How to plan a group holiday for a memorable trip

Planning a big group trip is always exciting, but it’s not without its challenges. From finding a destination everyone will love to making sure no one’s left footing an unexpected bill, there’s a lot to keep in mind.

With a little planning (and a little help from the experts), you’ll have your next big trip sorted in no time. Read on for our top tips to make group travel planning a breeze.

What are the best destinations for a big group holiday?

The best group travel destinations will all depend on your preferences. However, crowd-pleasers like Mauritius, the Maldives and the Caribbean usually go down a treat.

The Maldives

Postcard-worthy overwater villas and pristine beaches have put the Maldives at the top of the list when it comes to rest and relaxation. Recharge at serene spas with sea views and come face to face with shoals of colourful fish and graceful manta rays on snorkelling adventures.

Mauritius

Lively Mauritius has a wide range of activities to keep the whole group busy. Explore the island’s lush botanical gardens or taste local produce from one of the bustling markets. Beach lovers can stick to sunbathing on the golden sands while more adventurous types can scuba dive kaleidoscopic coral reefs and shipwrecks alongside dolphins, sharks and turtles.

The Caribbean

The Caribbean is known for its luxury all-inclusive resorts. All you have to do is book your stay and let them take care of the rest (bonus: you’ll only need to split one bill). Dive beneath the clear Caribbean waters or feel the sea breeze in your hair as you sail round the coast in a catamaran. Then, head back to your resort for freshly grilled jerk chicken and local seafood.

Europe

If you fancy staying a little closer to home, Europe has some fantastic coastal and island destinations that are ideal for big groups.

Head out to a Greek island where you can combine beach days, boat trips and explorations of archaeological sites. At St Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas in Crete you can take a dip in the clear waters of Mirabello Bay or visit the Poseidon Spa for thalassotherapy and Turkish steam baths. Or head to Portugal’s lush Algarve region, packed with seafront villas and thrilling waterparks. The Pine Cliffs Resort is ideal for young families. Kids can run around the two life-sized pirate ships while the adults recharge with a Himalayan salt sauna or improve their swing at the golf academy.

How to choose the right accommodation for a big group: Villa or resort?

Villas and resorts each have their advantages – which one you choose will depend on your group’s priorities.

Private villas

Villas are ideal for groups looking for a private retreat where everyone can do their own thing. You’ll all have your own space, with everything you need right there in the villa. Take a dip in your private pool, choose a bottle from your well-stocked wine cellar and watch the sunset over the ocean from your terrace.

All-inclusive resorts

Resorts come in many shapes and sizes. Some are more geared towards rest and relaxation while others are packed with activities. Ones with spacious family suites and connecting rooms are best for large groups. Dig into hearty buffets – with a different theme each night – and try local specialties at the bar, all included in the price. Kids’ clubs make resorts a top choice for families, with little ones kept busy with treasure hunts or mini beach Olympics.

What activities to plan for a large group holiday

From Mauritius to the Maldives, you won’t be stuck for activities. Here’s how to choose the right ones for your crew:

Group activities

Try to think about activities everyone will enjoy. Book a sunset cruise or plan a day trip to a neighbouring town or island. Enjoy a Robinson Crusoe-style adventure at Zilwa Attitude in Mauritius. You’ll be dropped off on the resort’s private island to sip cocktails on the sand before enjoying a smoky barbecue of fresh seafood and traditional Mauritian dishes with a twist.

Sports and games

For the more active members of your group, look for places with sports facilities and water activities. Challenge your friends on the tennis court or check out PADI-certified diving courses. Kids’ clubs with chill-out rooms that include video games and pool tables are great for families with teens.

Rest and relaxation

With so much to do, you’ll also want to factor in some time to rest. Head back to the plush bed in your suite for an afternoon nap or book yourself in for a massage at the spa (at Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall in Jamaica, they come with views of the Caribbean Sea). Or guarantee a great night’s sleep with a spot of yoga nidra with the in-house yogi at Kurumba Maldives.

Classes and tours

Cooking classes are a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture. Learn how to make classic Jamaican dishes at Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall or discover the delights of Creole cuisine at Zilwa Attitude. Afterwards, head out on a bike tour into one of the nearby towns or villages.

How to organise and manage logistics for a big group holiday

With some advance planning and a little help from technology, you’ll have your group trip itinerary put together in no time.

Group chats and apps

Creating a WhatsApp group is the easiest way to communicate with everyone and keep all your planning in one place. Use polls to decide on dates and destinations, send contact info and share important documents. Apps like Splitwise are great for tracking shared expenses, both before and during your trip.

Book early

Booking early is crucial for big group trips. Connecting rooms and luxury villas are often the first to go. Make sure to nab them early, especially if you’re travelling during peak season.

Assign an organiser

While it’s always going to be a group effort, having one person in charge can really help. This will be the person who actually makes the bookings and locks in plans. It’s likely your group has someone who will jump at the opportunity to be the leader, but if you don’t, consider including a nice bonus (like offering the first choice of rooms) for whoever takes charge.

What are the advantages of using a travel agent for a big group holiday?

Travel agents take a lot of the time and guesswork out of planning a big group holiday. Here’s how:

Expert advice

Our experts have been there and done that. They know the ins and outs of the best holiday destinations and packages around the world, giving them the real inside track.

Customised itineraries

Tell us about your group and we’ll plan your dream holiday. Give us your budget and timeframe and we’ll build you a bespoke itinerary. Think private cooking classes, sunset catamaran rides with bottles of Champagne and bookings at all the best restaurants.

Save time…

Planning takes time. Researching hotels, tours and activities to build your once-in-a-lifetime holiday isn't everyone's cup of tea. Luckily, it's exactly what we love doing.

… and money

Travel agents can access all sorts of exclusive discounts and perks, especially for group bookings. We’ve built longstanding relationships with hotels and tour companies to ensure you always get the best deal. With our Personal Travel Experts, you can get special packages, room upgrades and savings that aren’t available online.

Stress-free travel

Travel is unpredictable, but we've seen it all before. If your flights are delayed or you need to change plans last minute, we can adjust everything to keep your trip on track.

This feature was created on 23rd December 2024. The information within this feature is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of print.