I took my first group tour this summer. That was a learning experience. Don’t get me wrong. I had lots of fun, but for someone who has always traveled alone, I had some “learning” to do.
First things first! Getting to know my co-travellers! This was easy and fun, cause our group leader organized several get-togethers way in advance, so we could get to know each other, and get all or questions answered. And there were many questions, like, where would we stay, where can we buy travel insurance, what should we bring, what will immigration and customs documents will be need! And more.
Then roommates had to be assigned, because it would be cheaper to share a room than to have your own room. So unless you were a family , you got a roommate. I got two roommates, and we really hit it off. One roommate was a die hard shopper, and the other was an eternal organizer. So between the three of us, we had a ball.
But I did have to learn to be patient. Our group was very diverse. We had kids, teenagers, and some older persons. So things did not always move as quickly ( or as efficiently) as when I travel alone. We usually had to wait and make sure that everyone was accounted for before our tour bus could leave for the next stop. Hotel check-ins did not always go smoothly, but once we got settled the rooms were comfortable.
The key to enjoying group travel is to be patient and to be considerate. Be flexible and tolerant in order to accommodate others in the group, and do your best to stick to the itinerary schedule. Don’t show up at 7:30 when the Bus was scheduled to leave at 7AM. Take your sense of humor with you, and you will definitely have a good time.
Group travel is an excellent way to make new friends and to foster old friendships. If you want to spend quality time with your friends, family members, or business colleagues and enjoy a wonderful vacation experience at the same time, then I highly recommend a group travel tour!
Word count: 358