A love for travel is one thing; a love for traveling in a group, though, is a completely separate beast. Whether you’re traveling with a tour group or a large party, you’ll find that group travel requires mastering the art of balancing different personalities, travel styles, likes and dislikes without compromising your travel needs and wants. Here are five tips to help you survive group travel.
Be social
If you’re going to survive traveling with a group, you’re going to have to make an effort to actually socialize with your co-travelers. Make an effort to meet others in your group and make small talk. This will help you find common interests and make friends with others in your group, an essential for surviving group travel.
Communicate
Communication is key for group travelers. Don’t be afraid to speak up, but remember to listen more than you speak. You have a right to have your travel needs and desires heard, but be careful not to make demands – after all, everyone else in the group has their own needs and desires, too. Even though communicating with your group-mates may be difficult at times, remember to always be respectful.
Be flexible
When it comes to traveling, it’s a general rule that things are not always going to go as planned or how you’d like them to go. This is even more true when you’re traveling with a group. Compromises will have to be made, and the quicker you can learn to let go, the better time you’ll have during your trip.
Split into smaller groups
The entire group doesn’t have to stay glued at the hip for the entire trip. If some in your group really want to check out the city’s ancient architecture while others would rather hit the shopping streets, split up into small groups based on mutual interests. This helps everyone get their own travel needs met without compromising to someone else’s desires.
Fly solo
Staying with the group 24/7 can take a toll on your sanity, so make time to break away from the group now and then for a bit of regrouping. If you’re traveling with a large party, spend a few hours doing your own thing, such as visiting a local landmark or attraction. If you’re with a tour group, you can still find time to recharge by checking out a nearby restaurant or spending down time in the itinerary by yourself.
What are your best tips for surviving group travel? Let us know in the comments!
(Main image: sskennel)
