take a princess cruise to the Med. or to the greek islands. Takes half of the burdon off you, and takes you to great places.

Hi tereza,
I recently found myself in the same position. I booked a vacation for 8 family members and I felt flattered that they trusted me. I do a lot of research online, talk to travel agents, get books on destinations before I go. You also have to take into account what activities everyone likes to do. Are they divers, shoppers, or do they just like to sit on the beach with a drink in hand. I balanced everything out and did alittle something for everyone. Everyone had a great time. One day we snorkelled, the next toured, another we went shopping and so on. I'm sure you'll do a great job!

Classic advice from Elvira on a European thread from 2000 but still valid for group trip planning. ;)

Author: elvira
Date: 01/12/2000, 06:29 pm

Ugh, my computer ate my original answer, so here goes (if you want more details, you can email me directly):
1) Make sure you get input from every member on what they like and don't like. No point in heading for the Millenium Ferris Wheel if half the group is acrophobic.
2) Don't try to sneak extra people into your accommodations. Many hotels and B&Bs will allow you to put more people in the room if you tell them that's what you want to do (for example, a double room with double beds sleeps four, and the hotel will even put in a cot if you want).
3) Decide on luggage. We take just carry-ons so we avoid the baggage carousel; this doesn't work if even one girl checks in luggage, because everyone has to wait for her. Discuss what everyone wants to do, and make a group decision.
4) Carry only what you can handle. Just because I have a rolling bag doesn't mean I'll help carry your 5 suitcases. You bring it, you haul it.
5) Make sure everyone understands they are not in Kansas anymore. The food is different, the beds are different, the escalators are different. The first person who says "well, that's not how WE do it in the U.S." becomes the pinata for that night's festivities.
6) NO WHINING. If you don't feel good, or you're tired, SPEAK UP. We'll take care of you. If you really don't want to go to the Dill Pickle and Smurf Museum, then say so. Don't go and act like a big baby.
7) Share. Each person doesn't need to bring a box of bandaids. Make a list of communal things and divvy up who brings what.
8) Buy as much ahead as you can; such as National Heritage Passes, Underground Passes, etc. That way, the group is not milling about while 2 girls go stand in line for tickets. I hate that.
9) Decide on how you want to pay for meals, etc. We use the kitty; one person (it can be a different person each day) holds the dough. Before we set out for the day, we determine how much we'll need, and everyone puts in the same amount (like 50 pounds, for example). Then that person pays for the meals, entry tickets, etc. Next morning, same thing. This also saves on the aggravation in the restaurant of the cheapo who throws in 10 pounds when it actually comes to 12 pounds.
10) Keep your sense of humor. It is the only way you'll get through the icky times. I also avoid all sharp objects and potential weapons, you know, just in case I'm tempted to use one.

Since the original poster has never been back, you may want to consider this topic dead.

Great advice SAnParis...this topic should Rest In Peace. I'd also HOPE that the "rethinking trip to Jamaica" thread would also RIP. That one has been around far too long !

Marion

I ditto S. Africa. Our friends put a trip together using this cool guide, Johan, a retired school headmaster. He Picked us up in Cape Town, ran us all around, wine region, everything, then off to Botswana where he had made all arangements. Email me for his contact info and more details on our trip if anyone likes.

Also did Tuscany for my wife's 50th last year. Sienna, Torre Palazzone, 21 people. Each couple had their own cars for day trips to towns. I arranged buses to take us to Florence. Our own chef at the villa for dinners together every night. ONe of our best trips ever. Everyone got along great, very low stress for me!

King

HI, I have been to 27 islands in the caribbean. I help you find the write one I need to know what do you all want out of a vacation and the type or personalitys of the people traveling? We finaly decided after all our travels that Montserrat a british overseas territory was the place for us and we purchased property. go to www.milesawayvilla.com for more island information