Group Travel: Disaster or Delight?
Group trips are touch and go; they can either be seamless and unforgettable or highly stressful ordeals that make you want to pull your hair out and desperately crave a holiday to recover from your ‘holiday’!
How to ensure harmonious group travel:
Location: There needs to be basic consensus on the choice of destination. Share ideas, discuss alternatives and arrive at a decision bearing in mind the preferences of all members of the group. Everyone needs to be invested and looking forward to it in order to have a good time.
Mode of travel: Ensure all members of the group are comfortable with the mode of travel. There may be budgetary or time restrictions, allergies or car sickness – always aim to make informed decisions.
Budget: Budget has implications on every aspect of the holiday – choice of lodging, dining, mode of transport and activities, among others. If some group members are on a tight budget while others freely spend, it puts an unnecessary (and avoidable) strain on group dynamics. Have a frank conversation about what each person’s budgetary expectations are, find common ground and plan accordingly.
A priceless tip for stress-free finances: the kitty system: Luckily, I inherited from my globe-trotter mother, a foolproof system for handling finances while on group trips. We call it ‘Kitty – The Savior of Sanity’. One person is in charge of ‘the kitty’ (basically, a common purse) and all members put an equal amount of money into the kitty, e.g., Rs.1,000 on Day 1. All group expenses are paid for from the kitty so nobody ever has to worry about paying bills, or long-winded calculations. When the kitty runs out, simply repeat the process by putting in the exact same amount. It is important that the person in charge of the kitty maintains a written account of inflow/outflow so that there is a basic frame of reference in case of conflict or confusion. Further, use the kitty only for common expenses such as meals, local transport or lodging, not for alcohol, cigarettes or other such varying personal expenses like buying gifts.
Solo time: Affording each other ‘solo time’ and privacy is essential to striking that balance when travelling in a group. Let go of the idea that the group HAS TO function as a single unit and do everything It is okay to take time out for yourself. Make sure you create this open and positive environment so your co-traveler can do the same.
Group energy: Traveling in groups is an entire production all by itself. Always bring a positive vibe to the collective energy, go out of your way to ensure a co-traveler is comfortable especially if you notice unusual moods or behavior. Be patient and tolerant.