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Group travel is becoming more common with a wide variety of people enjoying travelling together. It could be grandma and grandpa taking a trip with their grandkids who are scattered across the county, friends and family attending a destination wedding, or a group of friends travelling with their kids during school vacations.
Planning for a group trip can be exciting and overwhelming all at the same time. Here are a few key things to consider to ensure your group vacation goes smoothly.
Get everyone involved in the initial planning.
Input from everyone on the destination, budget and travel dates is important to make sure that everyone’s concerns and preferences are taken into consideration. If your group has a wide range of ages, you'll want to consider the activities that are available at your destination. Not everyone will want to learn to surf, or visit a butterfly farm. A variety of activities will provide everyone with memorable moments on the group trip.
Accommodation style
Where you stay will also have a major impact on your vacation. Some groups love sharing a large house or villa. The financial savings are attractive and the ease of having everybody in one location makes group gatherings simple to organize. Nightly sunset dinners and cocktails become the highlight of the vacation. Other groups prefer condo properties or all inclusive resorts where they can have their own space, but still easily meet up in common areas.
Establish financial responsibilities
Are the grandparents wanting to pay for everyone’s accommodations, but the kids are responsible for the cost of getting there as well as any activities? Will one person be in charge of the villa rental, with others making prearranged payments? If your group is given a “free” spot will you divide that savings among the group or will one individual benefit? Ensuring that everyone is clear on the finances of the trip early on avoids any misunderstandings later.
Getting there
Is it easier for everyone to meet at the destination? Should you leave from the same city? Most tour operators provide incentives for groups that leave from the same airport such as guaranteed seats on the plane together.
Flexibility
While you love spending time with everyone in your group, it’s also nice to have some “alone” time. Be sure to keep room in the schedule for group members to have a day or two to themselves to explore your destination on their own. Or take a day for the adults to head out on a tour while the kids relax by the pool.
Group vacations are a fantastic way to spend quality time with friends and family. Special bonds and lasting memories are made and with a bit of planning your group vacation can go smoothly.
If your family is considering a multi-generational trip or you have a group of friends wanting to take a vacation together I’d love to help you organize your trip. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with all the details or having trouble deciding on a destination, I can give you some options and help remove the stress.
Give us a call at 403-812-9977 or book your complimentary consultation to find out how wecan help you create a memorable group get away.