How to Survive Big Group Trips

It seems like the latest travel trend is to travel in large groups and wearing matching outfits. That all seems cool, but how do you really survive going to a foreign country with a bunch of people? I have been on huge group trips of 150 and smaller group trips where it was just five of us. In all of my group trips, we came back with a mix of unforgettable memories, hazy nights, early mornings and the best food we can find. 

So whether you're planning a group trip, or interested in going on one soon...this one's for you!

There are a couple of questions you need to answer when you're planning to help you survive the trip:

1. What are your destination priorities?

There are several different types of travelers-- there's the one person who wants to pack eight sites in one day, there's the one who goes with the flow, the one who just want's to lay out and sleep and the one who has to get their flicks off. As a group, identify what's most important to everyone and find the synergies between the variety of input to pick places to see on your vacation and build your overall itinerary. 

2. Where the bag at?

Money can get really funny with people, so it's easier to get this out the way early and discuss budgets. Some people don't mind a splurge, and some need to iron out the hard expenses early to prepare. I think it's important to travel responsibly when it comes to money. It's one thing to have it, but another thing to waste it. Always consider the destination you're traveling to when putting together your budget. Travel expenses in Mexico differ from travel expenses in Milan, or Santorini.

3. what's on your plate?

Food is a huge part of immersing yourself in the culture. Find out early what your group is into, allergies, etc. and plan around that. Pick a few must-eat places and leave room for the hole in the  wall food spots you'll run in to that has amazing food. Lastly, bring cash-- nothing is worse then the awkward moment of splitting the check. We all dread it when we're going to a large brunch or birthday dinner where someone becomes an accountant and pulls out their calculator to split the check with eight different credit cards. Avoid this when you're traveling by bringing cash and keeping yourself on a budget.

4. solo time

When you're constantly around a ton of people, planning some alone time is key. People have different eating habits, sleeping habits and energy levels differ, so know that it is okay to duck off and do you. It helps to break off in smaller groups or by yourself to do your own thing, even if it's just a nap. I've been on group trips where the turn up started with shots at the airport and being lit on the plane to the moment we land. It can get intense. Make time for you!

I hope these few tips helped you out for planning or you can at least relate. Love ya'll!

Check out some photos below from group trips I've been on.