The Group Travel Guide

Make Group Travel Fun, Fair, and Totally Collaborative

Planning a group trip isn’t just about booking flights and accommodation – it’s half the fun! The shared excitement, the brainstorming, the dreaming… it all builds anticipation and brings everyone closer before you even leave home.

If your group includes extended family members or friends spread across cities (or countries), these early moments can be a lovely way to connect before the trip even begins.

But to keep it smooth and stress-free, the secret is getting everyone involved early and often. Here’s how to make group trip planning a shared, enjoyable experience that sets the stage for an amazing journey.

---

1. Start Planning Early – Like, Really Early

For longer trips, especially large group, long haul or peak season travel, start planning up to a year ahead.

Why?

• Gives everyone time to save up
• Locks in better prices and availability
• Helps pick the best timing for weather, events, or special local happenings
• Cuts down last-minute stress and surprises
• Get leave sorted

Starting early also gives groups – especially families or mixed-age groups – more chances to connect through the planning process, whether that’s casual dinner get togethers or quick video calls if people live far apart.

Think of this as your trip’s foundation – the more time you give it, the smoother everything else will flow.

---

2. Make Planning Social and Fun

Planning doesn’t have to be a chore! Turn it into part of the adventure with regular get-togethers:

• Host dinners or wine nights where travel talk is on the menu
• Plan mini “planning weekends away” to brainstorm and bond
• For those who live far apart, use Zoom or video calls to keep everyone connected

These moments often become wonderful connection points, great for families planning across generations or friends who don’t see each other often.

The key? Keep it lighthearted and inclusive so everyone looks forward to the next meet-up.

---

3. Collect Everyone’s Dream Ideas

Before you dive into the nitty-gritty, get everyone to share their dream “must-see” or “must-do” bucket list for the trip:

• What’s their dream experience?
• Any hidden gems or special events they want to catch?
• Food, culture, adventures, or chill spots?

Use a shared document or app so everyone can see and add ideas anytime. This sparks excitement and helps shape a trip that everyone is genuinely excited about. For groups with ages across generations it also helps keep the trip varied and often leads to great conversations (and a bit of compromise).

---

4. Assign Organising Roles

Keep things moving and make sure every voice is heard by giving each person (or couple) a day or destination to plan.

Their role:

• Research activities, tours, and cool local spots
• Find unique events happening while you’re there
• Scout out places to eat and stay
• Prepare a quick “pitch” to share at your next catch-up

This way, everyone contributes, and the itinerary becomes a vibrant mix of everyone’s interests.

If you’re planning with a mix of ages, pairing people up can be a fun way to connect – teens and grandparents researching together for example.

---

5. Collaborate and Finalise the Plan Together

When you meet – whether in person or virtually – review everyone’s research and ideas together.

• Discuss what fits best with the group’s vibe and budget
• Balance busy days with downtime
• Make compromises and combine must-dos
• Celebrate that this plan is truly a team effort!

These final planning sessions, around the table or on a video call, often become some of the most memorable pre-trip moments, especially for families or groups who don’t get to gather often.

---

Final Thoughts

Getting everyone involved early makes planning way more enjoyable and helps avoid surprises later. Plus, it builds excitement and gives everyone a sense of ownership.

Whether you’re planning with friends, extended family, or a multigenerational crew, these shared planning moments help everyone feel connected long before you pack your bags.

---

Want more group travel tips?