Handling Group Dynamics and Ensuring Cohesion
Outside of seeing the sights and checking items off bucket lists, group travel inherently brings people together. It exposes travelers to not only new experiences, but also new conversations, connections and friends. And much like coordinating a big social gathering, group travel professionals are often focused on the logistics and "meat" of an itinerary—along with the hope that their group enjoys each other's company and gets along.
Let's examine some of the ways to foster a positive group dynamic and make group cohesion a reality.
SET THE GROUNDWORK
First, ensure your group members have things in common and itinerary stops are transparently outlined so there are no misunderstandings about energy level or activity preferences. Have clear communication ahead of the trip about the expected code of conduct and what consequences there will be if those standards aren't upheld. While many traveling groups are made up of adults who don't need to be (and shouldn't be) treated like children, there needs to be an expectation that travelers maintain reasonable and respectful behavior towards their fellow travelers, group leaders, hospitality workers, etc.
MAKE ROOM FOR CONNECTIONS
If your group as a whole already know each other or have an existing connection of some kind, you've already got the advantage of skipping the pleasantries of introductions and awkward small talk. But if your group is a mix of folks meeting for the first time, create an opportunity for folks to get to know each other without leaning on tired corporate ice breaker exercises. Instead, consider playing a game or two during your first motorcoach ride or dinner together: "Two Truths and a Lie" (travel edition), a travel-themed "Would You Rather," a travel essentials version of "Show and Tell" and more. You could even create a collaborative group playlist ahead of time which can then be played during transport times.
FIND THE PERFECT BALANCE
Even the most extroverted people require some "me" time. Ensure your itinerary has a good blend of group activities and those which allow for down time or an "explore on your own" window. That way, group members have the power to choose what they feel is needed at that moment in time. If they feel like continuing to stick with the greater group, that's OK, too!
PAY ATTENTION AND BUILD TRUST
Be sure to pay attention to your group members' demeanor throughout the trip. If someone in the group is simply going through it, they should know they can come to you to talk and figure out what's going on and what steps may need to happen next to resolve the issue. Everyone's got things going on in their lives; having (and displaying) empathy in those types of situations is vital.
KEEP THE MAGIC GOING
Gauge interest in starting an online group for those on the trip to remain in touch beyond this single adventure. This could be a great place for people to share pictures, recall memories as the years pass, ask questions about where it was, exactly, that they had that incredible bottle of cabernet and more. Better yet, consider starting the group before the trip so the conversations and connections can blossom before the trip even happens.
Written by Sarah Suydam, Managing Editor for Groups Today.
This article originally appeared in the Mar/Apr '25 issue of Groups Today.
