Group trips are fun, especially those with friends and families; they can become one of the most memorable times of our lives that we will reminisce for years to come. Moreover, group trips are an essential way to bond with our travel companions and get to know everyone well.
However, group trips can become the worst type of trip if they do not get adequately planned. This is because planning a trip is stressful, and with dozens of people added, it becomes daunting to organize and execute it properly.
So, we have decided to share a list of seven tips that will come in handy while planning the group trip.
1 Appoint A Leader Or Two:
Appointing a group leader can have an immense impact on the planning process. This person will be a planner and will also be the main point of contact who will ensure all travel measures, like documents and plans, are in sync.
You can even appoint multiple people to take care of different aspects if there are too many responsibilities on one person. Play with the strengths of group people; if someone likes to plan, let them lead the way. If someone is good with researches, let them find destinations, living arrangements, etc.
2 Set Up A Budget:
Everyone has a different notion when it comes to spending on a trip. So, before deciding on any destination or way of transport, make sure that everyone agrees on a budget and then adhere to it.
It is also important to note that specific trip necessities like accommodation will mean there are no surprises for anyone when it comes to paying. However, some expenses can be optional. So, group members should have the right to decide if they want to participate or not. Accordingly, you can utilize the money as per their requirement.
3 Book Flights or Travels:
If you have decided to take a group vacay, make sure that you book your flights or ground transport as early as possible because rates can drastically rise as the trip date pulls closer. Book early to get the best deals; you can get all-inclusive vacation packages if you have a large group and enough time before the trip date.
Not just the to and fro travel, but make sure to calculate the transportation cost that will occur during sightseeing.
4 Think beyond Traditional Accommodations:
Hotels are not the only option currently available; with a diligent search, you can also come across cheaper and better alternatives like apartments or houses. Use services like HomeAway or Airbnb because it gives you a chance to cook group meals and hang out together without cramming for space in a small hotel room.
Hotels may have an all-inclusive resort experience, but a private house or villa may fit on to your budget and offer you extra amenities that will make your stay extra remarkable.
5 Have A Place To Organize Plans And Take Payments:
The plans and itinerary must be accessible by everyone, so you can set up a communal space where everyone can communicate. This will allow people to share their thoughts and questions before the trip and during the journey too.
Apart from sharing information, you can also share payment details, reservation information, planned activity details, etc.
6 Pre-Plan Activities:
Your chosen destination will surely have a wide range of activities and holiday points. You can pre-plan activities that you and your group might be interested in and book it accordingly. Pre-booking can save you a lot of money and allow the group to participate in more activities in a limited time.
Also, you don’t have to plan each second of the day, sometimes, going with the flow is good because the best things happen by chance.
7 If You Must, Split Up:
Everyone has a different set of ideas, which means no two individuals will love to see the same things or do the same activities. When it comes to a large group, clashing views are quite usual. So, if the group is finding it hard to come on an agreement in terms of an activity or a place to visit, then split up according to whatever everyone wants to do.
Bottom Line
Group trips are the best way to take a major break from your frantic daily schedule. It is a conventional yet fun way to bond with people you admire; although planning a group trip can be stressful, you can stick to our planning guide and create a functional itinerary to help you make the journey successful.
If you are looking forward to pre-booking your group trip amid COVID-19, connect with The Travel Authority to benefit from their cheap vacation packages.