The more the merrier...

As the saying goes, the more the merrier, so why not travel with a group of your friends, family or acquaintances with similar interests (like food, wine, dogs or hiking).  

More and more people are choosing to travel with friends and family because it accomplishes two things at once---vacation and spending time with people you like.  Families and friends are often geographically separated, so instead of all coming to grandma's house for a visit, why not visit France or Jamaica or California??  There are less distractions and when planned well (by an agent like me!), there is something for everyone to keep busy and happy.  

People are also more invested in their hobbies and interests than ever before and there are offerings in travel to help you meet or travel with other like minded people. Scrapbookers decide on a resort and use the week to create with new friends---in a location that leads to more amazing memories.   A wine appreciation group may choose to apply the skills they have learned on a journey through Napa or Bordeaux.  A faith based group may plan a trip to visit religious or spiritual locations. There are a million different opportunities!

Another example of this kind of group travel is where the people traveling together all love to travel and believe in an amazing cause (animal rescue, a local school PTA, preventing a disease).  We plan a trip everyone will love and a portion of the trip costs are donated to a charity the travelers choose.  I also donate to the charity as a thank you for using me as your agent.  We can plan trips with a service component included (volunteering at a food pantry or bringing supplies to a local school) or a trip that is all fun and relaxation---whatever works best for your group.   Organizations may choose to work with me to plan a trip and then advertise the trip or a group of travelers may approach me with ideas and we can work with a charity to be the benefactor of the trip.  The sky is the limit!

One of the original forms of group travel was the destination wedding.  Weddings are still a big reason people plan group travel, but now people are using travel to celebrate other events as well like birthdays, anniversaries, and graduations.  Celebrating in a new place can make the event more memorable. 

So, how does this all work??

-Let's start with a conversation so I can get an idea of what you have in mind.  It is ok to not know the details--I'm happy to offer suggestions.  

-Many travel companies (think resorts, cruises, airlines), offer group promotions.  This can be a % off, a free room when X number of rooms are booked, added amenities, or things like a free wedding ceremony or cocktail party.  I work with the suppliers to get you the best offer possible.

-I handle all of the logistics of the travel---we communicate on the components of the trip and I coordinate payment and booking with each traveler or the group lead (whatever works best for you).  The trip is customized to your needs (like all the travel I plan). 

-I'm here to answer questions and provide support from booking to the end of travel.  I'm here to help.   

Have I planted some ideas in your head??   I hope so :)  I offer a referral bonus for new groups, so spread the word and make sure to have the person mention your name when they get in touch.