When you plan a group holiday, whether it’s for friends getting together to go to an event, or a family reunion spanning multiple generations, your responsibilities as host and chief planner don’t stop when you press ‘pay’ on your online booking.
You are responsible for making sure that the plans are ‘on point,’ and that everyone has a great time, understands what’s happening when, and has equal input when it comes to sharing costs, organising meals and deciding what to do.
If you book a Hidden Ireland property for your group holiday in Ireland, you will be able to choose from many different accommodation options.
So, you can make sure there is enough room for everyone, and that you are located in the most suitable place for what you want to do on your time away together.
Many places offer on-site breakfast and dining too, which helps with much of the meal planning.
Here are some more ways to be the perfect host during your trip away, while making sure you’re having plenty of fun as well.
Work out who’s spending what
Money and how to divide up paying for things can be one of the most contentious parts of a group holiday. To minimise stress in this area, get together before the trip and work out who is going to pay for what. You could divide everything absolutely equally, or work out the finer details of who is doing, eating or buying what – and pay for what each individual, couple or family use. It’s up to you, but having some kind of plan in place in advance is the secret to avoiding arguments over money while you are on your trip away.
Plan your itinerary
While you may be getting together to specifically attend a concert, go to as sports fixture or travel as a group to a wedding or party, there may be other places people int eh group would like to visit, or activities people are keen to try while you are staying in Ireland. Again, prior planning helps with this, as you can work out what time you have and the best days/times to do different things. Good hosts put other people’s preferences and needs first, not just their own, so always ensure you have asked for everyone’s input and ideas before pressing ahead with any major itinerary planning.
Meals, snacks and eating out
Whether you are staying an accommodation that provides meals, or have opted for a self-catering property, meal planning is a large part of any group holiday. Establish whether people want to eat all together, do their own thing or work out a mixture of the two. If you are eating together, check for allergies and dislikes, so that everyone can eat something that suits them. Have plenty of snacks available, as people will like to be able to dip in and out, and running out could be inconvenient, especially if your accommodation is rural. Again, sorting out a kitty or means of paying fairly between you all for meals is important to do early on, if not before the trip begins.
Mix it up and be flexible
A god host is able to adapt and change direction with the planning if the group changes their mind about doing something, or an issue crops up, making new plans necessary. Try to keep cheerful and calm if changes must be made last-minute and look out for alternatives to keep everyone happy and the holiday on track.
Take a look online for local attractions, or ask your accommodation hosts for ideas and advice. You and your guests might enjoy trying something brand new to you all – keep an open mind and see what there is out there for you to have a go at.
You might have found your next reason to return to Ireland for another group holiday and have another go at it!
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