Friends Club 1st Quarter 2019

Traveling with a group offers many benefits—constant companionship, safety in numbers, guided tours, and trip itineraries designed by travel industry experts. Whether traveling with a group for the first time or the fiftieth, practicing group travel etiquette ensures the best travel experience for all involved. Consider the below principles as the three commandments of group travel etiquette: maintain a positive attitude, be considerate of your travel companions, and follow procedures as instructed by your group’s tour manager. Exhibit a Positive Attitude Weather, delays, and technology, among many other factors, occasionally pose challenges to pre-planned itinerary. Though disappointing, a thunderstorm may ruin a day at the beach and after a long day of traveling the hotel may lose power. Recognizing these and other circumstances as uncontrollable ultimately results in a cooperative and pleasant traveler. Sharing this optimistic insight with those who may struggle to accept challenging circumstances benefits the group’s morale. After all, who doesn’t enjoy a good joke or a friendly smile during tense situations? Be Conscientious of Your Fellow Travelers Traveling with family members, business colleagues, or as an individual offers wonderful experiences and relevant travel skills, but these types of travel differ from group travel for the sheer fact there isn’t 30 (or more) other people following the exact same itinerary as you. This means 30 people traveling through the airport with you, 30 people boarding the bus with you, and 30 people waiting to eat at the same restaurant as you. Someone in this group may not be able to walk as fast and may arrive late to board the bus, and someone else may express confusion regarding the day’s activities. In these moments, remember you are not traveling as an individual and this is part of the group travel experience. Focus instead on the many delightful personalities within the group and the beautiful sights throughout the trip to counteract any feelings of impatience. Trust the Tour Manager Levelheaded, friendly, and considered “travel experts,” tour managers will lead the group through planned itinerary and conduct any necessary adjustments as needed. Often valued as the most significant component of group travel, these professional guides will authorize decisions quickly without consultation from travelers. If this happens, continue to follow the tour manager’s guidance and trust in any changes as being beneficial for the group as a whole. Traveling with a group, regardless of group size or travel experience, will be seamless and memorable if all travelers stay positive, remain considerate of other travelers, and respect the group’s tour manager at all times. With so many incredible destinations throughout the world, traveling with a group can be the most rewarding way to create lasting memories and establish lifelong friendships. Group Travel Etiquette: More than Manners By Meg Sinnott Hills Bank Friends Club Coordinator

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