Has most of your travel been with friends or family? Here’s some tips to ensure you have the best time possible on a group tour.
If you’ve never been part of a group tour before, you’re bound to feel a little nervous and apprehensive about the prospect. When you travel with family or friends, you generally know what to expect. But travelling with people you don’t know….that’s completely different. It can be a bit of a daunting prospect. Go into it in the right headspace, and we believe that group travel can be even more rewarding and enriching than travelling alone.
Have an Open Mind
If you are shy, or experience anxiety (which during the pandemic, many of us have) the thought of travelling with a group of people you have never met may feel overwhelming. It’s important to remember that even though you haven’t met these people before, you will have common interests. You’ll definitely share a love of travel, and a love of golf. And you have no idea what other interests you will share. Go with an open mind and you’ll probably be surprised at how much you have in common with the other guests.
Ask Questions & Listen to Each Other’s Stories
People from all different countries and backgrounds join group tours. Each person carries with them their own life stories and past travel adventures. Ask people about themselves. It’s a great way to break the ice and engage with others. Most people are eager to share their stories, talk about their lives and experiences. Asking someone to tell you about their most treasured holiday experience can be a gateway to real connection. Taking a genuine interest in what people are truly passionate about, can light someone up, and show you their true self. All it takes is the courage to strike up a conversation.
Research your Destination in Advance
One of the benefits of travelling on a group tour is having a Host who knows your destination. To have them on hand is fantastic, but it’s always worth doing some of your own research on the destination you’re travelling to, before you depart. Learning how to say Hello, Thank you, Please and Goodbye in the local language will go a long way in helping you interact with the locals. Having a few phrases on hand, helps you to truly immerse yourself in a new culture.
Pack Something Fun to Share
In a group environment, the more sociable you can be, the better. Taking a deck of cards, some music or a game, are all great ways to break the ice with your new travelling companions, and to bring everyone closer together.
Come with a Positive Mindset
It can be nerve-wrecking travelling to new destinations, with people you’ve never met. You’ll be possibly experiencing different cultures and eating vastly different foods to what you usually do. These experiences will feel much more fun and exciting, if you approach them with a positive, can do mindset. Celebrate the differences between your everyday life and this new destination you’re blessed to be in. Your coffee may not be the exact way your favourite café makes it for you, but look where you are! It’s amazing how quickly life returns to normal once you arrive home. The more you immerse yourself in the differences, the more you will enjoy your experience.
Take photos!
It’s not possible to take too many photos. Snap pics with everyone in your group. Take photos of golf courses, sunsets, dinners at new restaurants, all with your new friends. Solo travel can be great, but your photo album ends up being full of photos that lack the human element (unless you’re good at selfies!). Take this opportunity to fill this holidays album with pictures of people falling about laughing, and have a true memento of your time together.
Stay in touch
Many true and lasting friendships are forged on a group tour. Swap contact details, and even though the tour has ended, the relationships don’t have to. You never know when you’ll be passing through one of your new friends towns. Having a shared travel experience is a true bond. You’ve had a wonderful trip, together; this doesn’t have to be the end.
We’d love you to join us on a group tour, and be part of our group as we make the most of our travels. For more information, please contact us here.