Do you know what makes traveling better? Going with friends! We can’t recommend this enough. It’s a great way to travel for everyone, from couples, families, and even singles. When you invite friends along, the trip can be so fun. But you have to ensure everyone’s on the same page for the type of trip you want. We recommend asking these four essential travel questions when planning a trip with friends.
What year and month do you want to go?
One thing that makes many people leery about planning a trip with friends is nailing down a time when everyone is free to go. But it’s not as complicated as you think if you’re willing to be flexible. So plan the trip together way in advance. It may take some time to figure out what year you want to go and where, but if everyone is involved in the planning process from the start, everyone is more committed to making the trip work for their schedules.But eventually you have to pull the trigger and book the trip so our rule of thumb is to plan at least a year to 18 months in advance. This way it’s easier to stay committed to your schedule and it gives everyone time to save up!
How many people do you want to travel with?
When traveling with friends, you have to know what your limits are. Do you thrive in a big group of people or prefer a more intimate group of close friends? Are you okay traveling with kids in big groups, or would you prefer kid-free travel? Make sure you have these discussions with your friends as you plan, and set firm boundaries on what you are comfortable with. For example, if you prefer a smaller group, tell the other people in your travel party so they don’t invite more people along!
How do you want to experience your trip destination?
Considering everyone’s travel styles when traveling with a group is best. For example, one member of your travel party might love a full itinerary with many activities, while others might prefer relaxation and downtime. So talk about your travel styles before booking, and plan around one another’s preferences. Cruises are great for travelers with different travel styles because it’s easy for those who like to stay busy to go off and do their thing, while those who want to relax can unwind at the pool. Then, when the day ends, you can all still come together for fun!
Are you willing to work with a Travel Advisor?
If planning a group vacation is too much for your group to handle together, enroll the help of a Travel Advisor. We can help you navigate all the ins and outs of group travel and consider everyone’s needs. Working with a travel advisor is a great way to reduce the stress of planning a group vacation! Traveling with friends is such a fun experience, and if you ask these questions during the planning process, you’ll have a great trip. Then, when you get home, you’ll be ready for the fourth essential travel question: where are we going next?