Traveling with a large group can be a lot of fun. But without careful planning, traveling with a large group can also be miserable.
This is why I am here today.
In this article I will introduce you to 9 tips on how to travel in a large group. Whether you’re planning a family reunion, a corporate event, or just an adventure with your best friends, these 9 tips are sure to make your trip more enjoyable.
Without further ado, Let’s go plan our trip!
For more information on traveling with large groups, I love the troupe app. Here is a link for more information. https://www.troupe.com
9 Tips on How to Travel in A Large Group
#1. Plan Ahead of Time.
If you’re going to want to do any tours, especially ones with limit capacity per group, you should book that ahead of time. However, for museums or places with open admission, it’s not always necessary and you should always give yourself some flexibility if all possible.
Eating out in large groups can be challenging, I always like to book those dinner reservations ahead of time. It’s much easier and a better use of your time to plan while you are on your couch vs standing outside of your hotel wondering where you want to go eat.
#2. Look for the discounts.
If your groups are especially large, you can take advantage of discounts like admission and tours. It would be worth your time to compare different companies to see what your best deal will be. It never hurts to ask before each of you purchase your own admissions individually.
#3. Avoid too many activities in one day.
While spending quality time together is likely going to be the main concern on your trip, be aware of how you plan to spend said time.
Scheduling too many activities in a single day can leave people tired and stressed, which can cause them to act irritable and anxious.
Being less ambitious with planning also helps conserve energy for building happy memories rather than expending it all too early and burning out.
#4. Split Expenses.
Another large group traveling tip is to find a way to split expenses. There are a couple of apps out there such as Tri-count that can help you log any receipts and will calculate how much each person owes. At the end of your trip, you can see who owes money and get it all settled before you go home.
#5. Have a Budget in mind.
One specific thing your group should discuss in a planning meeting is the budget. It’s likely everyone will have different ideas which is ok.
This is also a good idea to discuss expectations with everyone before you take a trip. Not everyone in the group will always be down for fancy dinners and expensive excursions every single day. Finding this out on the front end will avoid any unnecessary drama.
#6. Assign a Leader.
Establishing a group leader should be one of the first steps when traveling in a large group. They don’t have to be responsible for making every decision about the trip, but rather they are responsible for coordinating most aspects of the trip such as dinner reservations or booking off-site excursions.
This will help make sure everyone on the trip is aware of the dates and activities, on board with the plans, and conscious of how much everything will cost.
If you have a good leader, no one will feel left out or uncomfortable with any proposed plans.
#7. Consider an Airbnb.
Hotels are always an option, but also consider booking an Airbnb. A stocked kitchen means that these rentals will carry all of the provisions you may need, including kitchen equipment, coffee, tea, and oils needed to prepare meals. This can be a real cost and time saver for large groups.
#8. Drink Responsibly.
There is nothing wrong with having a few drinks and enjoying your vacation, like anything else, it has to be done in a responsible way.
Call for an uber or a lyft if going out for drinks. You will have more fun not having to worry about the overall safety of your group and you are doing your part on flattening the curve on drinking and driving. Have fun and play it safe.
#9. Schedule Some Solo Time.
Just because you’re in a group doesn’t mean you should never get to be alone. I one hundred percent believe travelers should carve out their own time and space on vacation, especially in a large group.
Wake up early for that swim or find your favorite book to read on the patio. Scheduling some time to yourself will help balance things out for your trip.
If you’re traveling with little ones, take turns watching each other’s children so you can do an activity on your own.
Thoughts & Takeaways
And there you have it. These are 9 tips on how to travel in a large group. Like anything else, these types of trips require detailed planning and clear expectations. I always recommend finding a leader and agreeing on a budget before you embark on any big trip. I hope you found this article to be helpful. Please share your experiences in traveling in a large group in the comment section below.
-CT