Group travel offers benefits and discounts that you may not receive if traveling alone or as a couple, whether you’re planning your next luxury vacation, conference or family reunion.

There are group travel deals that are already set up and ready for you to join. Additionally, if an organization is putting on a conference or trade show, then they may provide their own corporate group travel deals. If you are the one organizing the trip, there are tons of resources out there to make sure your travel plans go off without a hitch. Before putting together your group travel package, here are a few things to consider:

1. Find a reputable travel agent.

2. Look into getting group travel insurance.

3. Know as much about your destination as you can.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Work with an experienced group travel company

Gone are the days where the only way you could get group travel packages was by visiting your friendly neighborhood travel agency. Many websites offer great group travel services for both small and large group travel.

I recommend: Group Travel Planet allows you to book all the aspects of your trip separately or gives you the option of purchasing group travel packages. You can plan everything completely online, or over the phone. If you prefer to make your travel plans in person, one reliable choice is Liberty Travel. Their website offers great travel ideas as well as a search function to point out the location that is nearest to you.

Utilize your group travel service to learn about activities and attractions in the area

Looking into the wide variety of activities the area offers and compiling a list of possible ideas for your group to explore on their own will make sure that everyone gets a chance to see everything they want, even if it means breaking away from the group.

I recommend: IExplore.com offers trip guides to assist you in planning activities. They also feature a forum where you can ask questions regarding a location and get answers from travelers who have been there and know the ropes.

Protect yourself and your investment with insurance when group travel planning

Anything can happen when traveling. You may have to cancel or reschedule your trip due to weather, carrier troubles or international violence. One or more people may become sick or injured and may need medical care while abroad. Whatever the situation, it is better to have group travel insurance and not need it than need it and not have it.

I recommend: Travel Insurance Center gives you many insurance options to choose from, such as travel health insurance or trip insurance. There are options for both international and domestic travel insurance and you can have multiple people on the policy. InsureMyTrip.com allows you to compare different travel plans to find the perfect one to meet your group’s needs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Businesses of all sizes are turning to corporate group travel to attend events such conferences and trade shows. This is a great way to get to know your co-workers and employees outside of the office while everyone is more relaxed.