I read a poem on Guy Kawasaki's blog that caught my attention. The theme was our dispensible nature in life. Sad, but often true, when it comes to the functions/roles we play in a companies, organizations, and the like.
But it got me thinking. Thank God for friends and family. Without them, would we all be dispensible? True, for every job there is likely at least one other person who could do it as well if not better. True, the world will still spin without us. Life does go on.
However, with friends and family, we are an indispensible part of their lives, and vice versa. While the poem was meant to stymie swelled egos and praise humility (a good lesson), there is no better way (in my humble opinion) to foster a healthy ego, build a balanced sense of self, and have fun while at it, than by spending quality time with family or friends.
Today, while walking to lunch, I saw a TV crew interviewing folks and filming their "life lessons" on camera. I didn't stop to give mine; but if I did, I'd likely say something about stopping to smell the proverbial roses and hugging those you love more often.
Whatever does this have to do with group travel? Family. Friends. Spending quality time with each other. You connect the dots.
Permalink 🔗
Update: Generations Touring Company is no longer operating, but there are many travel companies that offer tours tailored for multi-generational family groups. For example, Tauck, Abercrombie & Kent, and Butterfield & Robinson all offer multi-generational group tour options.
-
Tauck's multi-generational tours, known as Tauck Bridges, are designed to provide enriching and fun experiences for family members of all ages. They offer a variety of destinations and themes, from safaris to European river cruises, ensuring activities that are enjoyable for both children and adults. These tours are tailored to facilitate family bonding and create lifelong memories through unique, culturally immersive experiences​​.
-
Abercrombie & Kent specializes in luxury family vacations that combine adventure and cultural exploration. Their family journeys include both small group and private travel options, offering tailor-made experiences in destinations like Africa, Antarctica, and Italy. These trips are designed to bring families closer together through inspiring experiences in new places, with a focus on creating unforgettable moments for every family member​​.
-
Butterfield & Robinson emphasizes stress-free family travel with a blend of action and relaxation. Their family-oriented trips are crafted by parents and are tested to ensure they meet the needs of both children and adults. Offering a variety of journeys that include biking, walking, and multi-activity adventures, Butterfield & Robinson aims to provide a memorable and rejuvenating vacation experience for the whole family
By Tom Easthope, guest blogger
Every family has a "golden age" where the elders have the resources, time, and need to connect. Children are old enough to appreciate the experience and able to travel without hassle. Traveling together with grandparents, adults, and children provides the opportunity to separate from daily routine and form a more meaningful bond with extended family members.
When evaluating different options for intergenerational travel, here are several factors to consider:
-
Choice - Does the travel adventure or tour provide enough choice for you to find the experience that best matches your interests and abilities? For family tours this could mean grouping opportunities by age ranges of children which allow kids to more easily form bonds with each other.
-
Fun Factor - Many kids work very hard during the school year. A successful family travel experience should include entertaining activities with a high fun factor for the kids.
-
Experiences that Teach - Learning new things enriches the mind and is a significant value for adult travelers. Is there an educational program integrated into the itinerary?
-
Responsible Tourism - Does the tour practice a responsible tourism philosophy? Are the natural and cultural environments you visit treated with respect to sustain them for future generations?
-
Family Orientation - Will your family travel experience allow you time to bond as family? This could range from meal times to free time for sightseeing and exploration, two prime bonding times.
-
Value - What is included in the package or tour? Are there hidden costs such as escort and driver gratuities or "optional" admissions to attractions? Are discounts available?
-
Financial Security - Are your prepayments put in a trust or escrow account? Does the company belong to a tour protection insurance plan? This can be important as many intergenerational family trips are planned months in advance and often the major vacation for the year.
Today, numerous companies are jumping into the family travel arena. Unfortunately, this creates additional confusion for those trying to determine the best match for their family. As the travel industry continues to evolve, niche companies like Generations Touring Company will emerge to address and specialize in specific types of family travel. Research and plan ahead to find a tour or travel mode that best suits the generations in your family.
Tom Easthope is a travel industry veteran, successful entrepreneur, and founder of Generations Touring Company, offering small-group travel experiences for families and their generations – kids, adults, grandparents.
Permalink 🔗
When getting together on a spa trip with your friends for a bachelorette (or bachelor) party, birthday, or other getaway, you'll want to make sure the group is aware of some basic spa etiquette.
Nothing is more certain when a group of good friends gets together (at least with my friends) than lively conversation and side-splitting laughter. But spas offer a place of tranquility, and sometimes we all need a gentle reminder that other guests are also paying for that peaceful away-from-reality setting.
Here are a few etiquette tips (so your group is welcome at the spa next year):
Group Appointments: If you're heading to resort, schedule your stays and spa treatments several months in advance to ensure your group has enough room, can secure rooms next to each other, and can schedule appointments together (steam room, wellness classes, etc.). Scheduling massages and other treatments simultaneously or around the same time allows you to go into the pools, steam rooms and ante rooms ahead of time together.
By scheduling appointments in sync or timed closely together, you can plan other activities before and after the spa service time. That way the whole group can continue to enjoy the trip together. You can set each day's agenda for the group loosely based around spa appointments.
Quiet Times: When entering treatment areas and rooms, you'll get the most out of the experience (and so will others) if you stay quiet. Breathe deeply, absorb the relaxing air to its fullest, bring a good book for down times, and save the chit-chat with friends for meals (a time when others at the spa are likely to be more social), drinks out at a local restaurant or bars, on hikes or while doing activities outside of the spa, or create a happy hour haven for the gang in your room.
Tipping: If you're organizing a group for a spa vacation, don't assume everyone has the same tipping policy in mind. While individuals can pay for individual massage or other appointments (and tip accordingly), you may want to remind the group before the trip to tip therapists (or if you as a planner are collecting money, be sure to collect enough to cover a 15-20% tip). While individuals can vary their tipping amount depending on service quality, when in a group, it seems especially polite to tip at least 15%. Here are the Spa Industry Association's recommendations for tipping.
Nudity: Be sure to check with the spa for their general policy and ambience on nudity to prepare the group. Most likely there will be varying levels of comfort and familiarity about spa services within your group. Some destination spas or resorts offer services where you and others may be partially or fully nude, such as steam rooms, mud bath areas, etc. Phone the spa before scheduling appointments for the group so you can communicate clearly and set expectations, and the whole group can relax in their own comfort zone by choosing whichever spa services they prefer.
Read more helpful hints for group spa travel.
Permalink 🔗
Whether your group travel plans take you on a getaway weekend with friends to a luxurious destination spa, spa appointments while golfing with the guys, or a visit to a day spa for a bachelorette party, spa etiquette is paramount.
While there are no set "rules" for spa-going (other than to lie back and relax while getting the pampering you deserve!) here are some tips and hints:
1. Mixing activities: On the day of treatment, try to stay out of the sun and avoid alcoholic beverages. Also, don't schedule a physically demanding endeavor after a spa appointment. When in doubt, contact the spa to ask whether it's advisable to engage in a particular activity prior to your appointment.
2. Pets: Some animals are welcome at certain resorts (likely not at day spas) but should not be brought to the spa. Be considerate of others by keeping your pet quiet and following the spa rules.
3. Phones: Leave phones in your locker or room; or turn them off before entering the spa.
4. Perfume: Because the emphasis should be on relaxation and others may be allergic, it's best not to wear perfume to exercise classes offered at the resort or destination spa.
5. Massage Therapists & Estheticians: If you prefer either a male or female provider, but the spa fails to ask, don't hesitate to let your choice be known. Also, if you have enjoyed the services of a particular individual on a prior visit, feel free to request that person.
6. Punctuality: Arrive on time or early. If you are late, your treatment time will need to be shortened since the treatment room (and provider) is generally booked after your session. After a treatment, it's customary to vacate the room within five or ten minutes. However, you are free to spend additional time unwinding in the day spa's relaxation or waiting rooms.
7. Socializing: Meals can often be arranged and, in general, a sense of community is encouraged in a destination spa. Feel free to engage fellow spa goers in conversation, though try to stay away from stressful topics: Guests generally use spa visits as an opportunity to get away from the pressures of everyday life. If, on the other hand, you choose to maintain privacy, that can also be arranged. Though it is easy to form cliques in such surroundings, be considerate of engaging others as getting to know many of your fellow spa-goers is part of emotional wellness. Celebrity guests should be treated just like other guests and not disturbed by requests for autographs or other mementos.
8. Advance Booking: As resort and hotel spas often fill up quickly, book as far in advance as possible. Some resort/hotel spas can accommodate groups if you reserve treatments at check-in; others suggest booking prior to your arrival. Want to avoid the crowds? Try reserving a treatment during off-peak hours or during the week. If you do, you may also receive a discount. Popular spa treatment times are usually in the late afternoon and mornings.
9. Cancellation: Unexpected things do happen, and sometimes it's impossible to keep an appointment. If you must cancel, give the spa as much advance notice as possible. Be sure to ask if your money will be refunded; cancellation policies vary widely.
10. Group Discounts: Many spas offer group discounts, especially for special occasions (bridal showers or birthdays). Simply call and ask.
Permalink 🔗
Are you a woman of adventure? Love traveling to remote areas, stepping off the beaten path, but prefer the comfort of a group for safety and comaraderie?
Adventure travel has grown immensely popular, and a significant segment of this market is now focused on and led by women. Demand for tours that cater to women's interests and provide a supportive environment for female travelers has led to an amazing and growing number of options for adventurous women. Women-owned tour operators travel to destinations around the world (from Costa Rica to Tuscany and Sedona to Patagonia) where women can relax while experiencing new cultures and invigorating activities. These trips offer a unique blend of physical challenges, cultural immersion, and the camaraderie that comes from traveling with like-minded women.
Select Tour Operators Specializing in Women's Adventure Travel
These companies feature female guides and create itineraries focused on experiences that appeal to women of all ages and backgrounds:
-
Wild Women Expeditions: One of the pioneers in this segment, Wild Women Expeditions offers a wide range of trips globally, from kayaking in Canada to trekking in Nepal, emphasizing eco-friendly travel and women's empowerment.
-
AdventureWomen: Specializing in adventure tours for women over 30, AdventureWomen curates experiences that balance adventure and comfort, offering trips like hiking in the Swiss Alps or exploring the wildlife in Tanzania.
-
Explorer Chick: Known for its high-energy and supportive atmosphere, Explorer Chick offers unique adventures like rock climbing in the American Southwest and surfing retreats in Nicaragua, tailored for adventurous women.
Many of the larger, leading adventure travel companies also now offer trips tailored for groups of women. For example, REI Adventures offers several trips for women, guided by women. Energizing, inspiring and empowering—there’s nothing like an adventure with an all-woman crew.
Popular Destinations for Women's Adventure Travel
Women's adventure travel is not limited to any particular part of the world, but some destinations have become favorites due to their unique offerings, safety, and accessibility.
-
Nepal: A hotspot for trekkers, Nepal offers journeys like the Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp, where women can challenge themselves against some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes.
-
Iceland: Known for its stunning natural beauty, Iceland is popular for activities like glacier hiking, hot spring soaking, and northern lights viewing, appealing to women who seek both adventure and awe-inspiring sceneries.
-
Peru: From trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu to exploring the Amazon rainforest, Peru presents a blend of cultural and natural wonders ideal for women adventurers.
-
New Zealand: Offering everything from bungee jumping to kayaking in the fjords, New Zealand is a playground for adventure enthusiasts, with well-established infrastructure making it a safe and accessible destination for women travelers.
Looking for more travel ideas and inspiration? Go Girl Guides offers a broad set of articles about dozens of destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
All women's adventure travel tours provide more than just physical challenges and scenic vistas. They offer a space for personal growth, empowerment, and the breaking of stereotypes. The sense of community and support that comes from these all-female groups creates a unique and nurturing environment, encouraging more women to step out of their comfort zones and explore the world on their terms.
Article updated December 2023.
Permalink 🔗
The federal government recently directed all national parks to cut twenty percent from their budgets to focus on "core operations." Aren't they already underfinanced? Trimming 20% from existing tight budgets would mean potentially closing visitors' centers, cutting back on trail maintenance, habitat and species protection services, slowing maintenance of natural and historical monuments and sites, reducing staff, or other (non-core?) services. The current administration contends that volunteers and increased efficiency will pick up the slack where park rangers, staffers, or services have been in the past.
Hmm. I understand the basics of the 80/20 rule: focus on that which drive(s) 80% of the revenue (usually 20% of your time or products). However, at a time when many political issues divide Americans, wouldn't it make sense to leave our national treasures alone, especially since summer vacation is just on the horizon?
Summer is prime vacation season for thousands of school kids, families, college students, teachers, and others. Groups travel together to visit U.S. national parks because of their accessibility, natural and historical rare beauty, sunny, warm weather June through August, and outdoor activities from camping and hiking to swimming and boating and more.
Many journalists, environmental organizations, newspapers, and bloggers are writing about the national park budget woes. It's a hot topic because parks are so fundamental to the American landscape, history, and culture.
The National Parks Traveler points out a Philadelphia Inquirer editorial calling for an "end to ritual neglect" of national parks. Here's a quote:
"National Park Superintendents are running out of tricks, and visitors will eventually notice. Beyond basic services, long-term needs are ignored. Some parks cannot catalog or restore precious artifacts. Most cannot preserve habitat. Invasive species are taking over. The Park Service is putting on an inexplicable happy face."
The most endangered species in many of America's national parks today is the park ranger.
Should we place national park rangers on the endangered species list? The largest amount of protective measures possible come to a species' rescue when placed on the endangered species list. Preservation efforts immediately get underway for the species and surrounding habitat. Protective laws are comprehensive and powerful. So powerful, in fact, that they can return a species back to thriving health. If we want to maintain national parks complete with garbage service, restrooms, drinking water, maintained trails, flora, and fauna, and interpretive tours, perhaps we should get rangers listed.
Permalink 🔗
By Jim Shanklin, guest blogger
Summer through fall, America's festivals offer attractive, low-cost, weekend-long activities for groups. Here are ideas for planning summer vacations or road trips with family, friends, relatives, college classmates, and more.
Choose a festival that fits your group's interests.
America has some 50,000 festivals a year. With a little research, you'll find one in a town you want to visit, along the route you want to travel, or at the core of your personal passion. Most community festivals are free; music festivals range from free to expensive and many offer weekend camping as a part of the ticket.
Find a festival close to home.
Your own state or region can surprise you—festivals you've never heard of that are fun and often seasonal or theme-based, and within a day's drive or less. Check out your state's (or a neighboring state's) tourism bureau Web site to find a wide range of diverse local festivals.
Plan the festival weekend.
- Before you go: Throw a few items into a backpack or shoulder bag like sun block, water, sun glasses and hat; it's summer and hot. A festival day can run longer than you might think, and sometimes water is farther away than it looks. A simple first-aid kit (Band-Aids, antibacterial cream, etc.) is a smart to pack, too.
- Upon festival arrival: Set up a meeting place for the end of day. The group can wander all day through the festival, then gather at a gate, a stage or other central location at the end of the day. This makes things simpler for the "designated adult" in the group.
- While there: Look for venues to take a break. Festivals have a laid-back "attitude" and a kid-friendly venue within the festival or a beer garden can offer a place to sit, catch your breath and get ready for the next part of the busy weekend. For some people, taking breaks from group activities is a necessary way to recharge and re-group.
Jim Shanklin is founder of Festivals.com, the largest online resource for finding festivals all over the world, and EVP of Festival Media Corporation.
Permalink 🔗
Update: For current festival options, Festivals.com ofers the ability to search for festivals by proximity to your destination as well as by themes including arts, food and music.
By Jim Shanklin, guest blogger
Festivals are perfect for enjoying vacations with friends or family. You can incorporate a festival into a family or class reunion, or organize a group for a road trip around a theme (such as a music or film festival).
Here are several summer festival ideas:
Portland Rose Festival, Portland, Oregon
Two parades, a rose show, two sports car races; Oregon's biggest and oldest festival.
Chicago Blues Festival, Chicago, Illinois
The world's largest blues festival; great acts on six stages in the heart of downtown Chicago.
Texas Folklife Festival, San Antonio, Texas
Belgian, Italian, Swedish, German performances; all proud Texans! A great festival.
Huck Finn's Country and Bluegrass Jubilee, Victorville, California
Family fun and games, bluegrass performances in a small town setting.
Seafair, Seattle, Washington
A full month of neighborhood events, parades, unlimited hydro-racing and air shows.
Mammoth Lakes Jazz Jubilee, Mammoth Lakes, California
Hot and cool jazz high in the mountains.
Finger Lakes Wine Festival, Watkins Glen, New York
New York wines, food, fun at historic Watkins Glen race track.
Country Thunder USA, Twin Lakes, Wisconsin
Country music; headline performers; overnight accommodations for motor homes, camping.
Fisherman's Feast of Boston, Boston, Massachusetts
One of America's oldest festivals in downtown Boston; started by Sicilians in 1910 and still going strong annually.
Minnesota Bluegrass and Old Time Music Festival, St. Cloud, Minnesota
Bluegrass and other acoustic music in the Minnesota forest; camping, of course.
Jim Shanklin is founder of Festivals.com, the largest online resource for finding festivals all over the world, and EVP of Festival Media Corporation.
Permalink 🔗
Whether you're engaged to be married or plan to attend (or be in) a wedding soon, one great way to prep for the big day is to watch films that imitate life, summoning the flavor of organizing, planning, and producing weddings and all the mental and emotional hoopla that goes with them.
I've noticed some important wedding themes that many movies do a good job of addressing. Here they are:
1. The Graduate Wedding issue addressed: parental "involvement" gone very bad.
2. Much Ado About Nothing Wedding issues addressed: misunderstandings and fixing up friends.
3. Runaway Bride Wedding issues addressed: cold feet and Julia Robert's character's insecurities.
4. My Big, Fat, Greek Wedding Wedding issues addressed: being Greek, eating lamb, multi-cultural weddings, family melodrama... couldn't this also be Italian, Jewish and a number of other weddings?
5. A Midsummer Night's Dream Wedding issues addressed: outdoor settings and wedding fantasies.
6. My Best Friend's Wedding Wedding issues addressed: being secretly in love with the groom or bride, how hot Dermot Mulroney looks in a tuxedo and Julie Robert's character's insecurities.
Looking for other movie recommendations? Learn how to create a personalized book, movie, tv and podcast recommendations list for your next trip or group event.
Update: Thanks to Josh for suggesting "Monsoon Wedding" be added to the list. Let us know what other classics we missed?
Permalink 🔗
I worked at a national park one summer during college. It was the only travel-related "offline" job I've ever held, but it gave me insights into who visits national parks and why these American treasures remain so popular.
National parks are a magnet for group trips, be it for friends seeking adventure or families longing for a bonding experience. These vast expanses of wilderness offer an escape from the hustle of daily life and a plethora of activities suited for all ages and interests. From leisurely nature walks to exhilarating hikes, wildlife viewing, and historical tours, our national parks offer a blend of adventure, serenity and educational opportunities.
At many parks there is a range of lodging choices, from comfortable in-park hotels and historic lodges to rustic cabins and cozy bed-and-breakfasts nearby. For those seeking a more immersive outdoor experience, camping is a popular choice. Most parks provide well-equipped campgrounds, some of which can (must) be reserved in advance, while others are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Whether you prefer the comfort of a lodge or the adventure of sleeping under the stars, national parks cater to a variety of preferences and budgets, ensuring a memorable stay in the heart of nature.
The most popular times to visit national parks are typically during the summer months and holiday weekends, coinciding with school vacations and favorable weather. However, this popularity often leads to crowded trails, congested roads, and fully booked accommodations. To avoid these crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons – late spring and early fall – when the weather is still pleasant, and the parks are less crowded. Another strategy is to start the day early or explore less popular trails and areas of the park.
Visiting national parks is also generally an affordable vacation option. The cost of entry varies from park to park, with many offering family passes and annual passes that provide significant savings. Seniors can avail of the Lifetime Senior Pass, which offers access to all national parks at a nominal fee.
Additionally, the National Park Service offers several free entrance days throughout the year, making it even more accessible for families, students, and others on a budget. Keep in mind, though, that this waiver doesn't cover other fees like camping or special tours.
Whether it’s marveling at the geysers of Yellowstone, exploring the depths of the Grand Canyon, or trekking through the lush forests of the Great Smoky Mountains, national parks are a testament to the splendor of the natural world and a reminder of its importance in our lives. And, by planning around peak seasons, considering various cost-saving measures, and embracing the diverse range of activities available, these parks can offer unforgettable experiences that are both enriching and budget-friendly.
When growing up, I can remember driving through a national park with my family and (at a very young age) asking my parents, "Why are there so many trees? Where are all the buildings?" Silly me. As an adult, I find myself increasingly posing the opposite question, "Why are so many trees being replaced with buildings?" At least national parks are protected and still offer respite from the urban jungles and sprawling suburbs that many of us live in.
Article updated December 2023.
Permalink 🔗
Summer's approaching and thousands of families will go on road trips or fly to visit national parks. Groups of friends will do adventure weekends filled with hiking and backcountry camping to rejuvenate and breathe in raw earthly beauty.
Here's a sampling of national parks to whet your appetite for summer exploring:
Acadia National Park, Maine
A rugged, rocky island replete with wildlife and stunning views all around and plenty to keep the kids (or the kid in you) busy.
Arches National Park, Utah
Here, over two thousand sandstone rock formations stand proudly, boasting the world record for greatest density of natural land arches... great for planning a group hiking vacation.
Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Badlands is really a misnomer for "bad-ass lands." With 244,000 acres of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles and spires set against a backdrop of the largest, protected mixed grass prairie in the U.S., this is prime terrain for family or friend road trips (or motorcycling).
Biscayne National Park, Florida
The family or group of college pals can explore this Florida Keys underwater gem of ship wrecks (some listed as National Historic Sites) and wiggly, colorful marine life.
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
This park has wide open desert-esque spaces with stunning geological formations; ideal for hiking, backpacking, and contemplating life. Perfect for an adventure group trip.
Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska
Featuring North America's highest mountain, 20,320-foot tall Mount McKinley (reason enough to go), this park is chock-full of glaciers, wildlife, and mountaineers.
Everglades National Park, Florida
Alligators and crocodiles and flamingoes - all reasons for families to travel to Florida, take a side trip at a family reunion or others to visit the area. While much of this park suffered damage during hurricanes Katrina and Wilma, repair efforts are underway and most of the park is open.
Glacier National Park, Montana
Big sky yields big smiles with mountain peaks and ranges, glistening rivers and lakes and miles of forests. Glacier preserves over 1,000,000 acres of forests, alpine meadows, and lakes - clearly great for group hikes.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
On the Big Island of Hawaii, this park offers numerous hiking trails and campsites in its wilderness and a rare chance to get up close to some of the world's most mysterious and active volcanoes. Great day trip for destination wedding guests or spring or summer breaks.
Clearly, this is the front end of the national park ABCs, but the remaining parks are equally as enticing. Explore for yourself and find the national park that best matches your group's need or desire for activities, adventure, sights, places to stay, and budget considerations.
p.s., An alert reader pointed out the search by activity feature of the National Park Service site. This is a great way to quickly find national parks that suit your get-away plans for things like camping, boating and wildlife watching.
Permalink 🔗
A good friend of mine called to ask if I had ideas or advice for a bachelor party he is organizing for a mutual friend of ours from high school. As we talked, several ideas emerged that seemed fit to share.
1. Sports Theme: Does the groom like a particular sport? If so, you can center the bachelor party around a game/sport (baseball, football, basketball, hockey) or incorporate it into a day, weekend or evening event. Or maybe plan a tailgate bachelor party. Secure your tickets at least a month ahead of time and, depending on the event and group size, you may be able to get group rates.
2. Outdoor Enthusiast: Depending on the season and location of the party, outdoor activities (golf, skiing, fishing, white water rafting...) is a fun way to go especially if the groomsmen and other attendees don't know each other well. Consider finishing the day off with massages at a nearby day spa.
3. Bar-hopping: Nothing screams bachelor party louder than a group of guys parading from bar to bar getting progressively drunker. It's a classic that can be folded into a medley of activities or the focus of the evening. Consider hiring a limo, van or bus to shuttle the group from place to place and back to their homes or hotels at the end of the evening. The benefits far outweigh the costs and everyone should be able to pitch in.
4. Gambling: Where else but in Las Vegas (a.k.a. Sin City) is adult entertainment so readily available. Shows, concerts, alcohol anytime, gambling 'til your heart's content, and yes, strippers. The city seems built for bachelor parties. Since this trip is likely to be a weekend getaway, you can also spend a day sightseeing, golfing, etc. There are plenty of other gambling areas around the country: Atlantic City, Reno, etc. Or you could spend a day at the horse races betting on thoroughbreds.
5. The Stripper Quandary: A friend of mine quipped, "the only difference between a classy bachelor party and trashy one is the classy one has a stripper and other activities." I couldn't tell if he was joking. Some men want a stripper involved in their bachelor party, no question. Others may be up for a stripper, but not going to a strip club for hours on end. And still others might find it a bit too crass or cliché. Or they might be engaged to a woman who forbids it. Ask the bachelor how he feels about it before planning an event that could put him in an uncomfortable position. If he says, "My fiancé would kill me," he either means it (translation: don't mess with his marriage) or he's using it as an excuse to avoid a stripper altogether (translation: move on and plan another activity for his party).
6. Multiple Events: Often the groom's father, father-in-law, and others may want to join for part of the festivities. In this case, it makes sense to incorporate a dinner or other all-ages activity into the party. I've heard of a bachelor party that involved paint ball during the day with the groomsmen and dads, a fancy dinner in the evening, then groomsmen only hitting the town for the pre-nuptial bar-hopping ritual.
7. Budgets Vary: Because attendees may have a range of budgets, you might consider coming up with 3 good bachelor party options and putting it to a vote. Take into consideration what the groom wants, what the others vote for, then choose the option that best suits the greatest number of people. Likely the groom helped hand-select the invitation list and the more who can attend, the better for him and everyone else.
8. Location Considerations: Above all, if you're planning a bachelor party, ideas of your own should flow from the season and location of where the groom lives and where the wedding events will be held. Then you'll know if the event is during snow season, in the green hills, along a lake, at a beach, in a city with easy access to nightlife activities, during opening day of baseball season, around basketball play-offs... I'd advise to pick the date and location first, then plan the bachelor party around that.
Discussing bachelor parties can elicit strong and risque responses: Melissa wrote to share, "I would not let my boyfriend have one of this kind of parties..." To which Alex B. replied, "My girflfriend won't allow me to have one..." Mike B. added, "If you think your fiance will mess around then there is no trust in the relationship and it won't last..." An anonymous reader contributed this insight, "I think you missed the first crucial step: getting an idea of who will attend. Often the bachelor party is more for the people attending than it is the bachelor so you want to get an idea of what their expectations are." And, finally, another reader shared that their friend "rented a bouncy house and planned an awesome bachelor party with some interesting twists." We'll leave it at that...
Permalink 🔗
Ever planned a group gathering such as a family reunion, weekend get-away with friends, or classmate reunion and needed to cut back on costs? Or helped a friend plan a wedding and needed inexpensive activity ideas for guests? As all trip expenses are taken into consideration, it can be nice to have some budget activity options so everyone can enjoy the trip.
Here are 10 budget-friendly activities that groups can enjoy together (in no particular order):
1. Picnicking in a Local Park: A picnic in a local park is an ideal way to enjoy the outdoors without spending much. Find a scenic spot, pack a lunch, and relax or play games. It’s a great opportunity for families and friends to bond in a natural setting. Additionally, many parks offer amenities like grills, playgrounds and sports fields.
2. Hiking or Nature Walks: Explore local trails, discover hidden natural gems, and enjoy the serenity of the outdoors. It's a perfect group activity that caters to all ages and fitness levels and it's free. Don't forget to bring a camera to capture the beautiful landscapes and any wildlife you might encounter.
3. Visit Museums: Many museums offer special discount days or "pay-what-you-wish" hours. This makes for an affordable way to immerse in art, history, or science. It's a culturally enriching experience where everyone can learn something new. Plus, it's a great indoor option for rainy days.
4. Beach Day: Spending a day at the beach is a classic group activity, especially for those near the coast. You can swim, sunbathe, play beach volleyball, or just relax on the sand. Here's a great list of old fashioned fun at the beach activities.
5. Cooking Together: Cooking a meal together is not only a budget-friendly option but also a great team-building activity. Choose a recipe, shop for ingredients, and enjoy the process of creating a meal together. And you end up with a delicious meal to enjoy as a group.
6. City Walking Tours: Walking tours are a fantastic way to explore a city’s landmarks, hidden corners, and historical sites. You can join free walking tours led by knowledgeable guides or create your own itinerary. It's a great way to enjoy the local architecture, street art, and urban landscapes up close.
7. Bike and Scooter Rentals: Renting bikes or scooters is an excellent way to explore a city, especially for covering larger areas. Many cities offer bike-sharing programs or scooter rentals. Lime bikes and scooters, for example, are available in over 60 U.S. cities.
8. Board Game Night: Hosting a board game night is a fun and cost-effective way to spend an evening. It encourages teamwork, strategy, and a little friendly competition. You can rotate who brings games, making each night a new experience. It's a great way to bond and create memories, especially on chilly or rainy evenings.
8. Explore Local Farmers Markets: Farmers markets are treasure troves of local produce, foods, and unique crafts. Walking through the stalls, you can sample local specialties, purchase fresh ingredients, and interact with local farmers and artists. It's an enjoyable way to support the local economy and experience the local culture and community spirit. Find a farmer's market near you.
10. Get Out on the Water: Renting kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards offers an adventurous way to explore waterways and coastlines. It’s a chance to see cities from a different angle, enjoy the tranquility of the water, and maybe even spot some wildlife. This activity is perfect for those looking for a bit of adventure and physical activity, and it often provides a refreshing new perspective on a familiar place.
Also, if your group trip takes you to a major metro area (or you invite family and friends to visit your home town), city passes offers discounts to popular attractions in over a dozen cities. City Pass typicaly costs around $50, but offers good value on the combined cost of entrance to area attractions.
Permalink 🔗
At one point or another, haven't we all wanted six-pack abs or buns of steel? Way back in the 1980s (GenXer here), it was aerobics that took the masses to the gym. Nowadays, many people look to outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, biking, walking, running and swimming to get and stay fit. Yoga and group fitness classes like Pilates and Zumba are popular as well.
Whether it is for your health, self-esteem, or any combination of reasons, maintaining a good diet and exercise have a place in our lives; but vacations can make sticking to any regime more challenging. Especially when you're with a group of good friends, at a family reunion, on a golf trip with the guys (no way you're ordering a salad for your entree), bachelor or bachelorette party, wedding, you name it.
Special occasions like this seem ripe for indulgence. One of my aunts sticks to a dieting plan while at home, but lets herself cheat a bit on vacation, knowing she'll work extra hard when she returns. A sound philosophy. But she also cuts back more than others at our reunions since her mind frame is focused on health and diet. I admire this.
Five strategies for managing diet and exercise while traveling:
1. Plan Meals in Advance: Research restaurants and local cuisine for healthy options, and consider staying somewhere (e.g., via Airbnb or VRBO) with a kitchen to prepare some of your meals. Most restaurants post their menus online and there's even a Disney Food Blog that offers tips for healthy eating at Disney theme parks.
2. Incorporate Physical Activities: Consider walking tours and opt for walking over public transit or Uber rides to stay active. Try local sports or activities that are unique to your destination, like snorkeling or surfing at a beach or exploring an area by bike.
3. Stick to Your Routines: Use the hotel gym or pool and if there isn't an onsite option, consider packing resistance bands. Bodyweight exercises + resistance bands is a great lightweight travel option. Running is also an easy option and fun way to explore new places when you're on the road.
4. Stay Hydrated and Practice Mindful Eating: Drink plenty of water and be mindful of portion sizes, balancing indulgent meals with healthier ones. Bringing healthy snacks along with you during the day is also a good way to prevent overeating.
5. Balance and Flexibility: Accept that it’s okay to deviate from your regular routine; focus on balancing enjoyment with health. And, if you want to indulge a little, here's a fun list of the best fast food in every state. If McDonalds (or other fast food favorite) is a staple of your travel diet, you'll be happy to learn that it may be healthier to enjoy that order of fries outside the U.S. In fact, a team of researchers found that a large fries-and-chicken-nuggets combo had 0.33 grams of trans fat (the bad cholesterol that clogs arteries) in Denmark, about 3 grams in Spain, and over 10 grams in New York City.
Article updated November 2023.
Permalink 🔗
I can't think of a better way to give back to communities, society or the environment than by doing a volunteer vacation. I don't mean voluntarily taking unpaid days off (OK, those are often mental health days that we all need, but let's classify those as "personal care") but rather, vacations with a greater purpose where you volunteer for a cause while seeing the world.
Why bother? The benefits are immeasurable. You help a local community in need. You help scientists make progress. You gain insight into cultures and industries that would otherwise be hard to obtain. One of the most impressive volunteer vacations I've ever heard of was a co-worker going to Vietnam with a group to plant trees where landmines had formerly been. There are countless other ways to volunteer.
A friend of mine went on a couple of trips through Earthwatch, a non-profit that offers one-of-a-kind experiences where you do hands on field work to help sustain the environment. Hearing her stories inspired me. She went to Greece with a group of friends to preserve Greek ruins by documenting artifacts on an archaeological dig. Go her.
The idea stuck with me and I still plan to either go count butterflies in the mountains of Spain (I'm not making this up - scientists actually need this data to determine the health of a region's ecosystem) or help little baby turtles safely get to the ocean from their hatched egg on the beach (keeping animals of prey at bay).
Another friend of mine runs a non-profit that takes students to areas where social injustice has occurred to educate them on racial inequality via historical accounts by those who lived through them. Volunteers join her as escorts to help organize the group while on the road. Go them.
I volunteer for causes I believe in and donate money when I can. But I'm not surprised organizations have started soliciting volunteers to help fight noble causes on the ground or help with scientific research. And I'm not surprised that people are converting their hard-earned vacation time (and money) to improving society.
Globalization makes the world seem smaller (theoretically). And when the world shrinks, its needs become more real to us all.
Permalink 🔗
Having recently spent a weekend away with friends, I'm reminded why taking time out of my routine to see these friends is so important. We spent three days together at a friend's house in Portland for her baby shower. It was like a big slumber party. We ate, laughed, drank, and caught up on each other's lives. Such a great experience that a core group of us vowed to plan a vacation together each year to ensure we stay in touch (kids and husbands invited).
Groups are as diverse as the individuals in the group. My friend's baby shower included family members (her mom, sister, niece, grandmother), new friends (neighbors, co-workers, pals), high school friends, and the group I fell into: college friends. It was a slice of life; a family-friend combo reunion. Some of us traveled from other cities (by air, train, and car) while many lived nearby.
It didn't really matter (that much) what brought us together. It was the act of getting together that was significant. The baby shower was the icing on the cake (since there was a decadent cake served, we got our cake and ate it, too!). It was our excuse to celebrate friendships and family ties by congratulating our friend on her upcoming baby.
The weekend left me more grounded and self-assured. The whole trip put life in perspective, as only spending time with loved ones can.
The type A geek in me is excited to start planning now for our beach reunion (and I just might!). I figure, if I plan it, shouldn't I get the best room? You know, the one with the king bed and sweeping ocean view.
There's even a catchy term for groups of friends or extended family traveling together, "togethering." Yet there's no universal travel industry definition for groups. Airlines typically define a group as 10 or more people traveling on the same itinerary; hotels often define a group as 10 or more rooms (which can hold 20 or more people). Cruise ships vary, too.
At Group Trip Advisor, we believe a group is anything outside the immediate nuclear family. This may be a group of five women taking a spa vacation to Phoenix, eight guys going skiing in Colorado, or a multi-generational family reunion with 50 participants. Essentially, if there's more than one payment mechanism (i.e. two different credit cards), it is a group.
Groups redefined: The travel industry generally looks at groups as having the same airplane itinerary or block of hotel rooms. Yet if friends or family depart from different cities or at different times, even stay at different places (Jim might stay with his friend, while the rest rent rooms at various places) the travel industry doesn't count them as a group.
-
Because travelers going on the same trip may leave at different times, depart from different airports or cities, and stay at different places upon arrival, this doesn't mean they aren't a group of friends or family vacationing together.
-
Beyond blocks of hotel rooms and blocks of seats on a flight, there are many other unmet needs for groups planning trips such as tracking money owed for shared expenses, inviting people and getting RSVPs, sharing itinerary information, discussing hotel options, and other planning parts of trips.
-
Group discount myths exist. There are a number of factors that impact the availability of discounts when groups are traveling together or are staying in the same hotel. Do't assume that just getting the right size group together automatically entitles you to discounts.
Thanks to Jenny M., who wrote to share her friends group experience: "I also recently had a getaway with my girlfriends and continue to be reminded how much they mean to me. Sure there are small issues such as early risers vs. late risers, but these issues seem easily solveable. Getaways with long-time friends are better than any therapy. I am definitely planning more slumber parties with my friends!"
Permalink 🔗
Spas are my life. OK, not exactly. But if I could afford a massage daily, I'd schedule them. My favorite massage thus far was at Indian Springs Spa. The raw talent of the masseuse, the relaxed, unpretentious setting, outdoor pool, and fact that I was on a Napa Valley vacation all helped bliss me out like never before. Closer to home (in Seattle), the Zen-like spa at Salish Lodge & Spa offers tranquility amid a mountain setting. And overseas, I sampled a famous eastern European-style spa in the Czech Republic (a little more clinical than I'd expected).
Nothing's better than experiencing a spa get-away with friends. Pedicures, facials, decadent settings, cucumber eyes, laughing and relaxing all at once. Ah, that's the life!
Ready to plan a girls getaway at the spa of your choice? For inspiration, here's a very short and incomplete list of spas that offer packages for friends groups and events.
-
Canyon Ranch (Locations in AZ, CA, MA and NV) -- Canyon Ranch offers custom group packages featuring outdoor activities, fitness classes, therapeutic spa services, and more.
-
Golden Haven Hot Springs Spa & Resort (Calistoga, California) -- Golden Haven offers "Girlfriends Glow Packages". They also have treatment rooms that accommodate two, three, and even four people making the Mud Bath Experience with your friends all the more enjoyable and fun!
-
Lake Austin Spa (Austin, TX) -- Lake Austin Spa, which has been recognized as one of the top destination spa resorts in North America, offers all-inclusive group getaway packages, that build all activities and meals into a single price, making it easy for everyone to relax, unwind, and rejuvenate without any worries.
-
Rancho La Puerta (Tecate, Mexico) -- Rancho La Peurta is an all inclusive spa and resort experience that includes yoga, hiking and more. They offer suites and villas so you can stay with your friends and have more quality time together.
-
Red Mountain Resort & Spa (St. George, UT) -- Check out Red Mountain's Friends Getaway Package that promises adventures, rest and relaxation, and time together – plus a little time for your own personal escape.
-
The Lodge at Woodloch (Hawley, PA) -- At The Lodge at Woodloch you'll find an extensive list of spa treatments, fitness classes, outdoor adventures, and evening programs for you to relax with your best girlfriends.
Want more options? Spafinder has partnered with a number of luxury spas to offer options just for girls getaway weekends.
Article updated November 2023.
Permalink 🔗
Follow these simple guidelines and you're sure to dodge trouble and get a (figurative) U.S. governmental stamp of approval on your wedding certificate from another country.
The U.S. State Department recognizes that a marriage abroad is valid if you follow the country's laws in which you are married. No American diplomat or consular office representative need be present at the ceremony. If you have any questions, you should direct them to the attorney general of the state in which you and your spouse will reside. Big caveat: If you are applying for a foreign nationality of another country (naturalization) you may lose American citizenship status. See the U.S. State Department's rules on loss of U.S. nationality in the link below.
For more information on U.S. citizens getting married abroad, visit the U.S. State Department's site.
And, if you're planning a destination wedding within the U.S., this post is a good place to start researching the rules, regulations, and any necessary paperwork.
Permalink 🔗
Check out our updated list of Top States for Destination Weddings!
Destination weddings are on the rise. Whether all the guests travel abroad, or a select few are invited, an increasing number of couples are heading to the altar (or beach) away from home.
I had the great pleasure of being a guest at a handful of destination weddings. The most obscure was in Bogotá, Colombia, the most picturesque was in Tuscany, Italy. Due to their exotic locations and the experience of going with a group, they were some of the most memorable occasions.
Here are some of the top places to exchange vows (other than home):
1. Las Vegas – Vegas is entertainment central with seemingly more wedding chapels than anywhere on earth. You can plan a complete wedding with chapel, flowers, officiant, photographer, and coordinator all for a few hundred bucks. Many chapels offer packages to suit your budget and taste. Get a video, have Elvis preside over the ceremony, arrive in a limo – you name it, Vegas has it.
2. Caribbean – Jamaica tops the list of Caribbean islands for weddings, but there are numerous island countries to choose from, rich with cultures and traditions and unique ways to experience a beach wedding. Set your budget, figure out which island best suits your love and plan an idyllic wedding that will leave your guests thanking you for getting married.
3. Hawaii – The Hawaiian islands seem perfectly poised to host wedding ceremonies with that famous aloha spirit of family, community, and tranquility. You can find intimate comfort at a number of beaches in Hawaii… dreamy, rugged rocky, long expanses of sandy, and other styles of shore all embrace couples with a warm charm. Hawaii is well known as a destination wedding mecca with plentiful wedding services.
4. Florida – Two things stand out about Florida for newly engaged couples: white, sandy beaches and fantasy-come-to-life Walt Disney World Resort. Couples who prefer sand in their toes, lapping waves, and sun are all set: beaches line the Florida coast. Choose your favorite Florida beach. Couples attached to the kid inside them can plan a fairy tale wedding at Walt Disney World.
5. Mexico – The spicy south of North America not only has blissful beaches for the vows, but resorts as destinations unto themselves for the whole festivity. While legal requirements may seem a little more cumbersome than other destinations, Mexico offers an experience all its own for you, the wedding party, your guests, and your honeymoon. Olé!
6. Europe – An increasingly popular destination for weddings. Europe is in a bit of a renaissance with a strong euro, European Union formed, and tourism booming. Brides and/or grooms with familial roots in Europe may want to reconnect with their heritage via the wedding ceremony.
Permalink 🔗
Legalese. Legal low-down. Rules and regs. Whatever you call them, they’re essential if you want the destination wedding of your dreams. Get the skinny on rules, regulations, and any necessary paperwork needed before getting married away-from-home.
From Alabama to Wyoming, WeddingWire has aggregated and summarized the marriage laws of every state. Identification, age, residency, wait time, blood test, witness, etc. requirements vary. Be sure to know the rules to make sure everything runs smoothly on your big day! Note, WeddingWire is a good starting point for your research but this article is dated 2019. Once you've settled on your wedding destiantion, we recommend checking individual state government websites to confirm their rules and regulations. Each state's Department of Health typically handles licenses for marriages and civil unions and maintains a website such as this one for Hawaii.
Planning to get married outside the U.S.? This post will point you in the right direction to learn whether your marriage abroad will be valid.
Permalink 🔗
November 2023 Update: Charter Bus America is no longer operating but here are 3 other services that aim to make finding and booking charter buses more efficient, transparent and cost-effective by providing access to a wide range of options:
-
CharterUP: CharterUP is a marketplace for bus charters across the U.S. that offers real-time availability and online booking.
-
BusRates: BusRates helps group travel planners find vehicles and connect directly with local operators.
-
GOGO Charters: GOGO Charters makes it fast and easy to book a charter bus and will build a custom transportation plan for any group.
By Dylan Peterson, guest blogger
When renting a charter bus, you are making the decision for many people. You want a competitive price, but also a safe and dependable company. How do you shop smart and make good decisions when renting a bus for a school group, college event, church group, wedding event, cruise terminal transportation, company event, senior tour, or any other group trip?
Keep in mind not all bus companies are created equally. Don't be tempted to shop on price alone. Some companies don't spend enough money or effort on maintenance, driver training, or driver screening. Often, it's these same companies that have the "really good prices."
Here's a quick checklist of questions to ask the bus company:
1. How many years has the company been in business? I, personally, will not work with a company that has been in business less than five years. I want to know that they can make good choices over several years. I don't want a bus company learning lessons on my trip. The more experience, the better.
2. How many buses are in the company’s fleet? I like to see at least five charter buses in the fleet. It shows an investment in their business provides back-up transportation.
3. Can they provide proof of insurance? Any reputable company will happily have proof of insurance faxed to you within 48 hours.
4. Are they U.S. Department of Defense certified? Not all companies go through the effort of passing this test. There are good companies that are not DoD-certified. But if you book with one that is, it should give you added confidence that they are credible.
The U.S. Department of Defense certification test is conducted at the bus company facility. Since it’s optional and the majority of companies do not have this certification, the certification gives added credibility by indicating a government entity’s stamp of approval on quality.
5. Are they a member of Trailways or International Motor Coach Group (IMG)? Only one or two companies in each city are members of these two franchises. Typically, members of these organizations have a proven track record and are leaders in their region. However, there are many good companies not affiliated with these two organizations.
Shopping for charter bus transportation is a little different than shopping for airlines or hotels. You should do your homework. Don't be afraid to ask these questions because every reputable company is used to it and happy to help you make a confident and responsible choice.
Dylan Peterson is CEO and Founder of Charter Bus America. CharterBusAmerica.com provides price quotes for charter bus rentals for customers in seconds, along with pictures and bus company information.
Permalink 🔗
Ah, the delight of traveling abroad. Whether it’s a wedding in Mexico, exploring Europe with friends, or a family gathering in the Caribbean, your coolness factor may be at stake. Being "cool" (elusive and subjective as that may be, even in your home town) can shift dramatically when you’re lugging a backpack, staring at your phone for directions, Googling translations, and in unfamiliar surroundings.
A little advance planning and cultural sensitivity can go a long way. Here are tips for blending in abroad and getting the most out of your next international trip:
1. Step out of your glaring, white shoes and into stylish, yet comfy shoes (unless your podiatrist requires special shoes for your knees or back). For foreign city trips walking around in a nice pair of leather sandals or closed toed shoes makes all the difference. Nothing says "tourist" like bright, white sneakers.
2. Be culturally sensitive. You're on foreign turf. Respecting local customs and culture is a must. For example, find out if wearing shorts is acceptable or forbidden. And, when in doubt, cover your skin. I found this out the hard way in Israel when I was nearly tackled for wearing shorts in a church.
3. Learn 10 basic phrases (hello, goodbye, thank you, passport, please…) in a language before traveling there. What better way to make the trip more exciting than practicing speaking a new language. Consider going beyond the basics and take a class in a foreign language for a few months prior to traveling. I've done this and it makes the trip all the more enjoyable (not to mention my travel pals appreciated my knowing how to quickly and politely ask where to find the nearest restroom).
4. Respect their language.
- If a foreign word sounds funny, don't laugh. When someone is communicating in their native tongue in their native country, remember who the foreigner is.
- Even in countries where English is prevalent, some people may not speak it. Best not to assume they do and politely ask if they speak English.
- If you're going to a country where English is spoken secondarily or a little, accents or local phrases can still throw you off. Be prepared to speak clearly and think of simpler or different ways to say the same thing, so they can respond to you in a different way. It's amazing how many things are lost in translation. Don't assume anyone speaks American slang, ya dig? For that matter, Americans have widely different pronunciations depending on their home region and you may have an accent to someone and not realize it.
5. Keep the volume down. Nothing makes me cringe more when I'm traveling abroad than hearing an obnoxious group of foreign travelers. Because I'm American, I'm especially sensitive to other Americans being insensitively loud. I distinguish from Canadian and British English speakers because they don't seem to be as loud, or perceived as crass as Americans. Keep it cool and use your "inside voices." Unless, of course, you're at a sporting event and the local team wins.
6. Absorb the culture using all five senses. Breathe in the air. Taste spices and culinary combinations. Step outside of your safe hotel and eat where the locals do. Don't ask the hotel staff where to go – they likely have a deal with a restaurant. Ask someone in a shop or just stroll the streets until you find an eatery filled with local patrons. Discover a tradition new to you but common to locals. Flamenco in Spain? Wine-tasting in Italy? Siesta in Mexico?
7. Study up on the city/region/country. Read books, look online and talk to anyone who's traveled there – get insights on best and worst experiences so you know what to do and what to avoid before you go. Even a little prep can help you avoid pitfalls, save you money or time, and make the trip more enjoyable.
8. Be sensitive with camera in hand. While the country may look like a fairytale to you, this is other people's home. If you take photos of people not in your group, be as inconspicuous as possible. If you sense someone is uncomfortable with your attention on them, take heed and respect their privacy.
9. Handle money matters smoothly. Don't fumble around with money or forget where you placed it and do the pocket pat. Organize your money and documents in private before you walk out in public. Buy a money pouch that can go around your waist and under clothing for your valuables like your passport and extra cash. Diversify with an debit card, credit card, foreign currency, and even old school travelers' checks. You can keep each of these in different locations (suitcase, socks, money pouch) for security.
10. Group travel abroad has its special consideration. By nature, you are likely a group of like-minded individuals excited for the journey and happy to be traveling together at last. It can be extra easy to be a little careless in group mentality. In addition to all of the above tips, if you're the trip planner, here are basics to prepare and share with the group:
- Provide links to trusted travel guides and resources for the region/country months in advance of your trip.
- Find out which languages are spoken and how frequently you can expect English to be used.
- Create a list of ten useful phrases or words in the country’s language such as: 1) Thank you. 2) Please. 3) My name is _____. 4) Where is a bathroom? 5) How much does it cost? And whatever else you think might be helpful for your group.
- Know your group – if they would get more excited about cultural icons than shopping, find out the operating hours and days of major sites. Nothing is worse than going to Rome to see the Sistine Chapel and being in town when it's closed. If you match your group to the activities, it’s more likely for people to be in awe of what they're doing/seeing – and be on their best behavior.
- Splurge on at least one exceptional meal that typifies the region. Prepare your group so they know what they can expect for the meal and why it is a local tradition.
Blending in doesn't mean being unauthentic or unoriginal. It simply means respecting other cultures, religions, beliefs, and living conditions. Through careful observation, you just might find an understanding not only of how people in other countries move, work, eat, talk, but how you cope and operate in unfamiliar territory. That alone is an invaluable life experience. And putting yourself at the mercy of foreign driving rules, customs, food specialties will inevitably also expand your horizons, giving you a greater appreciation for those who travel on your turf.
I also recommend reviewing these 10 tips for a safe trip abroad.
Permalink 🔗
See all categories or all posts.