Do you have a group of people you love to travel with? Whether family and friends, a club or organization, business or any other group who has an affinity for each other and travel, you are better served by working together in your travel plans.
If your group of travel companions each book separately, you are missing out on some serious buying power. By combining your travel plans, you can get better price and amenities.
What is a group?
Usually it’s more than 16 people traveling together. Such as:
- Class reunion
- Destination wedding
- Seminar for your industry’s training
- Family reunion
- Bachelor/Bachelorette parties
- Photography club
- Fundraising
- Fishing buddy expedition
- Yoga or wellness organization (retreats for spa/meditation)
- Food/drink aficionados (wine or spirit tastings/culinary experiences)
- History buffs (explore ancient ruins or locations of historical importance)
- Adventure-seekers (onboard activities or excursions that offer ziplining, rafting, diving, etc)
- Appreciation/incentive trips (for employees or volunteers for your business or organization)
- Sports teams/social clubs
- Music groups
Why a professional travel agent then??
There are a lot of moving parts when booking group travel. Your travel agent will not only find the best value for your money, they will also secure deposits for each member to get you booked, send reminders for deadlines and travel to-do’s, set up a Facebook or web page specifically for your group to communicate, and provide information on your destination and excursions.
Why groups and not just individual travel plans?
As stated before, there is power in numbers and rates are better for larger booking parties. On top of good rates, groups traveling together can often score some benefits like cocktail parties, shipboard or resort credits, or free gifts. If you are cruising and opt to stay at a hotel near the port the night before embarkation, a group package can provide negotiation opportunities with some hotels for meeting space, shuttle transfers to the port and other valued amenities. 
Take me to your leader!
Group leaders are the initial point of contact between your travel agent and those traveling. Once the travel itinerary is set, your travel agent will set up a Facebook and/or web page to explain the trip to potential travel companions. Each individual traveler will then be responsible for making the deposits and payment arrangements through your travel agent.
Your group’s leader will also work with your travel agent to set up any spaces needed for your get-together. This may include hospitality suites, class rooms, performance/presentation locations and equipment, any private group dining or excursions. Your travel agent will then work with the cruise line or resort to make sure your celebration, seminar or retreat runs smoothly.
If you are interested about the thought of group travel but the idea of organizing it sounds daunting, let your travel professional handle all the details. By being a leader, you can possibly get additional benefits for yourself or your group. Call Journey Scapes Travel at 503-558-4418 further information. You can also email info@journeyscapestravel.com or fill out our online Group Travel Worksheet and we’ll get back to you about your travel needs.
