Group Travel Tips
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Enjoy Group Travel?
Have you ever travelled in a group? For a month? From Brownie camps to hockey team travels, to church groups or families, many of us have group travel experiences and tips to share. Maybe, you've spent a month in a tour bus with fifty flapping blue hairs and husbands in full Clevelands (white shoes, white belt). My husband was just recently told he was in full Clevelands. Or, on a cruise, with a thousand others?
Your memories must spark at least a few happy experiences. For us, to this day, we are still friends with some of the strangers we've met in the group. But deep down in memory lane, you must have some travel experiences that deserve only the delete key.
There are some people you just can't avoid traveling with. Hhhhmmm. When is the next family cruise with the mother-and father-in-law? So, how do you enhance those positives and latch on only to the winners? With careful planning, you can negate many of the negative aspects that go with group travel. A lot depends on you.
Tips for your group travel
You can always learn from the experiences of others
Others do group travel once and vow never ever to do it again. Some just love being in the company of people and develop friendships with many of them. What has been you own experience of group travel? Did you enjoy it? What did you learn from the experience?
Do you know that you can travel for free when you have a group?
And you can be paid for it, too
Yes, some companies give you one free ticket and accommodation when you have a group of 10. Explore other deals. During the non-peak times, tourist companies are more accommodating so when you are a group, ask for freebies and other upgrades.
Why Go for Group Travel?
Is it better?
I can think of several reasons. Foremost is safety. Read on for the advantages of doing group travel.
Bring your Kindle
You can have a break from the group once in a while
Kindle Keyboard, Wi-Fi, 6" E Ink Display
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Kindle Touch 3G, Free 3G + Wi-Fi, 6" E Ink Display - includes Special Offers & Sponsored Screensavers
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Kindle Keyboard 3G, Free 3G + Wi-Fi, 6" E Ink Display
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Advantages of group travel
Vote for your top advantage
1
Gives me company as I feel alone traveling on my own
2 points
2
Gives me better deals and upgrades as we are a group
2 points
3
Makes traveling convenient as someone arranges the travel details
1 point
4
Gives me the courage to explore a new destination
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5
Makes me enjoy my family and friends
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6
Makes for a shared memory
0 points
7
Encourages me to bond with others in the group
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8
Gives me new friends and acquaintances
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Some key items for your group travel
You can't be borrowing these items from someone in your group
Disadvantages of group travel
Why group travel is not for everyone
Choose your top reason why you don't join group travel.
More travel gadgets to have on your travel
Don't travel without these
If you have all the resource and freedom in the world to travel
How would you plan your travel?
Would you want to travel in a group or on your own (alone or as a couple only)?
I'll travel with a group
aesta1 says:
A friend of mine who came here to Cambodia with a group of women colleagues just wrote about how often they'd reminisce about their trip. They really had a strong bonding as a group during that trip.
lorindaleigh says:
I would love to travel with my whole family.
trotter2099 says:
I would love to travel with a group of my mates and do a massive world wide pub crawl. I think that would be a laf.
Pukeko says:
I love to travel with extended family
I'll travel alone or just with my spouse or partner
glockr says:
I prefer to travel just by myself or with my wife and kids.
sponias says:
I would certainly prefer to travel alone because I delay getting ready (I never use makeup; the reason I delay is because I do everything very slowly when I wake up), and there are places where I want to stay more than following the group.
However, I admit that there are also many benefits on travelling with a group. Once I did travel with a group and I loved it, especially because everyone in the group was very nice. My only problem was getting ready on time to go here and there.
I always arrive late in all appointments; it's ?my style?.
emerald125 says:
I prefer to travel alone mostly unless exploring dangerous places
For your travel
Always bring a hat
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Group Travel Do's
Enhance your group travel experience
Group travel can be a very rewarding experience when you do all you can to make it so. Experiences always take on more colour when shared. If you have heard your own lonely echo as you admire a fabulous view on top of a mountain, group travel can be enticing. Here are some of the ways to enjoy travel with a group.
1. Clarify to yourself your travel objectives with the group
Why are you traveling with the group?
If your aim is to give your mom, aunt, or grandparent a holiday, then give your time to what will make them happy. Smile. If you are with friends, this is group time. So, even if you still want to browse in the store, fit in with the group. Come back another time on your own.
2. Agree on the travel itinerary and schedule
Review the itinerary and schedule with your travel group
You want to see other places or visit someone in the area? Present this clearly to the group. You can always take a day off from the itinerary especially when they're visiting a place you've already seen. If your aim is to be with the group to share the experience, then button up and fit in.
3. Be flexible for changes in your itinerary and schedule
Things do not always work as we want them to
Understand that with groups, many things can happen. You have to accommodate many unforeseen changes. If this becomes too much for you, rest. Take time off if exhaustion makes you grumpy. Back out of the morning or afternoon schedule and take a nap. Avoid being the tour's resident grump.
4. Be on time as stated in your travel itinerary
Make it a habit to be early for the travel schedule
Be punctual. Ask for a wake up call. Go early for breakfast. You can always choose your table and the food has not been ravaged yet. You can also choose your place in the bus or the boat. Moreover, you don't delay the schedule. Be mindful of the time and the location of the meeting point when you are out on your own. Don't let forty other people wait for you because you got lost. Or you just had to buy that post card. This also includes checking in and out of hotels early. Chances are you don't get caught up in long lines and grumpy guests.
Bring your travel alarm clock
So you can be on time for your group
Elgin Travel Alarm Clock
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Casio PQ15-1K Travel Alarm Clock with Thermometer
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CASIO TQ140-1 Travel Alarm Clock
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Travel Atomic Alarm Clock - U.S. Band
SIZE: 2 3/4" x 3 1/2" x 1" BATTERY: more...0 points
Elgin Folding Travel Alarm Clock, Black
This compact travel alarm clock is easy to use and more...0 points
Sony ICF-C318 Automatic Time Set Clock Radio with Dual Alarm (Black)
Stylish Design takes up a minimum of space on the more...0 points
Westclox 47508 Travelmate Quartz Travel Alarm Clock, Charcoal Gray
0.5" LCD display. Folding case. Snooze and li more...0 points
Westclox Travelmate Folding Alarm Clock
This folding compact Westclox LCD alarm clock make more...0 points
Seiko Get Up and Glow Travel Alarm Clock #QHL004KLH
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Timex T315SX Travel Alarm Clock Radio (Silver)
A compact folding travel alarm clock with AM/FM ra more...0 points
Advance Time Technology 1.8" LED Alarm Clock With Red Display, Gray
Big and bold, you can see this alarm clock from ac more...0 points
Chaney Instruments AcuRite Traveler Folding Alarm Clock
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Equity by La Crosse 30330 Digital Alarm Clock with Night Vision Technology
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SharpTech SPC303 LCD Travel Alarm Clock with Folding Metal Case (Champagne)
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Seiko Advanced Technology Travel Alarm Clock Silver-Tone Metallic Case
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Travel Alarm Clock with Red Flashing Alarm
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5. Plan for individual time off from the travel group
Make sure you take this time off from the group
This is especially true when you are on a cruise or trip with your family. Decide to go off on your own and just meet the gang for dinner. This will give each one the freedom to do what they want. Waiting for each other is a waste of time. This is a bit difficult if you have a schedule to follow as in a bus tour. Still, even in these ones, you can take time off. They usually give you an hour free to browse around. Go on your own so you recover some of that solitude.
Group travel on video
Watch these group travels
6. Be positive to your fellow travelers
Or, travel alone
When you travel in a group, leave behind your negative baggage. Hone your social skills and contribute to the group's positive quotient. And if you are one of those who only see things to complain about, for heaven's sake, stay home or go solo. There is nothing more unpleasant than someone stunting about this and that and saying all the time, "One would have thought....blah, blah, blah." If you are one of these, travel solo so you don't impact anyone.
More travel accessories
You will like these ones
7. Always offer help when needed by the group
Group travel offers many opportunities
There are always suitcases to be carried, pictures to be taken, people who are shy to talk or are not able to speak the language. Give more than your share to the group and don't forget, enjoy yourself. The more you give, the more will come back. Experiences always seem to expand when shared. Sort out your attitude and get a self-management plan in place before you go.
In your travel
Always protect yourself from the sun
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Alba Botanica Sun Block Mineral Protection Sunscreen Kids SPF 30 -- 4 oz
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Aveeno Sun Natural Protection Sunblock SPF 30 Lotion, 3 oz
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Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock, SPF 100, 3 Ounce
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Dermalogica Oil Free Matte Block, 1.7 fl oz (50 ml)
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Neutrogena Ultra Sheer SPF 45 Twin Pack 3.0 Fl Oz
Ultra sheer 45 twin pack (side by side)0 points
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion For Face & Body SPF 55--100ml/3.4oz
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La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid for Face, 1.7-Ounce Bottle
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Skinceuticals Ultimate UV Defense Moisturizing Broad-spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30, 3-Ounce Tube
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What people say of group travel
In favor or not of group travel?
- Questex Media Group Announces the Acquisition of Ataway Exchange
- "We're pleased to complete this transaction and bring the services of our Hospitality+Travel group to this important community," said Kerry Gumas, president and CEO of Questex Media Group LLC. "The Ataway Exchange is a venue where leaders and ...
- Thomas Cook sees Grexit boosting travel industry
- The 171-year-old travel group said summer bookings to Greece from Germany were down around 20 percent year-on-year but that bookings from elsewhere to the crisis-hit nation had held up. Tourism is a vital source of income for Greece, accounting for ...
- An IHG Travel Deal Worth Discovering
- ... WIRE) -- IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) (lon:IHG) (NYSE:IHG) (ADRs), one of the world's largest hotel companies, is daring travelers to discover the Latin America and Caribbean they thought they knew with an enticing destination travel deal.
- June 2012 Leisure Group Travel Magazine
- The fifth annual Group Itinerary Planning Guide highlights June's Leisure Group Travel, featuring 37 sample itineraries submitted by CVBs and other tourism organizations. Divided into Midwest, South, Northeast, West and Canada, the guide provides ...
Travel Journals for your Group Travel
And a guide to do it better
Check these links to help you plan your group travel
You might pick up a tip or two
- How To Find Vacation Rentals | How To Do Things
- If you have stayed in vacation rentals or holiday villas and have booked the same place for your next vacation, you are really, really, REALLY, lucky. Finding the ideal vacation rental is part science, part prayer, but mainly just plain hard work. They are not all Gates Hotels and you must have hear
- How To Choose a Restaurant | How To Do Things
- The big event! The proposal....a business deal closer.....Mother's Day.....Spouse's Birthday....How do you pick a restaurant? Well, the occasion itself will shape your choice even though most of the time you are not conscious of this. Food is one factor, but the environment and location are import
- How To Get Your Airline Preferred Seat | How To Do Things
- How airlines assign seat is often a puzzle even for frequent fliers. Some small airlines that are able to avoid the joys of computers at check-in counters have left this process transparent by letting you choose your seat when you check in.
- Group Travel | More Vacations | Travel Tips - USATODAY.com
- Group Travel on USATODAY.com Travel including: Group Travel to Scotland, What to Wear in Europe in the Winter, Group Travel to Hawaii, and much more.
- TripHub Group Trip Advisor: Group Travel Tips
- A blog devoted to group travel. Find tips, advice and resources for planning group trips and organizing events including family vacations, get-aways with friends, bachelor and bachelorette parties, reunions, weddings, celebrations, and travel with clubs and teams.
Travel Things You Will Enjoy
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Leave your own thoughts on group travel
You can share some wisdom from your own experience
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EditorDave Apr 25, 2012 @ 12:18 am | delete
- Nice. I've traveled in Japan with my family, with a high school sports team, with a tour group on a winter skiing trip, with a travel companion (but we were essentially on our own), and alone. I enjoyed all the experiences. And yes, I knew that by traveling with a tour group, that our tour leader got the discount/free seat on the plane and the discounted/free accommodations. (Because I was the "Japanese translator" for the group, I got a discount on my trip, too!). Congrats on a Squidoo masterpiece!
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SereneSea Dec 3, 2011 @ 5:52 am | delete
- Maybe in some cases you can enjoy group traveling when you are in company of your friends, otherwise one has to compromise the privacy and time limits.
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poutine
Nov 24, 2011 @ 7:28 am | delete
- group traveling is not for me, i prefer going with my own family or friends.
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poutine
Nov 24, 2011 @ 7:28 am | delete
- group traveling is not for me, i prefer going with my own family or friends.
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dellgirl
Sep 25, 2011 @ 6:27 pm | delete
- Nice lens, I enjoyed it. Have a wonderful week.
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aesta1
Sep 25, 2011 @ 7:03 pm | delete
- Am having a great time now in Korea.
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glockr
Dec 22, 2010 @ 11:16 pm | delete
- I did enough group traveling while in the ANG, so I prefer traveling by myself or with my family.
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MiaBellezza
Dec 21, 2010 @ 8:59 pm | delete
- I think traveling in a group is the most fun. Well done. Saw your post in Squidu Lens Spotlight.
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Jeff_McRitchie
Dec 20, 2010 @ 3:31 pm | delete
- Great lens! I like a mix of group and solo travel. If I go somewhere alone or with my spouse, we often find a group to join for a day or two. But it's nice to explore on your own as well.
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lorindaleigh
Dec 18, 2010 @ 7:04 am | delete
- Awesome lens! Thanks for the ideas!
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by aesta1
Hi there. I see a bit of goodness in everything. I see world events in the context of the great things that happen, not the niggly faults that hound us... more »
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