How do you plan a spring break trip for a group of people with different interests and varying incomes? Should you plan for a week-long stay on the beach or an extended hike and camping stay at a local park? These are a couple of questions you’re likely asking yourself as you plan a spring break trip for you and your students.
Keep reading for some tips and ideas on how to plan a group spring break trip that everyone can enjoy.
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Know Your Audience
If you need ideas for planning your group trip, start by thinking about the collective interests of your group. This can determine what everyone would enjoy doing on the trip. Take a poll asking your members about favorite activities and destinations, and then come up with a theme for your trip.
Below are some tips for how to plan a spring break trip based on who’s going:
A Team Trip
A team trip is easy to plan for when you consider the general interests of your group. Whether you’re going on a band trip or a vacation with your sports team, the group shares at least one common interest.
Plan the vacation based on what you think they’d all agree on as a fun activity. For example, you can take an outdoorsy club or association on a hiking excursion, or you can take a theatre troupe to watch a play, exploring the culture your group appreciates the most.
High School Spring Break
For a group of high schoolers, an organized trip can be a safe way to have fun away from home. Make sure the destination is appropriate for an 18-years-and-younger crowd. That said, high school students can handle more responsibility than their younger peers, so something like an adventurous camping trip or theme park trip is perfect.
College Spring Break
Popular spring break destinations for university students include beaches, national parks and museums. With careful planning and the right transportation, your group can arrive at your desired location without breaking the bank.
Transportation Options
Staying organized is more difficult if your group travels in pairs and trios. As tempting as carpooling is, setting up group transportation is the easiest way to coordinate arrival times and make sure everyone stays organized and safe. If you’ll be flying to your destination, keeping your group in one vehicle is even more important.
Getting a charter bus is a relaxing and safe way to travel, allowing you to spend quality time with your group or teammates on your way to and from your destination. Depending on the size of your group, you can rent a coach bus, mini coach or minibus. Motor coach buses provide quality amenities and entertainment services as a bonus.
The benefits of renting a bus include:
- A certified driver
- Fuel efficiency
- Comfortable seats
- Luxury amenities
- On-board restrooms
- Entertainment and WiFi
Other Things to Consider When Spring Break Trip Planning
While you’re planning your group vacation, make sure you do the following:
1. Take RSVPs
Find out how many people are going to be on the trip. Knowing the exact number will help you plan for the best method of transportation.
2. Take Inventory
How much luggage does your group expect to bring? How many people are bringing gear or equipment? Plan to make room for everyone’s stuff. A couple of camping tents and fold-up chairs typically fit in the average car, but when you’re traveling with a large group, you have to take everyone’s items into account.
Check if your transportation will have luggage compartments, and see if you’ll need to limit your peers to a set number of bags.
3. Plan the Itinerary
Have at least a rough idea of what each day will look like before you set off. If you’re going on a long trip, plan the rest stops in advance. Knowing where you want to stop can help your group make the best time. Coordinate restroom breaks with gas fillups and lunch, too.
If your group will be splitting up once you reach the destination, plan on having a pickup spot where everyone can meet at a set time. Consider printing the itinerary for your fellow travelers to refresh their memories on the road. Having a physical copy is a great way to stay organized.
4. Collect Payments
A group trip is more affordable when everyone pitches in. Make sure you collect any requested payments before the trip begins. Give your group members enough time to pay by the set deadline. If you have a budget for spending money, divide it up accordingly and set it aside to hand out to everyone.
5. Encourage Using the Buddy System
Realistically, a large enough group will be unable to stay unified throughout a trip. The buddy system is a safe way to explore new areas, so make sure your group members partner up for their safety. It’s also a good idea to take a roll call when you’re ready to leave a rest stop or a destination to make sure everyone’s accounted for.
Possible Spring Break Destinations
Some of the most popular spring break destinations are listed below:
Daytona Beach in Florida
Daytona has a lot to offer spring breakers, from its historic Speedway to the world-class amenities. Spring break is the perfect time of year to celebrate at the culture festivals before the summer heat takes over. Many of the beachfront hotels are reasonably priced and the local cuisine is excellent.
Myrtle Beach in South Carolina
This destination boasts several golf courses, high-quality seafood restaurants and plenty of shopping. The seasonably warm temperatures mean college baseball teams can come here for spring training and some relaxing time on the beach. The atmosphere is exciting enough for college students with plenty of laid-back activities for those of you who just want to enjoy the sun.
The Fire and Ice Festival in Québec City, Québec
If your spring break occurs early in the year, try arranging a visit to the famous Winter Carnival. Here, your group can enjoy a range of activities, like building snow sculptures, watching live shows and going ice skating. Be sure to stay for the night parades, when the streets are lit up by lantern lights.
Charter a Bus With Executive Coach
How do you plan a trip with a group without getting the best transportation option? We provide buses for family-friendly vacations, formal events and many other kinds of trips. Contact us to set up a rental or learn more about the amenities or other features of our buses.
