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Group Travel Tips – Plan a Family or Friend-Filled Vacation

Group Travel Tips – Plan a Family or Friend-Filled Vacation

Solo trips are a great way to assert your independence and do exactly what you want to do, but traveling in a group can also be equally as rewarding. There are pros and cons to each facet of travel, but with these group travel tips, you can plan a successful family or friend-filled vacation.

Rent Houses or Condos

Instead of trying to book off blocks of hotel rooms, try out Airbnb and nab an awesome house or multi-bedroom condo that will keep everyone together, but still allow for personal space. It might seem steeper in price per night, but don’t forget you will be splitting the nightly rate between your party. Plus, you will get perks like kitchens, onsite laundry, and, in some cases, your own private pool.

Related: Road Trips: 7 Ways To Survive The Journey With Extended Family

Pack Light

Remember that everyone will have at least one piece of luggage, so that means tons of baggage from the start. Only bring what you need to minimize hassle and maximize space. If you were savvy and rented a house with laundry access, you’ll be able wash and re-wear outfits; allowing you to pack less ease.

Make Must-Do List

When planning the trip, make sure everyone makes a list of the top 3 or 4 events or things they want to do. Some will have relaxing as their priority and others will want to have a non-stop schedule of events. Iron those details out before you go. This is the time to be firm in what you want versus angrily demanding to see Louvre with only an hour left in your trip.

Be Flexible and Patient

It’s inevitable that someone in your group is going to walk slower or want to make impromptu stops every nick-knack shop they come across. Remember that the point of group travel is to experience something as a family or enjoy time with friends. You may be pleasantly surprised if you stop and explore someone else’s interest. If you absolutely don’t want to do something, like visit the world’s largest rubber band ball, be kind in declining participation and make plans to meet up later in the day.

Divide and Conquer

Sometimes it’s impossible to squeeze in every attraction or event or must-do item on everyone’s list. Be willing to divide among your group and split up to make sure everyone gets to enjoy their most-wanted experience. Spending every moment together will get really frustrating, really fast.

Related: Family Travelers Reveal Secrets to Making Vacations Happier

Select a Group-Friendly Location

Some cities are better for group travel than others. Florida is a favorite, but can be exhaustive and too touristy for non-Disney/Universal fans. Try Stuart, Florida for a taste of Old Florida. Hit up San Juan, Puerto Rico for an adult-oriented adventure at Condado Beach and hit up Don Collins Cigars in Old San Juan for a free cigar. Take the family to Charlotte, North Carolina and hit up Lazy 5 Ranch for private safari or experience “European Style” go-karting and experience non-governed engines.

Budget

Decide what everyone’s budget is from the start. Some may want to spring for extras like valet and fancy dinners, while others want to stay on a strict-budget. One thing you’ll need to factor in is group prices. You may get a break on packages, but you’ll also need to remember tips are usually increased with a larger number of people when it comes to gratuity for accommodating staff and servers.