Tips for Planning a Group Vacation
Planning a group vacation can go one of two ways: it can be a great experience where everyone is on the same page, responsive, and things are booked on time, or it can be a horrible experience with inconsistent response times, late bookings, and last-minute concerns. I've personally experienced both scenarios, but even with more positive experiences than negative, it only takes one bad experience to sour your perception of group trips. However, on a positive note, I've compiled a list of tips based on my years of experience to ensure you have a fantastic group vacation.
Tip #1: Keep the Group Small
When it comes to group trips, bigger is not always better. While you may save money on accommodations by having more people in an Airbnb or hotel, it also means dealing with more personalities and a higher chance of encountering planning issues. I recommend inviting no more than 4-6 people to avoid potential annoyances.
Tip #2: Be Selective
Think of your group trip as assembling or joining a team. It's crucial to ensure that the people on your team are the right fit. For instance, if you have a friend who tends to complain a lot, it may not be ideal to go on a trip with that person, as their negativity could impact the overall experience.
Tip #3: Set Expectations
Setting expectations for the trip before you start planning is essential. Make it clear that the group does not have to operate on groupthink. Each individual should be free to do their own thing and make their own choices, whether it's activities or food preferences. Setting these expectations lays the groundwork for a more harmonious trip.
Tip #4: Assign Tasks
The planning process can be frustrating, especially when the trip is not at the forefront of everyone's mind, particularly for those not actively involved in the planning. To combat this, assign roles to everyone involved. Have someone coordinate lodging, another person(s) handle activities, and so on. This gets everyone engaged in the planning process and shares the responsibility, alleviating the burden on a single person.
Tip #5: Set Deadlines
Setting deadlines is crucial, as it provides everyone with a goal to have things in order. I recommend reminding everyone about the deadlines every 2 to 3 weeks to keep it at the forefront of their minds. Despite repeated reminders, there will always be that one person who asks, "When should this be done?"
Tip #6: Do Not Pay For Everything
The approach to handling finances depends on the type of friends you have. If your friends are reliable, you may have no issue booking accommodations on your card and having them reimburse you via apps like CashApp or Venmo. However, not everyone has that level of trust among their friends. In such cases, it may be necessary to require upfront payment from everyone before booking anything.
By following these tips, you can navigate the challenges of planning a group trip and ensure a smoother and more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.