Group travel is a great way to get together with friends, family, or even strangers. According to Hotel Management, group travel has been an uptick in 2022. It has increased 122% against 2020 pandemic times.
However, group trips can be challenging to organize with so many people under one roof, from different backgrounds, and with different needs. This is especially true if you’re traveling abroad or somewhere remote. In such chaotic traveling, how will you make the most of your time together and plan something everyone enjoys?
Here are some tips to help you do that and make your group travel experience memorable.
Plan a Good Mix of Activities
Planning a good mix of activities is the best way to avoid conflict. You should include things that everyone is interested in and can do. You should also ensure you have options for those who may not be as physically capable or comfortable with certain activities.
The key here is balance: don’t just plan one thing after another where everyone has to participate equally. If there’s something everyone loves doing together, then great. But if some people don’t want their picture taken, then maybe don’t force them to be a part of it.
Create a list of places you want to visit based on the destination. You can get help from websites and platforms like TripAdvisor. For instance, suppose you are traveling to Chicago. TripAdvisor states that the best places to visit for group activities will be:
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Millennium Park
- The Magnificent Mile
- Wrigley Field
- Cloud Gate, etc.
Hire a Minibus for Traveling Together
If you’re traveling with a group, hiring a minibus is one of the best ways to ensure comfortable traveling. A minibus for hire can be customized to fit your needs. Thus, it’s easy for you and your friends or family to sit together and enjoy each other’s company during the trip.
Minibusses are also more fuel efficient than buses, meaning that over time, they will also save money on gas costs. Data shows that cars spend 4.5 times more energy than buses. Moreover, trains spend three times more, and planes spend six times more. So, minibusses seem to be the best and most cost-effective option for group travel.
Consider the example of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans, which, according to Yahoo, have remained popular despite the COVID-19 pandemic. One reason behind their popularity is comfortable spacing and customization options.
The Yahoo article states that a popular RV maker made a $400,000 custom Sprinter camper van. It features a four-by-four chassis, an entertainment system, and off-grid capabilities. The van also has a living room attached to a bedroom, a kitchen, a bathroom, and even a garage.
Suppose you are planning a group trip to Chicago, like in the example from the previous section. In that case, you can look for Sprinter van rentals in Chicago to enjoy your time together and explore the city.
According to Eminent Limo, Sprinter van rentals are available from as low as $100 and can be used for several occasions. In addition to group travel, they can also be booked for business travel, wedding travel, and special occasions. Sprinter vans also come in different dimensions and seating arrangements to accommodate groups of varying sizes.
Designate One Person as the Trip “Leader”
Designating a trip leader is a great way to ensure everyone has fun and gets along. The trip leader should plan the itinerary, communicate with other group members about upcoming events and activities, and ensure everyone is happy.
Suppose you’re traveling with kids or older relatives who might need extra help getting around or understanding local customs. In that case, it’s also helpful if this person has some experience in childcare or hospitality work.
Plan Some Alone Time Too
It’s important to give people time to themselves. A group trip can make it easy to get caught up in the moment’s excitement and forget about this. Still, if you want your group members to feel relaxed and enjoy their experience together, everyone must get some time alone. If someone asks you if they can tag along on your solo adventure, don’t be afraid to say no.
You can use public transport systems to go to nearby destinations for some alone time. For instance, the Chicago Transit Authority handles 1,868 buses, operating 127 routes that can help you reach anywhere across the city. Similarly, 1,480 rail cars are serving 145 stations.
Use Technology to Make Group Trips Easier
As you plan your trip, use technology to make the process easier. Here are some apps that will help you stay on track:
- Travel app: This is a must-have for any group trip. It allows everyone in your group to see where everyone else is at all times and alerts them when someone needs help.
- Messaging app: Use this app instead of text so everyone can see each other’s messages in real-time. It will make it much easier for everyone in the group to communicate with one another during the trip.
- Calendar app: Create a shared calendar so everyone knows when to be somewhere or have an appointment scheduled. This helps avoid confusion about when activities will take place, which can lead to arguments.
You can also use technology to plan trips or book tickets and accommodations. For instance, several platforms offer travel discounts if you book tickets from their websites. These discounts are more important than ever due to the rising travel and accommodation prices. Data from Destination Analysts shows that around 74.4% of Americans consider deals and discounts more important in December 2022 than six months ago.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Select the Best Place for Group Travel?
When choosing a destination, consider the interests and preferences of all group members. Consider the budget, accessibility, climate, and available activities to ensure the trip is appealing to everybody.
How Do I Manage Group Disputes and Conflicts?
Address issues swiftly and respectfully, and promote open communication to find a solution. Focus on finding common ground and making compromises, and put the trip’s overall satisfaction over individual preferences.
What Should I Do if Someone in the Group Isn’t Doing Their Part?
Approach the person discreetly and explain your concerns in a non-confrontational manner. Provide support and help when required, emphasizing the significance of everyone contributing to the group’s success.
How Can I Ensure That Everyone Stays Within the Budget Throughout the Trip?
Establish clear fiscal restrictions and promote smart spending from the start. Consider using shared spending apps or budget monitoring tools to keep track of expenses and ensure everyone remains within their assigned budget.
What Should I Do if I Need Some Alone Time on My Trip?
Communicate your needs to the group clearly and politely, and make plans to set aside some personal space or quiet for yourself. Prioritize self-care, whether taking a solo stroll, reading a book, or eating alone to avoid burnout.
To summarize, we hope these tips will help you make the most of your next group trip. As we said earlier, the key is to plan and consider what kind of atmosphere you want to create for everyone involved. If you can do that, then there’s no limit to what fun you can have together.
Awais Shamsi