It’s 8:33pm and a notification pops into your phone. You have been added to Japan Trip group trip with your friends. You are excited that the first step has been made. But after weeks of sending travel-related links and screenshots, the group gradually becomes quiet and another trip doesn’t make it out of the group chat. 

Unfortunately, talking about it and sending links does not guarantee your trip to your destination. Conflicting work schedules, living in different cities or countries, and other complications of adulthood can make it difficult to take a group trip.

Getting a trip out of the group chat to a destination can be a task but it doesn’t have to be. If you are reading this blog post, you are tired of archiving those groups and you are ready to travel with your friends. 

Why you should travel with your friends

Traveling in a group is a way to create lasting memories, capture those priceless moments without having awkward conversations and deepening your friendships. Beyond having fun and creating memories with your friends, group traveling is a great way to see the world on a budget; you can split costs like accommodation, food, and transportation or get group discounts. Plus, if you are out of your comfort zone in a new country, you are more likely to visit new places, try new foods and experiences you might not have considered on your own. 

Your roadmap to getting the trip out of the group chat

Decide the people to go with

One of the things you need to do for a successful group trip is deciding the people you want to go with. Don’t prioritize having a large group of people on the trip. While traveling with your friends is fun, you need to make sure that the friends you are inviting for the trip are genuinely enthusiastic about the destination and have compatible travel styles. In every friend group, there are different personalities and interests in different activities. Some friends may be more interested in countries where they can lay on the beach while others are adventure junkies. 

Also, consider everyone’s social interaction styles and have a healthy balance of the different styles – introvert, extrovert and ambivert- for a trip that everyone will enjoy. You should also consider their interactions with each other; if you have friends that constantly clash, it may not be best to invite them to spend a few days together.

Discuss destinations 

After choosing the friends you want to go on a trip with, research potential destinations together. Instead of choosing a random location, consider a travel theme that resonates with the group. For example, if the theme is adventure, then consider a destination where you can zipline, kayak and other heart-racing adventure activities. Themed trips can cater to specific interests and create a more cohesive experience.

Research lesser-known regions or hidden gems within a familiar country.  This can lead to more authentic experiences, cultural immersion, and the thrill of discovery. 

Another important aspect of destinations to research is the season you want to go. Research festivals, cultural events, and weather for different destinations can help tailor the trip to your group’s preferences.

When discussing destinations, consider factors like:

• Budget: Can everyone afford a beach getaway in Bali, or is a closer, more affordable road trip a better fit?
• Travel Time: Is it possible for everyone to take long flights or or is a shorter flight distance a priority?
• Interests: Does everyone want to explore bustling cities, unwind on pristine beaches, or walk through stunning landscapes? Look for destinations with a mix of activities to cater to diverse preferences.

Our destinations page is a good place to start; we broke down each destination into when to go, bucket list experiences, how to get around, budget expectations, paired countries, visa and entry requirements, things to know, and where to stay.

Budget as a group

Have an upfront conversation about everyone’s financial contributions to the group trip. This includes flights, accommodation, activities, and even spending money. Transparency and honest conversations about the budget from the start helps avoid financial strain. Create a shared spreadsheet or use budgeting apps designed for group trips to allow you visualize overall costs, individual contributions, and potential areas for saving. Many tours, activities, and even transportation options offer group discounts. The larger your group, the more you might be able to save. 

Another thing to consider is to be flexible with travel dates and destinations. Consider shoulder seasons (between peak and off-season) for potentially lower travel costs. While budgeting it is important to build in a buffer in your budget for unforeseen circumstances to avoid financial stress if unexpected costs arise.

Book your flight 

Booking flights is one of the most important first steps in securing your dream group trip. To snag the best deals and ensure everyone travels together, be open to adjusting travel dates by a few days or even exploring alternative airports if they offer significant cost savings. You can also utilize flight comparison websites to find the best fares and consider budget airlines, especially for shorter journeys. Book flights well in advance, particularly if traveling during peak season or with a large group. Once you’ve found the perfect flight, communicate clearly with your group and secure everyone’s confirmation before booking to avoid any last-minute hiccups. 

Set a realistic timeline 

Pick a travel timeframe with enough time for people to save, request time off work, and make arrangements if they have kids or pets to take care of. Another important thing is to research visa application times for your chosen destination. Some countries require applications months in advance, while others can be obtained upon arrival.  Factor this processing time into your overall timeline. The more people involved, the more time you may need to coordinate schedules. Aim to finalize a timeframe at least 6-8 months in advance, especially for international travel.

Choose a suitable accommodation

Your group’s accommodation is an important factor to consider during your trip and can help shape your experience. It can serve as a home base to relax and connect with your friends. It is more than just a place to sleep. The key is to choose unique options that enhance the group experience.  Do you want to book traditional homes in the country like a riad in Morocco for cultural immersion; hostels to provide more space for group activities and saves costs; Airbnbs with lots of rooms for everyone to have their privacy but still be under one roof; hotels with breakfasts and luxurious spa experiences?  Discussing these preferences openly allows you to find a place for your shared travel adventure.  

Plan activities for everyone 

Not everyone enjoys the same things. Discuss individual preferences and try to incorporate activities that appeal to everyone’s interests for a balance and well-rounded experience for everyone. Make sure that not all the activities require high energy so everyone can recharge. You can incorporate group activities that everyone can try for the first time like riding a hot air balloon. It is also important that not every activity is planned to a T, you should allow for flexibility  in your itinerary for spontaneous discoveries or unexpected opportunities.

Look for affordable transportation options

Your budget can impact getting from point A to point B during your trip. You can consider public and shared transportation options like trains, buses, and ride-sharing options, especially if you have a budget.

Appoint a planner 

Now that you have decided the people to go with, the next step is to appoint a planner that will oversee all the trip details. With multiple voices and preferences, making decisions isn’t always easy and makes sure that everyone is on the same page.

It’s okay to split up

Even though it’s a group trip, it is okay to split up, you don’t have to do all the activities together. If you are on a large group trip, it’s okay to split activities into smaller groups so that everyone can enjoy the trip. You may have one group that’s happy with having luxurious spa experiences and others that want to explore the city for food. However, you should have shared activities at the end of the day like grabbing dinner together. 

Embrace Flexibility

While a solid plan is important, be prepared to adapt based on unforeseen circumstances or group needs.  Maintain open communication to adjust the itinerary as needed. But, be open to adapting to everyone’s needs and preferences.  Perhaps someone has a bucket-list experience that can be incorporated, or there might be a hidden gem or unexpected deal worth exploring.

In conclusion, this blogpost highlights how to get your trip out of the group chat so you can

How Kaijego can help take your trip out of the group chat

Let’s take the stress out of planning a group trip off your hands so everyone can enjoy the trip. Interested? Contact us through this form to get started. Alternatively, you can join one of our group trips and meet amazing people and make friends.