Planning a large group vacation can be a lot of work. It can be even more stressful when that group is made up of your close friends or immediate family – but worth the headache when the trip comes together perfectly! Here are some top tips that will help make your group trip seamless.
1. Rent One Large House or Compound
Don’t limit yourself to just staying in a block of rooms in a hotel. Renting a giant vacation house or a compound is an alternative to splitting up into smaller rooms. This way, everyone can have their own space and feel comfortable and safe. You can also save money on costs like food and activities if you have a kitchen to cook in or a garden or pool to play in. Having everyone in one place makes organization a heck of a lot easier!
2. Plan the Details Ahead of Time
Details become essential when traveling in a group – sometimes it can be impossible to make decisions last minute. If you plan wisely, everything will go much more smoothly. Setting up a timeline ensures that you see every viewpoint, enjoy each activity you want, and that you can meet everyone’s specific needs. For example, booking restaurant reservations are critical if you are traveling in a large group, especially if some travelers have particular dietary requirements. If you’re looking for help to make the process easier, consider consulting a travel agent. This will save you time and hassle and help you avoid last-minute drama. However, no matter how much preparation you do, remember there are always surprises on vacation! Make the most of your trip by keeping an open mind and having a good attitude in the face of change.
3. Book Airport Shuttle Services
No matter how early you tell everyone to be at the airport, someone in your group is guaranteed to leave it down to the wire and arrive late. Airport shuttle transportation services can eliminate this problem. Scheduling group transport to the airport helps your party get in the swing of traveling with others, ensures everyone is on time for the flight, and is an exciting way to start your adventure! Remember to select a shuttle service that can accommodate each person and their luggage. A top tip – booking a round-trip service can often score you a great deal! Airport shuttle services are timely, reliable, and affordable when split between the whole group.
4. Take Advantage of Discounts
When booking your next group trip, don’t forget to take advantage of group discounts. Lower prices are often offered to travelers who pre-book restaurants, hotels, and activities in large groups. Some restaurants even have separate areas reserved for groups, giving you privacy. Planning as early as possible can help you score some of these group rates. If you don’t see a big party discount offered, contact the service provider. The prospect of a large restaurant tab, multiple flights, or group excursion bookings can incentivize businesses to cut you a deal!
5. Stay on Budget
Traveling in a group can cause expenses to spiral out of control. This is where it is vital to plan, set a realistic budget, and do your best to stick to it. Create a list that prioritizes your expenses – does your group want to spend more money on activities, fine dining, or quality accommodation? Maybe it is better to go to street food markets or let everyone source their meals than book a budget hotel – or vice versa! Beware, things often go wrong when traveling, and problems – such as missing a flight or transportation or inclement weather – can become expensive to fix. Don’t forget to plan for the worst and have an emergency contingency budget in place!
6. Use Photo and Link Sharing Platforms
Everyone wants to remember the fantastic times they had on their most recent trip, especially together! Before you leave for the trip, set up a shared album on iCloud or Google Photos. This will give everyone an accessible space to upload their pictures, videos, and other content they have gathered on the trip. Shared albums allow everyone to access the best photographs or memories they might have missed out on capturing. It will also help keep everyone connected in the future!
7. Set Up a Group Chat
Leading a group trip can be like herding cats – it can be frustrating to get everyone in the same place at the same time, multiple times each day! Setting up a group chat on a platform like WhatsApp, iMessage, or Facebook Messenger can be an ideal way to keep all travelers in the loop. You can post the daily schedule in the chat so everyone can refer back to it and ensure they are on time. If any changes, delays, or problems arise, it is simple to inform everyone immediately.
8. Don’t Over Schedule Your Group
One of the biggest missteps in group travel is having an over-scheduled trip. It is critical to remember that large parties often move much slower than individual travelers. Getting through security at the airport or an attraction, handing out tickets, and stopping for photos or bathroom breaks can take far longer than expected. To combat this, try to schedule only a few activities per day as it is challenging to move your group around, plus it will wear your travelers out! Ensure that they get the rest and downtime they need and that your time together does not feel rushed.
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