Group travel comes in all different shapes and sizes. There are trips for students, people over 65, for people who like luxury or for the adventure enthusiasts. But also many more. Are you planning a group trip or have you already booked one? Then here come five tips to make your trip go smoothly.
Pack light
On a group trip you will be mainly responsible for your luggage. So do not take more than you can carry. Also, accommodations will be changed often. Therefore, packing must also be done quickly.
Be patient
Group travel is not the easiest task. With a group attached, it can of course take longer to reach the destination. There is always a need to wait for someone who is longer in the (souvenir) store. There may also be an annoying companion who has some characteristic that bothers you. Whether the group is large or small, there will always be someone or something that tests your patience. In such situations, all you can do is learn to go with the flow. Traveling with a group requires a different mindset than traveling alone. No matter how hard it may be for you, try not to let the person or situation ruin the experience.
Be open
Keeping an open mind is always a good idea on any trip. It's okay to step out of your comfort zone to learn about new cultures. Be willing to do things you've never done before. Try new foods and eating habits and interact with the locals. Always remember, you are a guest in the country. Therefore, it is important to respect customs and ways of life of the region or country. If you are traveling with a group, the guide can give you tips on what to expect and how to behave in that particular place.
Be flexible
In addition to being open-minded and patient, it is also important to be flexible. No matter how hard your guide tries, something on the trip probably won't go as planned. A citywide strike could bring public transportation to a standstill. Or unexpected bad weather could cancel flights or trains. These circumstances are usually out of your control. But don't bury your head in the sand just yet. You can learn to see the new situation as an opportunity, not a disadvantage.
When the suburban train or subway is not running, your group and you can walk around the city with the guide. If the train does not run because of bad weather? Then you now have an extra day at the place where the group is. Unexpected changes are only daytime hazards if you allow them to be. In a positive light, they can add an unexpected element of adventure and excitement to your trip.
Get to know the other group members
The last tip is probably the most important if you are on a group trip. Get to know your group members! It doesn't matter if you already know them or not. A travel experience will definitely bring you closer together with your fellow travelers. As you reminisce about your trip, you won't remember what went wrong. You'll remember how you and Emy° stayed up all night together in your room talking, or how you and Hugo° sang song after song at a karaoke bar. Travel can be magical. And if you make the most of it with the people around you, group travel can turn out to be a unique experience.
Here you will find out how to make contact with your fellow travelers or how to after the trip in contact stay.
You want to explore foreign countries, get to know the culture and people? Then take a look at our Group travel over all over the world.
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°Names thought up for the examples
