The best things in life are shared, so they say. But if you’ve ever shared a group holiday, you know that’s not always true. Yet there is a way to go on holiday with a group of friends and come back still on speaking terms. Here are some tips.
Decide on the basics
“Let’s go on a trip!” Easier said than done. What with busy lifestyles and schedules, it can be difficult to get everyone in the group to lock down a date – and this is why most group travel plans fail to take off.
Before you even begin planning the itinerary, make sure to cover the basics – namely when, and where you’d like to go. Knowing these details will allow you to book flights and accommodation in advance, which also helps to save on money.
Malaysians are blessed with plenty of public holidays, so you might want to plan your trips over a long weekend, or throw in a couple of annual leave days for a longer getaway.
Designate a leader
As with any group, you’ll want to appoint a leader – someone who will act as the go-to point for everyone else. He or she should be well-informed of the entire planning process, and will know what needs to be done next. The leader does not have to be in charge of everything: tasks can be delegated to members. For example, a member can be responsible for transportation, another for food – as long as everyone works collectively to achieve the goal.
Brainstorm the itinerary
Now comes the challenging part. Depending on your group’s interest, you will have to come up with an itinerary of key attractions or places to visit, and how to get there. The planning process today is much easier, as there are apps such as Whatsapp, even if members of the group are not physically present for a meeting. Details such as transport, accommodation and costs will need to be worked out.
When planning the itinerary, it is important to consider what each member’s interests are, so that nobody feels left out on the trip. If everyone likes museums, then all the better for the group, but don’t be afraid to split up if there is something you’d really like to see or experience at a destination – it is still your holiday, after all.
Agree on a budget
Budget plays a big part in any trip, and should be agreed upon before departing to avoid disagreements during the trip. Some of your friends might not mind crashing at a backpacker’s pad, but others might prefer their creature comforts, such as a private shower. Again, having a detailed itinerary and cost breakdown will avoid unnecessary spending, whilst still meeting everyone’s expectations.