Traveling with your friends

jucurious

agent of change
BGOL Investor
so the traveling bug has finally hit my best friends individually so we wanna go somewhere as a group

have any of yall had successful group trip planning experience? any tips of how far in advance, modes of travel, discounts and places to go?

we are looking at taking a trip this winter, probably in early January.

is it better to do it on ur own or get a travel agent?

LADIES....any spots in particular that you like?



thanks in advance :)
 
I been trying to plan a trip with my friends, and it is hard. People say they want to do things, but when you present them with ideas everyone has an excuse or some issues. I wish you the best of luck.

One thing my friend and I did once, we rented a cabin in the Poconos using Homeaway.com and handled all that and spend a weekend up there. Homeaway.com has houses you can rent all over the place, Vegas, Cali, Lake Tahoe, everywhere! When we were trying to plan a trip to Vegas we were going to use them versus staying in a hotel to save money...

Oh yeah, I forgot I went on a cruise with 3 of my friends. That worked out good because my one friends mom was a travel agent for Royal Carribean. We gave her our checks each month and she was good with reminding us. That was easy because it wasn't tooo many people going, it initially started out with like 8 people. but like i said, people have excuses...
 
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I'm a guy, but just a few words of advice/experience:

so the traveling bug has finally hit my best friends individually so we wanna go somewhere as a group

How many in your group and have all of you traveled together previously? If not, be prepared for an rough experience. No matter how long you have known each other (the group of friends - men and women - I travel with I have known for over 20 years) being in the same room with a group of people for 7+ days will get on each others' nerves.

Unless everyone gets separate rooms, little habits and annoyances you never were exposed to (You'll learn how loud someone snores or who's lacking in the "personal" regime) will drive you crazy.

You'll bicker over where to eat daily or what activities to participate in (unless you all decide to just go solo and to meet in the evening for dinner or at the club)


have any of yall had successful group trip planning experience? any tips of how far in advance, modes of travel, discounts and places to go? is it better to do it on ur own or get a travel agent?

My sisters have started to travel with a group of people they know on a bi-yearly cruise, and have enlisted my brother and I to join them as well. However, I feel that the planning is a bit lacking and feel I could have gotten a better price. They plan at least a year in advance, but it is a group of about 100+.

Depending on the size of your group may dictate how you plan. If is say only a group of 4 people, it may best to hit the net sites and plan your own trip. Anything larger, or if everyone is coming from different cities, etc, it would be better for a travel agent to plan.

As with any trip, planning in advance is preferable and hunt around for discounts and sales for flights and hotels, utilize frequent flier and hotel-stay programs. the best piece of advice I can give is: LET EACH PERSON BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING THEIR OWN SHARE OF THE TRIP. IF THEY DO NOT PAY, THEY DO NOT GO. SIMPLE. Do not lay out your own money in advance for the trip and expect to have your "friends" pay you back timely.


we are looking at taking a trip this winter, probably in early January.

LADIES....any spots in particular that you like?

Probably the better choices for a group of ladies would be perhaps a cruise trip or an island vacation -- especially in the Winter. The group can always get together for activities and dinner/clubbing, but could engage in their own activities as well


thanks in advance :)

I am looking for a spot to go on vacation on my own, my friends took vacation when I could not go.:angry: I also have decided maybe it's time to travel solo for the experiences.
 
I've traveled with my best friend and close friend several times and if you know your friends you shouldn't have a lot of problems. For example everyone knows I'm not a morning person so please don't try to start a convo until I get myself together, start eating etc.

We had a ball in Miami!! the weather, food, beach was def. what we all needed to take our minds off the daily grind. I would suggest a cruise but due to gas prices they have become very expensive but if you are still interested I went to the Bahamas last year with my baby and we used vacationstogo.com and saved a grip!!!

You can also check out Las Vegas! even if you don't gamble it's a lot to see and do (check out the stores in the Belligio!) Also Cancun and Jamrock are also options. You can stay in the states and check out Arizona they have a lot of nice spas and bed and breakfast. I'm heading to Mexico myself the end of this month and doing the all-inclusive resort thing which can be an option as well...

Have fun and be safe!!
 

I am looking for a spot to go on vacation on my own, my friends took vacation when I could not go.:angry: I also have decided maybe it's time to travel solo for the experiences.

I totally agree about everyone being responsible for their own way. I don't play that shit! if I'm asked to plan and I send out an email saying hey yall it's gonna be xyz then get your funds together. It's def. important to ask what is the max amount we are trying to spend and you "may" have to remind folks that food, tipping, entertaiment is NOT included unless we are doing the all inclusive thing. So don't come with a few dollars cause you never know emergencies happen!

The last time we all went to Miami for the ABFF my wallet was stolen and I was PISSSED!! but lucky for me I had money in the room and was able to continue my trip with money in my pocket.

Another thing 2 is I know 2 of my homegirls like to drink and I let them know from the door that I'm not for the bullshit! sure we are all here to have fun but I don't want to have to take anyone to the hospital nor get into some altercation with anyone. And we make a pat to not go off with strangers alone!! It aint a matter of cockblocking but a matter of safety...:yes:
And if we come together we all leave together...

I think it all comes down to getting together and really laying things out on the table. Sure everything is not going to go the way you plan but some things need to be set in stone.
 
I totally agree about everyone being responsible for their own way. I don't play that shit! if I'm asked to plan and I send out an email saying hey yall it's gonna be xyz then get your funds together. It's def. important to ask what is the max amount we are trying to spend and you "may" have to remind folks that food, tipping, entertaiment is NOT included unless we are doing the all inclusive thing. So don't come with a few dollars cause you never know emergencies happen!

Another thing 2 is I know 2 of my homegirls like to drink and I let them know from the door that I'm not for the bullshit!

I think it all comes down to getting together and really laying things out on the table. Sure everything is not going to go the way you plan but some things need to be set in stone.


Definitely CO-SIGN! My biggest problem with my friends is the planning and activity levels. I admit I am a bit of a square when on vacation -- I hit the tourist/historical sites, walk around, tour, visit the museums, etc.

However, I also like to get out and explore a city a bit. Hit local watering holes or restaurants that are popular with locals, and meet and talk with the locals. I am not a big clubber, but at least I like to hit a jazz spot or a bar with a band playing and enjoy the atmosphere -- My friends do not, after touring around they like to hit the hotel and that's it. It's frustrating, especially since when I go on vacation with my homegirls, I am the only one that drives, thus responsible for getting everyplace, watching them, and limiting my ability to enjoy a few drinks because I am the designated driver.

I want to take a vacation on my own where I can enjoy the location and meet people (not necessarily to pick someone up) and just have an enjoyable time.
 
Definitely CO-SIGN! My biggest problem with my friends is the planning and activity levels. I admit I am a bit of a square when on vacation -- I hit the tourist/historical sites, walk around, tour, visit the museums, etc.

However, I also like to get out and explore a city a bit. Hit local watering holes or restaurants that are popular with locals, and meet and talk with the locals. I am not a big clubber, but at least I like to hit a jazz spot or a bar with a band playing and enjoy the atmosphere -- My friends do not, after touring around they like to hit the hotel and that's it. It's frustrating, especially since when I go on vacation with my homegirls, I am the only one that drives, thus responsible for getting everyplace, watching them, and limiting my ability to enjoy a few drinks because I am the designated driver.

I want to take a vacation on my own where I can enjoy the location and meet people (not necessarily to pick someone up) and just have an enjoyable time.

I hear you! and because yall don't like to do the same things you have to downgrade your vacation and you shouldn't since you paid your money. I try to limit the amount of driving I have to do since I know I'm prob. going to be the one with the most stable mind to drive. When we went to Miami we caught cabs or walked since the clubs weren't 2 far from us. When I'm asked to plan a trip I "plan" the trip cause I only get 2 vacations a year and I try to make the most of them.

I think taking a vacation on your own is a good idea. I prob. wouldn't go outside of the country but Florida, Arizona, Vegas, The Outter Banks, LA etc. are good places to get away and relax. Or instead of doing a big group thing go with just 1 or 2 friends less people could equal less drama!
 
thanks for the responses thus far

well i've known them since 2001 and we have lived together in dorms and apartments in college so we know each other very well

we have done local weekend trips multiple times a year for years in terms of booking hotels, picking activities and things like that

one of us usually pays for it and the other refunds them once they get there....its worked out for years...we don't play when it comes to money...all of us are responsible and had 2 or more jobs during undergrad and now we all have good jobs now ;)

oh yeah...its a group of 3 and if one of them brings her twin it will be 4...we always have a blast but now we wanna really step it up


thanks and keep posting responses


Q: any special websites for booking online?
 
thanks for the responses thus far

well i've known them since 2001 and we have lived together in dorms and apartments in college so we know each other very well

we have done local weekend trips multiple times a year for years in terms of booking hotels, picking activities and things like that

one of us usually pays for it and the other refunds them once they get there....its worked out for years...we don't play when it comes to money...all of us are responsible and had 2 or more jobs during undergrad and now we all have good jobs now ;)

oh yeah...its a group of 3 and if one of them brings her twin it will be 4...we always have a blast but now we wanna really step it up


thanks and keep posting responses


Q: any special websites for booking online?

It seems like you've been traveling with your group often and with only 3-4 of you, you can plan independent of a travel agent. If you ladies really want to do it up, there is always Vegas (what happens there stays there) or the all-inclusive option like SuchATease suggested. To search, you have some of your standard ones:

www.travelocity.com
www.expedia.com
www.hotwire.com
www.sidestep.com
www.rentalcodes.com & www.rentalcarmomma.com for car rental discount codes
www.airfarewatchdog.com - to monitor flight costs from your city

What I usually do is use a site like expedia or travelocity to see what I come up with in terms of a hotel or flight and then go directly to the hotel or airline site to see if I could get a better deal.

If you have a frequent flier/hotel chain plan, go to the website and see if there are also packages for hotels, car rentals, etc. It's a lot of work which is why I do not like to be the person planning everything for a trip (especially flights with everyone having a different work schedule or airline preference).
 
so the traveling bug has finally hit my best friends individually so we wanna go somewhere as a group

have any of yall had successful group trip planning experience? any tips of how far in advance, modes of travel, discounts and places to go?

we are looking at taking a trip this winter, probably in early January.

is it better to do it on ur own or get a travel agent?

LADIES....any spots in particular that you like?



thanks in advance :)

A roadtrip to hell. You'd probably enjoy that.
 
so the traveling bug has finally hit my best friends individually so we wanna go somewhere as a group

have any of yall had successful group trip planning experience? any tips of how far in advance, modes of travel, discounts and places to go?

we are looking at taking a trip this winter, probably in early January.

is it better to do it on ur own or get a travel agent?

LADIES....any spots in particular that you like?





thanks in advance :)

I've gone on a few trips, internationally and domestically, with my friends. Working with a travel agent really does "iron out some kinks." An all-inclusive place also helps those who worry about having enough funds for other activities, etc. Working with a travel agent, you can develop when people will pay by, and everyone doesn't have to worry about paying people back, etc.



I, particularly, liked Jamaica and the Caribbean, in general. You've got the beach, the beautiful weather...at a time like January, it'll probably be a welcome trip.
 
A cruise is a good bet that way if you get tired of dealing with anyone it's easy to disappear on the ship and not be bothered.:yes:
 
I always plan our trips. I usually start 3 or 4 months in advance because everybody needs to get their money together. It's not too hard. I usually look for packages, but I have access to a timeshare so we usually only have to pay for our flights. I recommend Barbados--lots to do and beautiful men. Also Oahu is fun but expensive to eat & shop. I'm looking into a 4 day cruise to South America for next year.
 
I always plan our trips. I usually start 3 or 4 months in advance because everybody needs to get their money together. It's not too hard. I usually look for packages, but I have access to a timeshare so we usually only have to pay for our flights. I recommend Barbados--lots to do and beautiful men. Also Oahu is fun but expensive to eat & shop. I'm looking into a 4 day cruise to South America for next year.


Follow am still waiting on dem pics from your trip yes :D:yes:
 
I always plan our trips. I usually start 3 or 4 months in advance because everybody needs to get their money together. It's not too hard. I usually look for packages, but I have access to a timeshare so we usually only have to pay for our flights. I recommend Barbados--lots to do and beautiful men. Also Oahu is fun but expensive to eat & shop. I'm looking into a 4 day cruise to South America for next year.

the barbados music festival is coming up in october.
 
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