We all know there’s always that one person in every friend group who immediately turns into the planner when a trip idea is suggested. If that’s you, just know we love you! Trust us when we say, you’re the glue that binds us all together. You take our crazy, mixed-up ideas and create a flawless trip we’ll always remember. What would we do without you?
But, if you’re like some of us that are stepping into our ‘trip-planner’ role for the first time, we’re sharing the tea on what we’ve found out. We’re not going to sugar-coat it, it’s a task, but it can also be so fun. You’re now kind of like the unofficial parent of your friend group. Let’s dive into the details of how to put the perfect group trip itinerary together.
First things first. As we create an itinerary, remember that this trip isn’t just about you. We’re all a mixed bag of nuts. We’ll have to consider our friend group and each of their likes, dislikes, travel quirks and everything in between. We’d definitely need a new group chat dedicated to this. Start discussing and make notes. Be open to ideas; we believe that’s the best way to come up with an itinerary that will keep everyone interested.
One word – purpose! The ‘why’ behind the trip is an important point. Are we traveling to unwind? Do we want an adventurous trip, or are we out to immerse ourselves in some unique culture? Understanding the ‘why’ is going to be our first step towards sketching the perfect itinerary.
This next part might sound a bit boring but trust us, it’s important – the budget. Yes, this is where the group gets more quiet and there are more delayed responses on the group chat. But an agreed-upon budget can save us from the red after-trip bank statement.
So, we’d need to work out the average spending capacity of the group, taking into account accommodation, transport, meals, sightseeing, and impulses!
After settling the budget, it’s time to choose a destination (the fun part). The destination should resonate with everyone in the group, the vibe of the trip, and be within our budget range. Easier said than done, we know it!
Next comes the time to sketch out the journey – day by day, event by event. We’ll have to juggle between resting periods, adventures, cultural explorations, and other exciting things. We want to try not to overcrowd the itinerary just so everyone has some downtime and the space to do their own thing on trips.
Finally, we’ll double check all the plans. Iron out any possible mistakes and be ready with backup plans because such is life. On the actual trip, keep the itinerary flexible. Embrace last-minute changes, let’s not be rigid, and have an open mind to spontaneous plans.
Being the planner may seem like a big task, but trust us when we say, the appreciative hugs, excited laughs, and unforgettable memories you’ll get in return are more than worth it!
Share this post with the planner of the group and show them some love! They deserve it.
