Group trips are fun to take and tricky to organise. A few simple rules make them much easier.
1. Pick an organiser
One person should be the point of contact with the travel planner. Group chats are great for ideas but terrible for decisions.
2. Agree on dates first
Dates are the hardest thing to align. Share two or three options early and fix one. Book quickly once dates are agreed, as group seats on flights are limited.
3. Set a budget range
Ask everyone for a comfortable budget per person, privately if needed. Plan to the lower end so nobody feels pressured. You can offer optional upgrades.
4. Choose a destination that suits the group
- Friends' trips: Dubai, North Goa, Bali (South Coast), Istanbul or Thailand for nightlife and activities.
- Extended families: Kerala, Singapore or Dubai for easy logistics and something for every age.
- Office teams: short flights and venues for activities. See Corporate travel.
5. Rooming
Decide early who shares with whom. Twin and triple sharing reduce costs. Single rooms usually carry a supplement.
6. Payments
Collect deposits from everyone before booking. Agree what happens if someone drops out: deposits may be non-refundable after booking, and the per-person cost can change if numbers fall.
7. Transport
Size vehicles for people and luggage. A 12-seater tempo traveller for 12 people with suitcases is uncomfortable; plan a bigger vehicle.
8. Build in free time
Not everyone will want every activity. Leave free afternoons and evenings for smaller groups to do their own thing.
9. Share the plan
Share the final itinerary, hotel names, emergency contacts and a packing list with everyone.
Our group departures
If you would rather join a group than organise one, our group departures from Chennai have fixed dates, a tour manager and pre-booked activities, to places such as Dubai, Europe, Turkey, Bali and Thailand. See Europe Group Tour and Group tours.
When to go
When to go
When to go
When to go