How to Master Group Travel
So you and a group of your best friends have decided to set out on an adventure? Or maybe you're taking a trip with your in-laws for the first time? Whatever the case, group travel is always a little tricky to navigate - but it doesn't have to be! Here are a few pro tips on how to smoothly navigate some of the confusing aspects of traveling with a group...
WHERE TO STAY
One of the first big challenges to tackle when traveling with a group is figuring out where to stay. While getting multiple hotel rooms can be expensive and sleeping arrangements can get confusing, the best way to house multiple people on a trip is through Airbnb! You can find an Airbnb just about anywhere nowadays and you are able to specify exactly what you're looking for - from a single room in a stranger's home for one traveler to an entire house with a pool and sleeping arrangements for ten. You can book online or with the app for easy arrangements on the go. Plus, nice Airbnb's can often be cheaper than even the cheapest of hotels or hostels. The best part is - the cost can be split between everyone staying! Here's how...
HOW TO PAY
Traveling with a group inevitably involves splitting a cost here and there. Keeping track of who paid for who's what can be confusing, especially while trying to figure out foreign currency. The best way to split costs on the go is by using free payment apps like Venmo or the Cash app. These apps connect directly to your card or bank account and allow people to easily transfer funds to someone else. You can even write in what the payment is for to easily keep track of who has paid what.
COMMUNICATION IS KEY
Communication can be difficult among groups with different phone plans and providers. The best communication tools for traveling groups are apps like GroupMe and WhatsApp. Both of these apps - GroupMe is great for messaging and WhatsApp can be used for messaging and calls - can be used like regular texting and calling without the need for cell service (although wifi is needed). The apps are available for both iPhones and Androids - just download, create your account, and start a group with all of your travel buddies!
SHARING PHOTOS
While pictures might not be important for all travelers, they are the priority for many. Sharing pictures on the go can be complicated, especially if you're like me and are constantly hit with that "Out of Memory" warning. If you and the person who took your picture in front of that iconic monument are both iPhone users, Airdrop is the way to go. Airdrop doesn't use wifi - only Bluetooth - so even if you're totally off the grid in other senses, you can still share photos with your friends! If you're not using an iPhone or have a lot of photos to share and not a lot of storage, Google Drive is the way to go. Setting up a Google account is free and easy and you can upload and share photos to and from any device - I even use Google Drive to share photos from my own computer to the Google Drive app on my phone!
No matter who you're with, group travel can always get a little stressful. Make sure to follow these tips to make your sailing smoother - and make sure you share them with everyone in your group!