Traveling with Your Tribe

Solo travel may be trending, but group travel continues to be a staple.  Coming off the summer vacation season, I’m sure we all have seen travel groups fill our timelines showcasing their color coordinated bathing suit pics, art-directed photo shoots, or once in a lifetime excursions.  There is something to be said about traveling with your tribe and sharing in those experiences.  

TTT talked with @cestlavlea about her experience with planning group travel.  Among her solo and family trips, over the last 5 years, she’s been planning two annual group trips for her line sisters, and her circle of “mom-friends”.    The opportunity to leave the day-to-day grind and schedules to connect with others, rejuvenate and breath; motivates her to travel with her tribe. I was excited to pick @cestlavlea brain about her tips on how to start, handling payments, and the tools she uses for informed planning.

TTT: @cestlavlea, so where do you even start? 

VM: Naturally, you start with the “where”—the destination. But, with group travel, you’ll want to think about where others might want to go; remove yourself and consider others.  Think back to conversations you’ve had with the group for indications on where the group may be interested in traveling to. 

Next, accommodations...hotel stay or vacation rental?  I prefer vacation rentals and VBRO.com is my go-to. Vacation rentals tend to offer a lower price point. And, it allows space for folks to gather and connect.  In a text message world, I’ve seen where safe spaces are created and the women share and converse, organically which is important for the experience.  

When considering things to do for groups, make sure there is enough around for the group to enjoy.  Not everyone likes the same things.

TTT: Thinking about your best trip, what went well? 

VM: I’ve found that the best experience happens when people are out of their comfort zone.  For example, one trip I planned was a trip to Breckenridge, CO and we stayed in lodge accommodations where foxes were meandering at our front door.   Most on the trip hadn’t experienced this type of environment before—it was something new!

TOP: BRECKINRIDGE,CO | BOTTOM: charlottesville, va

TTT: What lessons have you learned in planning group trips?

VM: Bedroom and bathroom scenarios can be tricky.  Word of advice, ensure you have bed and bath assignments finalized BEFORE you arrive at the destination.  The whole “we’ll decide when we get there” is hard; particularly if the bedrooms and bathrooms aren’t equal.  People have to know where they will sleep and who they are rooming with. I prefer to have that settled before we depart.

TTT:  The piece that can make people most nervous about group travel is the money—who fronts the costs and timing of payment.  And, what about those that don’t pay their share? How have you handled the $?

VM: I’ve always gone into these trips with eyes wide open.  If I’m planning a trip, I’m prepared to front the costs. I set clear timelines, and then, I track payments and try to be disciplined about paying my credit card as money comes in.  Remember to hold people accountable for their share.  

The other thing I try to do is make it a benefit for me.  So, if I’m the one absorbing the financial risk, I may use a credit card that earns points, cash back, etc.  I suggest laying the plan out up front and then people can decide how they will pay for it. Also, I really protect the profile of the group.  I have planned for people I know, so I’m pretty comfortable that all will work out. So far, so good!  

If you prefer a hotel or all-inclusive option think about sites like vactionexpress.com (@vacationexpress).  This vendor supports group travel allowing travelers to reserve hotel blocks, personalized booking pages/codes, and allows for individualized bookings so people can pay at their own pace.

2018 moms trip in the bahamas

TTT: What other tools do you use?

VM: I mentioned vacationexpress.com, and VBRO.  I also rely heavily on the reviews. I use TripAdvisor all the time.  I appreciate the perspectives from the traveler. And, Google maps is helpful using the “near-by” function to locate group activities. 

TTT: What final thoughts do you have to share with our TTT community?

• VM: Don’t go into group travel looking for what’s wrong.  If you do that, you’re looking for disappointment

• Consider leaving a unique token or gift for your attendees to commemorate the trip

•  My personal travel mantra is “LIVE – it’s a verb!”  

 Big Thank you to Vallyn (@cestlavlea) for sharing her tips!!!

The summer travel season has come to a close, with the holiday travel season upon us, winter ski trips ahead, and preparing for tribe travel in 2020, where are you planning to go?