Top Common Mistakes People Make On Group Trips
Many people enjoy group trips. But there are plenty of ways to make a fun, memorable trip a complete nightmare. Sometimes it can be due to the many different personalities and preferences. Sometimes, it can be things you can control, like planning and communication.
To help make group travel a more enjoyable experience, HuffPost asked travel experts to share some common mistakes that people make on group trips.
Group Trips and Common Mistakes, From Budget to Expectations
Money should always be part of the first conversation. That’s actually what’s on the top of HuffPost‘s list. Their experts suggest that you don’t avoid talking about money, even if it’s an uncomfortable discussion. With a group, you’re dealing with different spending styles and budgets. For instance, you have those who enjoy eating out every day and those who don’t feel comfortable spending money on daily restaurant trips.
Not discussing money upfront can lead to awkward moments during the trip. “Before embarking on your trip, find out everyone’s budgeting priorities and preferences. Choose accommodations and meal options accordingly, and keep people’s financial needs in mind throughout the trip,” they said.
Another mistake that some people run into on group trips is not making reservations. It’s so important to book your activities in advance. This is especially true when dealing with large groups. Most places can’t accommodate large groups without prior notice. One of their experts recommends booking at least one or two planned activities for each day. It’s worth mentioning that when booking the activities, it’s best to familiarize yourself with cancellation policies just in case something changes or happens last minute.
Next on their list is expecting everyone to spend the whole time together. The reality is that not everyone has the same idea of a vacation. Some view it as a time to relax and sleep in, while others want to constantly be on the go exploring everything. It’s okay not to spend every second with your group.
“Just as it’s helpful to build in unstructured time for people to rest, the group can also benefit from a little space here and there,” said one of their experts. They added, “Many folks are introverts who need an occasional time apart from others, or you might have someone in your group with a very niche travel goal that they’d like to pursue on their own.”
Other common mistakes that people make on group trips are letting one person do all of the organizing, not communicating expectations, not having a strategy for splitting expenses, and others.
Take a look at the complete list and get more insights here.
Secret Tips to Save Money on Your Next Vacation
1. Try to Negotiate Your Lodging
Did you know that hotel fees can be negotiable? Fidelity.com points out that, “You may be able to negotiate the online price by calling a hotel directly, or asking if they have any discounts for students, government employees, or members of certain groups, such as AAA.” So, don’t settle for that price you see on your laptop. Try to do better. It’s a secret tip that can pay off bigtime.
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2. Get Smart with Your Lodging
Did you know some hotels that are virtually the same, including the same brand, can be cheaper just a few miles apart? As a general rule, hotels that are near the airport are more expensive. So, you can look at the hotels you want to stay at and their multiple locations in the area for the best rate. “Some hotels that are under construction may rent rooms at a discount, which is a great option if you can deal with the noise,” Fidelity.com points out.
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3. Snack Your Way to a Cheaper Trip
Going out to eat on vacation can be one of the most exciting things about the trip. But, if you want to save on cash, skip a few meals out and opt for healthy, hearty snacks. Pack (or buy at a local store) some protein-rich snacks, like protein bars and meal bars, and limit your dining out. You can still enjoy some of the best food the area has to offer, just not as much of it. This is a way to stay fit on your trip, too. A lot of people don’t think of this tip, so it’s a bit of a secret.
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4. Timing is Everything
You’ve heard it so many times in life: Timing is everything. That’s true for travel, too. Research to find the least-busy times to visit your destination. If you travel during those downtimes, you’ll save big. While this is a common tip, something people forget is that every vacation destination has its own peak time. So, be specific for your travel spot.
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5. Travel with a Friend
If you’re thinking of traveling solo to a place you’ve always wanted to visit, go cheaper by traveling with a friend. You two can share lodging fees. Also, sometimes there are more deals and discounts for those traveling with multiple people. I always do this when going to a big music festival, if it’s far away. I’ll usually meet my friend there, and we share lodging costs. It also makes the trip more fun.
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6. Find Free Spots to Travel
Look for some free attractions in your travel area. Chances are, they won’t be as packed as the big-named places, too. You can still visit some of the popular landmarks. But, if you add a trip to a national park or free museum to your itinerary, it will save you some cash.
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7. Max Out Your Memberships
Are you a member of any random groups? You might have travel deals just waiting for you. Check everything, from your college alumni membership to your credit cards, for travel discounts. You may be surprised what you find.
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8. Don't Get Picky
Say you just want to get out on a fantastic trip, but you don’t really have a place in mind. That’s actually a good thing. Take an hour to look at flight specials happening right now. If you aren’t picky on where to travel, chances are you’ll find a great rate on airfare and lodging somewhere. Once you find the most reasonable place to travel, then you can start looking at what to do when you’re there.
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9. Go Popular
This is a bit ironic, but often times, the most popular tourist destinations are also the cheapest. That’s because there is a lot of competition for all those travelers. So, big-named destinations like Orlando, Florida, or Las Vegas, Nevada, tend to have really good travel deals. Go popular, or go home.
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