Most of us only have two weeks of vacation a year. Signing up for a group travel trip during this precious chunk of time can be a gamble. Who knows WHAT characters you’ll have on tour with you. Luckily, just like counting cards, there are tricks you can learn to make group travel a success. Various personalities and different group dynamics not only keep me on my toes as tour leader, but also makes each trip unique. Here are some tips I’ve found that make group travel work.
1. Be Flexible.
We all go on tours with different expectations and goals for the trip. Especially when you travel in a group, it’s important to recognize that everyone may not share the same reasons. If you sign up for a culinary tour, everyone will probably love food. What may be surprising is some might want to know where the food comes from, while others just want to devour in delight. On a group tour all expectations will try to be met and it’s important to understand this. And who knows, you may learn something new along the way.
2. Be accepting of others.
I’ve only had one trip where two people were yelling at each other over political differences. Needless to say it doesn’t make the trip an enjoyable experience. Chances are you will share similarities with the people who signed up for the tour as well, but maybe you’re not meant to be besties. Do your best to get along with the others on the tour, focusing on what you share in common rather than what you disagree on. Recently I had a woman say to another participant on tour, “I’m a beef farmer from Indiana. You’re a vegetarian. I’m not going to let this get in between us becoming friends.” And sure enough they got along smashingly.
3. Laugh. Often.
Humor can be the best remedy to an uncomfortable or awkward situation on a group trip. It’s important to remember that you are on vacation, and to not take life too seriously. Chances are the mood can be lightened considerably with a hearty laugh at how ridiculous a situation is or a certain person is behaving. After some time on the road with the same people, you begin to notice who can take a joke and who you can poke fun at a bit. When in doubt, poke fun at your tour leader (yours truly). Trust me, they’ll be happy to take the brunt of the joke if it means a good belly laugh for the group.
On a final note, attitude and communication is key. If you’re really not getting along with someone, chances are it’ll show. Let your tour leader know. If it’s really affecting your trip, think about addressing the issue with that person. Honestly though, more often than not, you’ll create bonds with the people on the trip faster and closer than some of your friendships at home. This is due to the circumstances of you both coming together. If you develop a go with the flow attitude, you’ll enjoy yourself all the more. And hey, you ARE on vacation.
Do YOU have any tips on group travel?
Photo of man laughing courtesy of Jocelynsart.