The Do’s & Dont’s of Group Travel

Group Travelers: Don’t Miss These Tips

Traveling with a group sounds like a dream. Shared sunsets, inside jokes, splitting the cost of that waterfront villa. But it can also feel like herding sunburned cats if you’re not careful. Whether you're jetting off with lifelong friends, extended family, or your favorite coworkers (or frenemies), here are the definitive Do’s and Don’ts to keep your group getaway stress-free and tan-line-filled.

DO: Appoint a “Group Guru”

Every successful trip needs a designated planner. Someone who doesn’t mind creating a Google Doc and has at least a minor addiction to color-coding. This person keeps the train on the tracks and ideally isn’t a dictator. Bonus points if they can herd everyone into one group chat without starting a mutiny.

DON’T: Expect Everyone to Do Everything Together

Yes, it’s a group trip. No, it’s not summer camp. Allow time for solo beach reads, couple massages, or just some good old-fashioned introverting. One person wants to hike a volcano at 6 a.m.? Another wants to sleep until brunch? Let them. Love (and sanity) means space.

DO: Discuss Budgets Before You Book

Money conversations are about as fun as lost luggage, but they’re essential. Set expectations upfront. Are we flying business class or budget with a sandwich from home? Splitting the villa evenly or by bedroom size? Awkward talks now mean fewer passive-aggressive Venmo requests later.

DON’T: Overpack the Itinerary

You do not need to see every ancient ruin, market, beach, and waterfall in a 48-hour window. Give your group the gift of free time. Spontaneity is where the magic happens. Like discovering the best mojito of your life at a bar you almost walked past.

DO: Make Dinner Reservations (Seriously)

With a party of six or more, “just winging it” leads to 90-minute waits and hanger-fueled group implosions. A few key reservations can keep everyone happy and allow time for dramatic photo ops before the food arrives.

DON’T: Assume Everyone’s Travel Style Is the Same

Some folks wake up and jog. Others wake up and... don’t. Some like hostels. Others believe air conditioning is a basic human right. Talk travel preferences ahead of time so no one’s shocked when Greg wants to backpack and Beth wants butler service.

DO: Build in a Group Activity

Even if it’s just one. A boat day, cooking class, salsa lesson. Whatever floats your collective boat. These shared moments become the stories you’ll tell (and retell) for years. Even if someone sets something on fire. Especially if someone sets something on fire.

DON’T: Bring Drama

Leave the grudges and side-eyes at home. Group travel isn’t the time to unpack old drama, just your luggage. If you wouldn’t sit next to someone on a 6-hour flight, maybe don’t share a rental with them. Travel brings out the best (and weirdest) in people. Be kind. Be patient. Maybe pack noise-canceling headphones.

Okay, Get the Gang Together!

Group travel is like a conga line. It only works if everyone’s moving in the same direction and laughing along the way. With a little planning, a lot of flexibility, and maybe one emergency bottle of wine, you’ll return home with new memories, inside jokes, and hopefully still speaking to everyone involved.

Want help planning a drama-free group getaway? Beach Bum Vacations has been wrangling travel groups with style and sunscreen for years. We’ll handle the logistics, you just bring the vibes.

Group Travel Made Easy