When it comes to vacations, it can often seem like there are two distinct choices: Take a trip with family and friends or plan your own luxurious, relaxing getaway.If you are in the process of planning a group travel adventure you will want to take a look at my three recommendations for what to do.
But while planning a luxury vacation for a big group can be a little trickier and time-consuming compared to a more intimate trip, there are plenty of options that won’t force you to choose between spending time with your loved ones and enjoying your own time away.
Group Travel – 3 Amazing Luxury Vacation Ideas
1. Head Out on a Cruise
A cruise is perfect for big groups, because once you decide on the destination and cruise line, everyone can make their own arrangements and choose packages that most appeal to them.
It’s no secret cruises offer plenty of activities that everyone from grandma Jean to “Little Johnny” can enjoy individually, while providing opportunities for the whole group to spend time together at meals, excursions and shows.
Of course, cruising may not bring to mind a swanky vacation, but that just means you haven’t been on the right cruise line. Look at a luxury cruise line like Princess, which offers top-of-the-line, on-boat amenities and cruises to bucket list destinations like Alaska, Japan and the Panama Canal.
2. Rent a House
One of the joys of vacationing with a big group of family and friends is being able to spend time with the people you love — and having everyone stay under the same roof will bring that in spades. Once you’ve selected your destination, look for a home with plenty of space for guests to spread out; after all, there’s nothing luxurious or relaxing about a family of four having to share a single room and/or bathroom.
To vacation almost like you’re at home, check out the high-end homes available through Airbnb, which have been vetted for exceptional quality, plenty of amenities and thoughtful design. From a luxury villa with an infinity pool in Malay to a farmhouse-chic estate in Texas, you have plenty of options from which to choose.
A typical vacation involving Airbnb or Vrbo means divvying up shopping, cooking and cleaning duties, which can be a logistical nightmare. To avoid these potential disasters, turn house sharing into a luxury vacation by hiring a personal chef to stock the kitchen and cook meals, as well as a cleaning service to tidy up after your crew.
Indeed, taking these time-consuming chores out of the equation will leave you with more quality time and allow everyone in the group to kick back and relax.
3. Take a Guided Tour
If you’re vacationing with a group that loves to explore new places or craves adventure and the outdoors, consider booking some type pf guided tour. Put the stress of making decisions for a big group into the capable hands of a professional tour company. Not only will your group get to explore unique destinations, but literally every detail, from food to travel to your daily itinerary, will be taken care of.
Fodor’s rated some of the world’s best luxury tour specialists, whose lists include Butterfield & Robinson’s biking and walking tours, Micato Safaris’s extravagant trips to places like the Serengeti and the Himalayas, and Tauck’s inspiring educational tours.
Plan Ahead to Avoid Chaos and Stress
Traveling with a large group doesn’t — and shouldn’t — have to be chaotic or stressful. Whether you decide to vacation on a luxury cruise liner, rent a vacation home or take a guided tour somewhere scenic, planning ahead will allow everyone to enjoy a true, relaxing vacation.
