On The Go Explorers

Group trips look fun on social media when you see the matching outfits, beach pictures, tiktoks of friends or random strangers traveling together, inside jokes. You think to yourself, “Wow! I would want that!” Trust that I have been there as I am a serial champion for group travel. However, anyone who has ever actually joined and experienced one knows the truth: a group trip is a beautiful mix of personalities, expectations, and unpredictable human behaviour. And sometimes… that’s where the chaos begins 😅.

As someone who hosts group trips for a living, I’ve learned that it’s not the destination that makes or breaks the experience. It is the people. The small decisions. The communication. The energy everyone brings.

So if you’re planning to join a group trip soon, here’s your guide to surviving it (and actually enjoying yourself).

Good Vibes Aren’t accidental. They are contributed.

You Need to Be Your Own Person

Group trips don’t mean you dissolve into the crowd. You still need your identity, your preferences, and your boundaries. Traveling is an intense activity because you are experiencing a new environment, having long days of exploration, and you are experiencing new people. If you struggle with being a group trip, you are either someone who:

• waits for others to decide for them,

• can’t speak up for themselves,

• or take things too personally.

You don’t need to be loud. You just need to be clear.

2. Communication is Your Lifeline

A group trip works because people respond and participate. I have grown as a host and when I stopped anticipating the needs of adults, it was a game changer for me. Confirming meeting times, giving feedback, asking questions, choosing restaurant options are all shared decisions. When one person ignores messages, the whole group waits.

If you’re unsure, ask.
If you’re uncomfortable, say so.
If you’re excited, let people know.
If you don’t want to be involved, say so.

Quietness is okay. Silence is not.

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Say, “This Is My First Time.”

First flight? First cable car? First time abroad? Please say it. Not because you owe anyone an explanation, but because it helps your host support you better. Travel has no shame. We all started somewhere.

Some of my favourite moments as a travel host come from guiding someone through something they’ve never done before. That’s what makes group travel and my job in sharing experiences meaningful.

4. Respect Boundaries. Yours and Others’

Group trips bring different personalities together: introverts, extroverts, early sleepers, party people, quiet observers, the “tell me your life story” crowd, the morning talkers, the ones who will banter unapologetically, you name it. It is always good to take a step back and be mindful of your comments, your tone, your jokes, what you share, and what you ask people.

Not everyone wants unsolicited advice, deep questions, or personal comments. Treat the group like a shared living space: with respect.

5. Time is Not a Suggestion

If the itinerary says leave at 6:00 AM, it does not mean 6:35 AM African time 😭. Sometimes as a host, I have had to backtrack the time and this still ends up offending the timekeepers. The activities are booked. Drivers are scheduled. Park permits are timed. One person running late affects the entire group.

If you need to sit out an activity, tell your host early, not at the pickup point (This is my personal pick on hosting group trips and I have moments where I have had to step back and not snap on my clients)

6. Be Open-Minded — Not Everything Will Go Your Way

Group trips will demand a level of compromise. Not every meal will be your favourite. Not every activity will be your dream. Not every personality will match yours.If you’re rigid, you’ll suffer. And I like to tell people to choose curiosity over comparison.

7. Manage Your Energy

Group trips run on vibes. This is like the super ingredient. A destination could be quite underwhelming in terms of activities and experiences, but if the vibes are correct then the destination could surprisingly rank in your list of memorable trips. If one person is moody, snappy, withdrawn, or irritated, it spreads fast.

It’s okay to be tired. It’s okay to need quiet time. Just take space gracefully and don’t make the group feel like they are the problem. Balanced energy makes you a pleasant travel companion.

9. Money Matters: Be Financially Prepared

Read the trip details well. Friends!!! Read the trip details! Know what’s included. Carry enough for extras.

Nothing strains a group trip and a host like:

• the “Can I pay later?” traveler,

• the “I didn’t budget for that” surprise,

• or the person who constantly opts out because they’re unprepared.

10. Most Importantly,  Trust Your Host

Let the host handle the logistics. If something feels off, address it privately and respectfully. A good host will always find solutions when communicated early.

Group travel is a shared experience. Your actions affect the whole group. When everyone brings respect, awareness, communication, and individuality, the trip becomes unforgettable.

As a travel host who has guided countless groups across continents, I can confidently say that good vibes aren’t accidental, they are contributed!

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