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The-Joy-of-Travel

Group travel 101

Why travel as a group? 

It’s an opportunity to share adventures and experiences with people with whom you can later commiserate and laugh with. 

It’s an opportunity to travel with people who have the same appreciation of interests or activities. 

It’s also an opportunity to create savings or value-added benefits to an existing departure or the chance to create a customized itinerary which highlights specific inclusions and once in a lifetime experiences.

There are a couple of ways to facilitate a group. One is the Volume Approach. Ideally, you find a pre-existing itinerary that includes all the desired inclusions and/or experiences you desire. 

Rather than re-inventing the wheel, you block many seats within a set departure. 

Group discounts or “tour conductors” can be earned for as few as eight people depending on the product booked. These savings are then distributed evenly amongst the group members. 

A variance on the Volume Approach is to re-invest the “discount” back into the group itself in the way of value-added benefits such as pre- or post stays, shipboard credits or inclusions such as culinary classes exclusive to the group members themselves.

To create a fully Customized Group departure takes a lot more time and organization. 

This avenue is not about saving money, but about creating a travel experience tailored specifically to special interests or activities. This is best applied toward land-based travel as most cruise itineraries cannot be altered to suit individual requirements. 

Imagine that Vietnam is the destination, but you want the emphasis to be on photography and culinary experiences. Working with in-destination suppliers travel organizers can create itineraries that facilitate wonderfully immersive culture exchanges and adventures. 

Unlike the Volume Approach, the customized itinerary requires commitment from a group of individuals prior to the development of the tour. Perfect approach for previously formed affiliations such as cycling groups, clubs or business organizations.

Successful group creation requires planning. It is not meant for the “last minute” traveller. Ideally you should look at opportunities six months to a year in advance to facilitate the best availability and pricing. 

Secondly, don’t try to do it yourself!  Find yourself an experienced and professional travel adviser who can connect you with reliable and trustworthy travel suppliers. 

He or she will be responsible for negotiating the pricing, the deposit requirements, creating the special inclusions and generally keeping the group on track with the payment schedules and can advise on any required visas, insurance or inoculations.

The world is your oyster to explore and experience as you choose. Travelling with a group of close friends or family is the perfect opportunity to build lasting memories to enjoy for years to come.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.

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About the Author

Joy has long been a believer in the art of travel: the belief that a vacation is something to be anticipated savored and then long remembered as one of life’s great adventures. 
Website: thejoyoftravel.ca

You can contact Joy at [email protected].



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The views expressed are strictly those of the author and not necessarily those of Castanet. Castanet does not warrant the contents.

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