Group travel can be an excellent way to bring people together. A backpacking trip with close friends or a beach vacation with extended family can be a great way to strengthen connections and make new memories. That said, group travel requires coordinating conflicting schedules, varying budgets, and a wide array of preferences and demands to accommodate. These tips and tricks can make travel planning feel more like fun and less like work.
Be intentional about who you invite
While people can certainly grow closer on a group trip, being selective about whom you invite can make for a seamless and hassle-free trip. If you already have a group you travel with often, it’s a no-brainer. But when you’re traveling with a group that hasn’t taken a trip together before, it’s important to consider the personalities and preferences on the invitee list.
It may not be easy to organize activities and destinations when some friends are looking for outdoorsy adventures while others are seeking shopping and nightlife. Try to ensure you bring together people who are on the same page.
Plan at least a few months ahead
Getting time off for a vacation isn’t easy for everyone. While freelancers and business owners may think nothing of taking a couple of weeks off work at short notice, it can be much harder for corporate employees, parents with young children, caregivers, and people with highly demanding jobs.
It’s a good idea to start travel plans a few months in advance so everyone can make the necessary arrangements at work or home. Announcing a trip in advance also helps travelers arrange finances for the trip. A private wealth management advisor may be able to help you organize your investments and savings ahead of a big trip.
Settle on a budget as soon as possible
Discussing money isn’t easy for many people, but it’s important to get this vital consideration out of the way early on. Use anonymous online forms or spreadsheets to get everyone’s input on what they can afford and how they want to split costs. Some groups prefer an even division of all expenses, and expense-splitting apps can help you do just that. Other groups may have one person willing to pay for accommodation while someone else takes the lead on food. In these instances, it can help to ensure everyone understands the expectations and cost estimates beforehand.
A vacation package or cruise may be the perfect solution if all else fails. These trips tend to be pre-organized, which helps set clear expectations about what the trip includes. Be sure to check in with the whole group to make sure everyone is booked appropriately so there aren’t any surprises on the day you plan to leave.
