Traveling with a large group of friends is a fantastic experience for many reasons. It’s never dull and you have your favorite people by your side to share your experiences.
However, group travel is not without its challenges. From the practical logistics of planning and booking the trip to the social issues which can come about when people spend a lot of time together in close proximity and trying to satisfy everyone’s itinerary, you need to prepare for all eventualities.
Here we have a handy guide of tips to help you ensure that your group vacation runs as smoothly as possible.
Travel to the airport together
Let’s say for example you’re in the Denver metro area. Assuming you are all traveling on the same flight, book a Denver limo company to take you to the airport at the same time. This prevents people from arriving at different times, having to locate each other at the airport and potentially missing the flight. Booking airport transport is also a great way to avoid having to battle through traffic on the day of the flight and find/pay for parking.
Choose accommodation with enough amenities
Whether you are sharing a hotel room, a hostel dormitory, an apartment, cottage or villa, you need to ensure that the amenities will be sufficient for the group. This includes how many toilets, showers and a kitchen which is a good size for everyone. Waiting for bathrooms and kitchen facilities can quickly cause friction in a group, so don’t underestimate the importance of keeping everyone comfortable.
You don’t have to stick together all the time
In every group of friends, you have individuals with their own interests and vacation preferences. Some people enjoy being active every day while others want to make the most of their downtime. This means that on some days it’s often better to let the group split up so people can please themselves and then come together for days which interest everyone. You’ll have more to talk about when you meet up again as you share your experiences and will be less likely to fall out.
Pre-book restaurants
Not every eatery or bar will be able to accommodate a large group, so it’s always best to call ahead to book if you can. If you can’t agree on where to eat, again it’s not a problem to split into smaller groups for food. If you do eat together in a big group, there are bill splitting apps that simplify the payment process to avoid confusion.
Always check for group discounts
While the definition of ‘group’ will vary from attraction to attraction, it’s worth investigating whether or not you could qualify for discounts when booking tours or visiting tourist attractions. It could make a big difference in how much money you spend. In some marketplaces, you may even be able to barter for deals if you are buying several of the same items.
Take alone time when you need it
Don’t be afraid to step away from the group for some time alone if you feel you need some space. Forcing yourself to be with the same people all the time is bound to be tiring even if they are your favorite people in the world. Take a few hours to recharge and come back in an even better state of mind.
