might fancy a trip to the local museum. Splitting up is an excellent way to relieve tension in the group while ensuring that everyone has a good time.
Choose all-inclusive options
When planning a group trip, select all-inclusive packages to prevent members from incurring extra costs to buy food and drinks. Remember, the goal is to make the travel as affordable as possible.
Make it quick
Planning a short trip of up to 4 days is best, especially if your group is large. A shorter trip will be less expensive, meaning that more people will be able to attend. Sometimes when people spend too much time together, there is bound to be friction, hence the need to plan a short trip.
Hire a travel agent
A seasoned travel agent will help you keep up with the daunting processes of planning a group trip. Bringing a travel agent on board will eliminate the risk of your plans falling apart. These agents have a vast knowledge of the best tourist destinations, access to exclusive, agent-only deals, and specialize in handling a large group’s needs and requirements.
Plan for daily alone time
Constantly spending time with other people can be draining, so make sure you set aside some alone time each day. After all, it is your vacation too. You could opt to sit alone by the pool as you read a book or take a walk along the beach.
Expect the worst
There will be individuals in your group who will not want to comply with the set schedule. Others might not keep time and cause a delay in travel plans. Ensure that everyone has a copy of the itinerary and knows what they should do at the right time.
Final Remarks
Now that you have a rough idea of planning a successful group trip, get ready to have the time of your life with your travel buddies. Remember that change is inevitable, so don’t be too upset when there are a few minor changes to the itinerary. Let your expectations be known from the onset and inform members of what is required from them.
