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How to plan a group trip — 10 tips for the best time ever


A few months ago, I celebrated 40th birthday in Paris. When I returned, while I received a few restaurant Ask for recommendations, what most people really want to know is, “How did you plan a trip for many people?!“Because of you guys, I threw a Parisian party with 11 of my best friends. So, if you’re wondering how to plan a group trip, boy — I have the answer.

To be clear, that’s no exaggeration. I hold these people close to my heart, and there is no one with whom I would want to celebrate such an important birthday. And while I have a knack for both planning and getting the right group of people together, I was a bit surprised by how well this trip turned out.

Featured image of Michelle Nash.

Image by Michelle Nash

If you’ve been following Priya Parker As long as I have, you know how important it is to understand what she calls “the art of collecting.” Priya was a huge inspiration both for planning this trip and for telling the story I’m contemplating here.

If you have a big celebration coming up, here are my top 10 tips for planning a group trip. Of course, while the experience is seamless and one that I’ll never forget, no trip opens without a few surprises. I’ll preface it here: One consistent point among all these tips is Flexible.

Because while planning and preparation are both paramount, timing shifts are inevitable. The key is to embrace them.

Photo of Melissa Gidney for Jenni Kayne

10 Tips for Planning a Group Trip You’ll Remember For Years To Come

Consider personality types

Who do you want to celebrate with? Seems like an easy question, but when you’re planning your group trip, it’s important to think. For this, I want it to be pleasant, fun, accommodating, spontaneous, silly, and energetic (which I know is a long list).

I had to consider who would work well in a space together, who would be cool and excited to be around new people, and who would spark a conversation with anyone. When I told you this group clicked too good instant and have the best time, i mean it. Literally: There was no moment of frustration, annoyance, or attitude. The reality is quite the opposite.

There was more laughter than I thought possible. (The name of our group text series has changed no less than 25 times — the inside jokes just keep rolling.) Take some time to think and consider who you’re rallying to. Do you want to manage your ego during the trip or sit back and watch beautiful friendships form?

Size problem

Depending on where you’re traveling, keep in mind that the more people you have, the harder it will be to book seats, get the same train ticket, or go anywhere as a large group. Thankfully, during my Paris trip, we were able to make two separate tables, split into a male and a female table. However, remember to plan ahead, as it will be difficult to host larger parties.

Photo of Michelle Nash

Keep the cruise open

Except for my one day trip to Reims (located in the Champagne region of France for champagne tasting) and my 40order birthday dinner, I keep the itinerary open and loose for everyone to choose their own adventure. I shared some of the things I wanted to see in Paris, but knowing I had five couples on the trip who may not have traveled or spent time away from their children in recent years, I want to leave it open so they can experience their own Paris too. That freedom allows everyone to have their own solo time and come together as a group.

Photo of Mikola Accuardi

Communication is key

I quickly put the team on an email and text thread that not only kept everyone informed of the updates, but allowed everyone to start building some familiar relationships before we even met in person. Paris. It’s amazing how quickly inside jokes can materialize via text and email!

Ask for advanced needs

Just as you approach any form of gathering, asking your friends if they have any specific needs (diet restrictions, no alcohol, ADA compliance rooms, etc.) they are comfortable. Furthermore, this planning ahead will show your guests how much you care about them when booking any reservation or experience. This can also be an open invitation for a friend to share what’s going on in their world so you can take note of when they might need a break, space, or anything else that helps them. feel supported.

Let your guests decide

From where to stay to what they want to do, let your guests structure their experience. One event that I want everyone to attend is my birthday dinner. Also, the whole ride is free game. Some of my guests arrive at different times of the week and others stay the entire time. Remember: We all operate on different schedules, with different budgets, and come from different backgrounds. I always wanted to come from a place of gratitude. Remember that your guests chose to spend time and to celebrate friend.

Find out what they’re excited about

What do your guests want to see? What do they want to do? Chances are, the answer to both of these questions is roughly the same – making planning a day simpler. (Bonus: It gives you more networking opportunities!)

A lot of people in our group want to see the same museums, and first-timers are adamant about catching the Eiffel Tower or stopping at the same great falafel spot (Hint: this is the clear winner!). Because of this, we were able to connect in a few accidental moments.

Image by Michelle Nash

Discuss cash first

Larger groups can mean you’ll split meals and owe everyone money at some point. Before diving into these conversations, know this: Talking about money doesn’t have to be awkward.

Some applications (such as Splitswiseor, of course, Venmo) can be used for larger groups. We decided to go to Venmo right after a meal when one grabbed the bill. Just don’t forget to include the exchange rate, ensuring that anyone who pays will get a full refund.

Created once for everyone

As much as possible, make sure you’re spending intimate moments with all the people who have taken time out of their busy lives to congratulate you or join you on your trip. Change who you sit with at meals, on the train, or on a walk. Ask how they are doing. Make sure you’ve signed up and shown that you’re interested. It will make them feel seen, and you’ll quickly see if you need to make any adjustments to the schedule.

Ask someone to plan one of the days

I love organizing and bringing people together. It is one of my greatest joys and pleasures. But it can be tiring having to make sure everyone is having a good time, and I have to make time on purpose for each person. Looking back, I would love to be “guest” to the party one day and not have to think about anything. So, if you’re taking steps on how to plan a group trip, consider offering to spend a day with someone else and asking if you can sit in the back seat.

If you are planning a specific trip in Paris

Camile’s Paris Guide serves as a *great* starting point. But, of course, I wandered around and found a few favorites on my trip that I couldn’t help but recommend.

  • Day trip to Reims for champagne. Our favorite house is Taittinger.
  • Shopping at Le Bon MarchéOne of the most iconic indoor shopping malls is Barney’s (RIP) in the US
  • Eat at Frenchie on the Rue de Nil. They don’t take reservations so get there early!
  • Get oysters at Regis Huiterie.
  • Late night drinks at Le Comptoir. Don’t miss this popular spot, where they bring you a filling plate of butter and bread as you sip on a great selection of wines.
  • If you love jam, you must visit La Chambre aux Confitures. My favorite thing is to get a jar, a bread, some fromage and charcuterie (along with a good wine!) and sit on the Seine to people watch.
  • Last but not least: This is not a trip to Paris without dining at La Fontaine de Mars.





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