You might love your friends as much as you love to travel but many a group holiday has taught us that great friends do not always translate into great travel companions — though they can, with a bit of forethought and planning.
Here are 5 tips to make the most of group travel:
1. Set expectations
Make sure all attendees are in agreement about the main structure of the trip, including accommodations, budgets, and must-see activities. If one person is looking for adventure excursions and the other is hoping for quiet relaxation, neither will enjoy themselves to the fullest. Have an open discussion where each traveller can contribute their expectations to help ensure that everyone is on the same page prior to the group travel.
2. Assign responsibilities
There are a lot of moving pieces to travel and the bigger the group, the more factors there are to consider. Think about assigning one person to be in charge of accommodations, including booking the room(s) and collecting everyone’s share. Have another person in charge of reservations for meals or activities. Have someone else in charge of collecting everyone’s contact information, including their Hushed online numbers. This way no one individual is stuck carrying all the information related to the finances or other responsibilities of the group. It also helps to create a dynamic in which everyone feels an equal contributor to the success of the trip.
3. Plan ahead
Set an itinerary for the group trip. It doesn’t have to be rigid but it should include the activities that travellers have their heart set on. Remember that not everyone has to attend everything, but it’s always nice to have options. Be sure to note non-negotiables like check-in/check-out times, transit timelines, and anything else that requires everyone to have on their radar.
4. Stay in contact
Keeping connected is crucial, not just so that everyone can stay safe, but also so that they can enjoy themselves and make the most of the trip. An aloSIM+ owner account will let you manage a group and provide data for your members. It’s an easy and budget-friendly way to ensure that all your group travel friends have internet access to share pertinent messages — or just some of the best photos so everyone has a copy of the fun memories you make together throughout the trip.
With a Hushed online number, travellers can call or text one another to arrange meetup times or to stay in touch with family back at home, without having to worry about roaming or long distance charges. Keep track of the numbers on your shared itinerary and feel free to ditch them after the trip! Tip: Most prepaid data packages from aloSIM now come with a FREE phone number from our sister app, Hushed.
5. Be inclusive and accommodating
Remember that all your group travel companions might have different needs or ability levels that keep them safe and having fun, which you don’t always need to consider during your regular hang-outs. Eat at restaurants that cater to different food allergies. Ride in vehicles that accommodate all body types. Tour spaces that are welcoming to diverse ethnicities, cultures, genders, and sexual orientations. You’ll have the most fun during your trip, if everyone feels included to have fun on the experience.
