The Perks of Travelling With Groups (and How to Keep Your Sanity Intact)

Here’s the best bit: group travel doesn’t just mean good times – it can also mean discounts or bonus extras. On some cruises and pre-organised tours, being the group leader (a.k.a. the head honcho) might even score you a huge discounted holiday.

That’s enough to have you calling up your aunty’s friend’s cousin’s brother – you know, the one you met at that BBQ once – to join in, just to make up the numbers.


Spoiler alert: group rates for cheaper airfares do not exist… they’re almost always more expensive, but let’s save that delightful conversation for another time.

Before you start herding your crew into matching shirts and chanting “Group Goals,” let’s discuss how to make group travel work without it turning into a Netflix-worthy drama.

Step 1: Be the Boss (and Embrace It)

Every great group trip needs a leader, and lucky you – it’s your turn to shine.

As the leader, you’re the one who’ll:

• Make the big decisions (like where to go and who gets stuck sharing a room with Uncle Bob).
• Work with suppliers and tour companies to lock in the best deals and details (and trust me, this is where a good travel agent becomes your secret weapon).
• Keep the peace when Sally wants Paris, but Dave’s set on Bali.

Sure, it’s a bit of work, but think of it like this: you’re basically earning those sweet travel perks, and everyone will worship you when it all comes together.

You’re the Beyoncé of the holiday.

Step 2: Pick Your Crew

Not sure who to travel with? Let’s brainstorm:

• Your family (great for reunions and guilt-free bonding).
• Your book club (because discussing Pride and Prejudice over wine in Tuscany is next level).
• Your sports team (just don’t make them do anything involving Lycra).
• Your workmates (perfect for proving Karen really can have fun).
• Or, my personal favourite, create your own travel squad and recruit anyone who loves adventure and snacks.

Pro tip: The people you travel with can make or break the trip, so perhaps skip that aunty’s friend’s cousin’s brother from the BBQ who didn’t like pineapple on his pizza!

Step 3: Destination Wars: Keep It Civil

Ask 10 people where they want to go, and you’ll get at least 15 answers.

“Paris!” “No, Bali!” “Let’s do a road trip!” Cue the chaos.

Here’s how to keep it under control:

• Pick a theme (relaxation, adventure, foodie heaven, whatever suits your crew).
• Narrow it down to two destinations that suit your theme.
• Get everyone to rank their top picks – it’s like Eurovision but with fewer sequins.

Step 4: Keep the Vibe Consistent

Themes aren’t just for kids’ birthday parties – they’re also the secret sauce to planning a successful group trip.

• Is this a “sit by the pool and sip cocktails” holiday?
• A high-energy “let’s climb mountains and kayak rivers” adventure? or;
• A “spend hours in art galleries pretending to understand modern art” kind of trip?

Having a theme helps you plan activities and pick destinations that everyone will love (or at least tolerate).

Step 5: Deadlines Are Your Best Friend

Here’s the thing about group travel: without deadlines, it’s chaos.

Start planning about a year in advance and set firm deadlines for payments. None of this “Oh, I’ll transfer it next week” business—this is your hard-earned holiday we’re talking about!

Better yet, let your travel agent handle the nitty-gritty, chasing down payments and sorting out those awkward “you’re short $11.23” situations so you don’t have to.

Pro tip: Create a private Facebook group or WhatsApp chat to keep everyone informed and excited. Share updates and memes to keep the mood light.

Step 6: Know Your Perks (and Read the Fine Print)

One of the biggest perks of group travel? Freebies.

Many hotels and tour operators offer group leaders free rooms, upgrades, or discounts if they meet minimum numbers!

But here’s the kicker: you’ve got to read the fine print. Some offers have more strings attached.

If anything’s unclear, don’t be shy – ask questions. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re sipping champagne in your complimentary upgraded suite.

Step 7: Prepare for Drama (Because It’s Coming)

No matter how well you plan, someone will cancel, forget their passport, or complain about the itinerary. It’s just group travel law.

To save your sanity:

• Remind your group that dropping out doesn’t just affect them – it can throw the whole trip off. One less room booked? Say goodbye to that free upgrade or group discount! So, unless they want to be “that person” everyone side-eyes for the rest of the trip, make sure they know commitment is key.
• Be upfront about what’s included in the price and what isn’t.
• Keep the communication flowing – overshare, if anything. Confusion is the enemy.

Let’s Make Your Group Travel Dreams a Reality

Still feeling overwhelmed?

Don’t stress – your Connected Travel Agent extraordinaire will help you plan the ultimate group trip, handle all the nitty-gritty details, and make sure you get those leader perks you deserve.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get the squad together and start planning a trip you’ll all talk about for years (in the best way).

Send us a message via our contact form, and we’ll be in touch!