New places and new memories, we all love the idea of setting sail with our friends and family. However, some things can go awry if you’re not thoroughly prepared for a group getaway. Here are a few tips on how to move the trip from the group chat to reality.
- Assign Roles and Responsibilities
Whether it’s in the workplace or on vacation, it’s always best to play to everyone’s strengths. Assigning roles, even if they’re small, is a perfect strategy to reduce stress and limit disputes within a group. Find the human calculator, the go-getter, the walking GPS, and the natural leader to avoid feeling overburdened or worse, uncovering any control freaks. (We love you… just not all the time.)
2. Discuss Budget Preferences
Money, money, money. It stresses everyone out. Don’t leave for a trip without setting clear expectations of the budget, how much it costs, and how people will be reimbursed. Admit it, we all hate chasing down friends for payments. It’s also very possible to travel in a group with different financial backgrounds. If someone wants to splurge on a five-star hotel, go for it, but that doesn’t mean the rest of your posse has to spend the extra money. It’s also important to keep track of everyone’s expenses and discuss bills promptly after the vacation. To ease this process, you can use a finance app such as Splitwise. This is a useful tool that helps keep track of everyone’s expenses and all the “who owes who.”
P.S. Don’t forget to check for group discounts on hotel bookings, ground transportation companies, and different excursions.
3. Be Open-Minded
Whether it’s riding an all-terrain vehicle in Brazil or parasailing in Aruba, be open to new experiences if someone in your group suggests it. New memories are made when you go out and try new experiences together. Even if it’s as simple as trying new foods or restaurants. It’s important to make sure each person gets to do at least one thing they value.
4. Set Aside Alone Time
You know what they say, everything in moderation. We all need time to recharge our social battery and rejuvenate for more group fun. Some of the best advice is to prioritize time for yourself, or as a couple, if you’re traveling with your significant other. Solo outings can be a good break from all the chaos and allow you to explore your travel destination without any expectations. We all love our friends, but a little me time will relieve any tensions amongst the group.
5. Use a Travel Planner
Between the chaos of deciding the ideal travel destination to scheduling group excursions, even the most seasoned travelers can get overwhelmed when it comes to group travel. With a travel planner, you can ease your worries and focus on building bonds as a travel specialist creates a custom itinerary for you and your circle. From villa rentals, cruises, all-inclusive resorts, private tours, and restaurant reservations, an experienced travel planner will provide the ideal group vacation for you.
A group vacation, when successful, combines two of the greatest things in life—traveling the world and spending time with loved ones. We hope these tips provide a little insight into the secrets of group travel.
Contact us to learn more about how our team can help you book your custom group vacation. From custom itineraries, to flight and airport transfers, to 24/7 destination support, we can ease your stress of planning a group trip.
