8 practical travel tips to make your group trips happen this summer

Make this summer your last summer and also you and your friends can plan your vacation in a group chat. Poor planning and inconvenient timing often leave travelers exhausted before they even start.

Such situations inspired SquadTrip to launch a comprehensive group travel platform. Designed to provide first-time travelers and seasoned explorers alike with the tools for stress-free travel, the free, user-friendly platform has simplified domestic and international travel for groups and solo travelers.

“Being from Brooklyn, my entrepreneurial spirit was ingrained in me and I always saw creators coming up with solutions to everyday problems,” SquadTrip founder Darrien Watson tells BLACK ENTERPRISE.

“SquadTrip responded to issues I noticed after being added to the Birthday Trip group chat. It started with good intentions, but getting everyone on the same page when planning was a nightmare!”

With useful features similar to fast messaging, questionnaires, pre-planned itineraries, reservations and the customarily dreaded payment collection, SquadTrip offers an entire trip planning experience. These features reveal Watson’s skilled experience working with software vendors and natural passion for travel.

“My co-founder and I knew we wanted to provide Black travelers with a marketplace tailored to their needs,” Watson says. “SquadTrip offers experiences curated by Black-owned tour operators and travel agencies, from luxury and cultural trips abroad to arrivals trips”

“We wanted to eliminate setbacks that can take away from the enjoyment of group travel to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.”

Launching in Brooklyn, New York in 2022, SquadTrip is a premier travel platform tailored specifically for Black travelers, serving as a platform to discover trips curated by Black tour operators and travel agencies. With a comprehensive software solution, travelers can streamline group travel with features similar to TripBuilder, pre-planned itineraries and automatic monthly payment plans, all accessible through a user-friendly, centralized dashboard.

“Our software is the first online platform that allows you to create booking pages, accept payments, and manage communications and finances in one place,” says Watson.

Additionally, although the corporate was founded in Brooklyn, it has since moved its headquarters to Tulsa, Oklahoma to take part in the Techstar Accelerator Build In Tulsa program for POC founders.

“Now we are part of a growing Black tech sector that is revitalizing Black Wall Street in Tulsa,” Watson says.

Over the past two years, SquadTrip has facilitated lots of of trips in over 50 countries, improving travel experiences and meeting the unique needs of Black travelers all over the world. To help other Black travelers take a group trip this summer or later within the yr, SquadTrip has created an eight-step guide to assist you to organize a successful group trip and create unforgettable memories with your squad.

Rate the group – Find out who you are traveling with, their interests, budgets and travel styles so you’ll be able to effectively guide your planning process.

“Understanding your intentions is crucial for trips outside of specific celebrations, such as weddings or graduations,” Watson says. “To get off to a good start, make sure participants have common interests, whether that’s history in the case of a city tour or musical taste in the case of a festival.”

Democratize decision-making – Involve your group from the start so everyone feels heard. Use SquadTrip to brainstorm destinations, travel dates and budgets.

“SquadTrip empowers users to make decisions by allowing them to create trip-specific questionnaires,” Watson explains. “To ensure that everyone’s preferences are heard and incorporated into the planning process.”

Choose the proper accommodation— Research to find accommodation and transportation convenient for your complete group. Consider flights, trains or automobile rentals when it comes to cost and travel time.

“Consider using room types to accommodate preferences while also checking accurate pricing and floor layouts,” adds Watson. “It’s a good idea to check bed arrangements, occupancy limits and other information in advance to make sure everyone is comfortable.”

Create your travel plan and use “maybe” – Group planning could be difficult and require compromise because preferences vary. SquadTrip helps by creating flexible itineraries that include group activities and free time to ensure everyone enjoys their trip.

“It’s good to go on a journey with a plan, even if it’s not very detailed,” notes Watson. “Having an idea of ​​what each day might look like helps provide structure so you can make the most of your adventures.”

Avoid chasing advances – Avoid awkward conversations by collecting and scheduling payments through SquadTrip and eliminating the necessity for group texting, spreadsheets, or apps like Venmo and PayPal.

“Travel is usually a hindrance when it comes to raising money,” admits Watson. “We have added automatic payments through SquadTrip to avoid uneven amounts and make sure everything is fair.”

“With transparency around individual premiums, total cost and payment progress, there is no need for reconciliation or awkward ‘can you send me one’ conversations when everyone gets home,” he adds.

Update your lineup – Prioritize clear communication when planning. Keep everyone informed about decisions and changes. With SquadTrip you’ll be able to send emails, trip updates and automatic payment reminders to your group.

“There is no such thing as too much communication when planning group trips. But it’s best to keep all critical and core updates
planning in a central location,” says Watson. “By simplifying, everyone will be on the same page without hassle.”

Celebrate differences and acknowledge the inevitable – Group trips bring together diverse personalities. Accept differences to discover hidden interests. Expect the unexpected: flight delays, lost luggage and personality conflicts. Deal with hiccups flexibly and with humor.

“Compromise will be possible in any event that involves many people, especially if group outings do not focus on the celebrant,” Watson explains. “In addition, the flexibility of travel plans allows you to discover new passions, so it is important to keep an open mind.”

Consider a travel agency – For independent group leaders, SquadTrip offers a curated number of travel agencies specializing in group tours Here.

“If your group prefers hands-free planning, don’t hesitate to ask for additional help,” suggests Watson. “SquadTrip travel marketplace features hand-picked Black tour operators and travel agents for seamless management.”