7 points plan for an affordable group holiday

Be it a bachelor's do, a family reunion, or a business trip, planning a group trip doesn't have to be a stressful experience

7 points plan for an affordable group holiday

Be it a bachelor's do, a family reunion, or a business trip, planning a group trip doesn't have to be a stressful experience. With some advance preparation and careful organisation, planning such a trip to suit a throng of travellers can be a blast and you can save money too.

Getting started: Before you spend a paisa, decide on your destination. Give yourself enough time to plan and coordinate with your group. The planning can commence as soon as everything is confirmed with all participants, and at least one month in advance.

Accommodation: Opt for a vacation home or apartment; you'll get more space than a hotel, kitchen facilities, and extra amenities like a pool and grill. This type of accommodation is also a wise economic choice for a group, as you can split costs, rather than paying by the room.

Group travel: If you and your group are all based in one area, many airlines, railways or bus networks might offer group discounts and/or special services to those travelling on the same itinerary.

Season and timing of travel: You may be able to get extra savings by scheduling your trip during an off-peak season. Depending on the type of activities planned, the time of year and the weather outside may not matter.

Use an online group travel service: While there aren't extensive group travel offerings online, there are a handful of good sites that can help plan a group trip with ease. Keep a close tab on local listings and offers.

Work closely with your hotel: While making hotel reservations, ensure you inform the sales staff that you are travelling in a group. Also, while booking a block of rooms, some hotels provide group discounts. Check what the hotel offers in terms of packages

Best deal: Don't jump at the first offer you see. Be choosy and compare what's available with your fellow travellers. While researching travel offers, always ask if an extra discount is available, as you may find a deal that wasn't yet advertised.