There are five things I’d like to share when traveling with a big group. I normally travel with a group of 4 or 5. I consider a group big when it consists of eight (8) or more people.

Recently, I traveled to Bali with close friends. We were eight in the group. And as usual, I was the one planning the trip. I booked the tickets, reserved the villas, created the itinerary and arranged the transportation services.

When traveling with a big group…

#1 Stretch your patience

Easier said than done, yeah? But if you’ve decided to travel with a big group, you really have to stretch your patience or at least try…if you want to save the friendship! Ha!

#2 Book everything or nothing at all

Would you be able to sleep at night knowing that you don’t know where to go tomorrow? If yes, then choose the latter.

I personally don’t like wasting time when I’m traveling so I see to it that everything’s in order. And by wasting time, I don’t mean that I don’t like to bum at the beach because I love to do just that. I just don’t like spending so much time figuring out where to go or what to ride.

In some cases where public transportation is available, then I’d easily choose to commute. But, let’s say, in Bali, they don’t have trains and buses are minimal to none. I’d rather have a driver in my contact list than figuring out where to find one and ending up splurging or spending more.

But if you have the luxury of time (and money), then it’s okay if you have not booked or reserved anything yet. You can just wing it, right?

#3 Itinerary

One of my travel essentials includes a well-thought-out itinerary. I divide and group spots in zones for easier reference. Also, it saves travel time. But having an itinerary isn’t always necessary. I don’t mind not following one as long as I’m having a great time. An itinerary, for me, is just a guide. When you want to go somewhere else, you don’t have to keep on searching on the internet because you already have a list. And that driver on your contact list? It will come in handy!

#4 Pot Money

Is that how you call it? The pot money started when I traveled with this particular group of friends. We made a common fund for paying fares so we don’t have to keep dividing and shelling out money. It’s easier that way!

#5 Time is of the essence, NOT

Unless you booked a joiner tour with a travel agency, you will never be on time when traveling with a group. Somehow, someone will always be late, even if you’ve set an alarm or a reminder. Even when everyone’s already awake, someone will take too long taking a bath, changing clothes, wearing makeup, or tying his shoes…

You will be late. You will be annoyed. You will get anxious. AND THAT’S OKAY. For as long as at the end of the day, everyone will have the best times of their lives!

So would you travel with a group again?… It depends… *wink*

Feel free to leave comments or message via e-mail if you have any questions. If you like this article and want to see or know more about my #goSeoulo trip, or other trips and tips, follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

xo,