ATTN Barb of Divas fame
Sep 25th, 2008, 10:50 PM
#21
And now for delegation:
"-Can't we just hail a cab from the airport in Venice?"
Delegate research on costs and times of public transportation to this person.
"-Don't tell me what I can and cannot pack! And I don't believe there won't be porters or bellhops around..."
Delegate research on hotels chosen. What services are available?
"-I'm only bringing just enough for $50/ day for everything; we ought to be able to do the entire trip, lodging, meals and sights for that. (This despite an already agreed upon itinerary with lodging that is over that amount; guess we'll be doing a lot of yogurt and apples....)"
- Delegate budget research to this person. Task: to set up a daily budget.
"-I left my wallet (cc, guidebook, camera, etc.) at the hotel....."
Roommates are responsible for each other.
"-I have to be careful about what i eat and hope to avoid unfamiliar restaurants..."
Delegate research restaurant reviews to this person.
"-I don't like wine....."
No problem. Lots of water and soft drinks available.
"-Let's just make it up as we go; making plans ahead of time is boring..."
Delegate research on must sees to this person.
"-I can't wait to sip vino in the piazza under the Tuscan sun and I'm only packing capris and sandals; I won't need a coat in Italy (we're going in November)....."
Delegate looking up weather websites to this person.
The key to a successful group trip is planning, leadership and delegation.
"-Can't we just hail a cab from the airport in Venice?"
Delegate research on costs and times of public transportation to this person.
"-Don't tell me what I can and cannot pack! And I don't believe there won't be porters or bellhops around..."
Delegate research on hotels chosen. What services are available?
"-I'm only bringing just enough for $50/ day for everything; we ought to be able to do the entire trip, lodging, meals and sights for that. (This despite an already agreed upon itinerary with lodging that is over that amount; guess we'll be doing a lot of yogurt and apples....)"
- Delegate budget research to this person. Task: to set up a daily budget.
"-I left my wallet (cc, guidebook, camera, etc.) at the hotel....."
Roommates are responsible for each other.
"-I have to be careful about what i eat and hope to avoid unfamiliar restaurants..."
Delegate research restaurant reviews to this person.
"-I don't like wine....."
No problem. Lots of water and soft drinks available.
"-Let's just make it up as we go; making plans ahead of time is boring..."
Delegate research on must sees to this person.
"-I can't wait to sip vino in the piazza under the Tuscan sun and I'm only packing capris and sandals; I won't need a coat in Italy (we're going in November)....."
Delegate looking up weather websites to this person.
The key to a successful group trip is planning, leadership and delegation.
Sep 26th, 2008, 06:39 AM
#23
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Regarding delegation. It requires a mature entourage.
There are many who act like the current Wall Street.
Before the trip, "Leave me alone with luggage options. I can take care of them my own."
Once the trip starts, "I can't handle my luggage. You guys are mean. Can't you help me carry just one bag up the stairs?"
There are many who act like the current Wall Street.
Before the trip, "Leave me alone with luggage options. I can take care of them my own."
Once the trip starts, "I can't handle my luggage. You guys are mean. Can't you help me carry just one bag up the stairs?"
Sep 26th, 2008, 02:05 PM
#24
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I was thinking the same as SeaUrchin. You bragged up Italy, now it sounds as though you're bragging about what a terrible group you're taking there and what a horrible time you're probably going to have. As SeaUrchin points out, they will probably have a horrible time as well if things continue as they have started. I can't see how I would feel sorry for you! You need to cancel this trip now!
Sep 26th, 2008, 02:21 PM
#25
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Certainly, I am being a martyr; mea culpa, it's in my blood to suffer for my friends as well as for my art. We eccentric egomaniacs have our priorities, and getting my butt to Italy is the top of the list.
I was especially taken with Barb's diva trip report because I recongized myself and each one of my travel companions at least once in her report. Who among us cannot?
It was indeed a "cautionary tale." I am now so cautioned, as are my travel companions who have also read it. Being all polite midwesterners we would squirm with shame rather than behave badly, I actually have great hopes for our trip.
Travel can test the best of us. When traveling with DH and the kids, we rode out the hissy fits and sulks and tantrums, just like we always do at home -- because we had to. We apologize, forgive, and move on.
Perhaps I first posted here because as point person for this trip, I am tired of struggling to get folks on the same page, but mostly I am nervous about having made choices and recommendations which may or may not pan out.
I was especially taken with Barb's diva trip report because I recongized myself and each one of my travel companions at least once in her report. Who among us cannot?
It was indeed a "cautionary tale." I am now so cautioned, as are my travel companions who have also read it. Being all polite midwesterners we would squirm with shame rather than behave badly, I actually have great hopes for our trip.
Travel can test the best of us. When traveling with DH and the kids, we rode out the hissy fits and sulks and tantrums, just like we always do at home -- because we had to. We apologize, forgive, and move on.
Perhaps I first posted here because as point person for this trip, I am tired of struggling to get folks on the same page, but mostly I am nervous about having made choices and recommendations which may or may not pan out.
Sep 26th, 2008, 02:54 PM
#26
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(Arghhhhhh! I keep posting my replies before I mean to!)
I also wanted to thank those of you with the excellent suggestions for how to survive group travel. I will especially remember about the quiet time and alcohol. However, I am still waiting to find out how one goes about finding a "NHF" as I don't believe that was fully explained in Barb's trip report.
And SeaUrchin -- <<how are you going to feel when they most likely will hate Italy?>> Come on, is that even possible?
I also wanted to thank those of you with the excellent suggestions for how to survive group travel. I will especially remember about the quiet time and alcohol. However, I am still waiting to find out how one goes about finding a "NHF" as I don't believe that was fully explained in Barb's trip report.
And SeaUrchin -- <<how are you going to feel when they most likely will hate Italy?>> Come on, is that even possible?
Sep 26th, 2008, 05:26 PM
#27
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Of course it is possible, I have friends who dislike Italy very much. If I were going on a group trip that was horrible I could not be able to enjoy the ambiance of any place I visited.
Well, good luck as they say.
Well, good luck as they say.
Sep 26th, 2008, 05:56 PM
#28
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Jano3,
One suggestion - be sure to discuss tipping with your group (waiters, cabbies, housekeepers, porters, etc.) I learned the hard way that there are always people who claim that they have "paid their way," but habitually forget about these small amounts that quickly add up if 1 person is always the one reaching into her pocket. Trust me -it gets annoying quite quickly!
Have fun (and have your escape plan ready!)
-Chels
One suggestion - be sure to discuss tipping with your group (waiters, cabbies, housekeepers, porters, etc.) I learned the hard way that there are always people who claim that they have "paid their way," but habitually forget about these small amounts that quickly add up if 1 person is always the one reaching into her pocket. Trust me -it gets annoying quite quickly!
Have fun (and have your escape plan ready!)
-Chels
Sep 27th, 2008, 02:48 AM
#29
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Here's my input, for what it's worth:
Put everything in writing and give your "requirements" to each traveling partner.
Don't be shy. Don't be rude. Just state the facts. When writing about your expectations, always include yourself (when possible) in your phrasing, such as:
"We are each responsible for our belongings, all tickets, and being on time for any planned transportation/tours, etc. We cannot expect the entire group to wait on any one of us, for any reason. As Benjamin Franklin said...Look before or you'll find yourself behind."
"I am here to help you any way I can. HOWEVER, I am NOT a tour guide. We are EACH spending a lot of money for this trip and each of us has different likes and dislikes. Therefore, each of us MUST know what we want to see/do and then...go see it and do it. Naturally, we will do alot as a group. But, it's always fun to meet for dinner and hear about everyone's personal experiences of the day. So, don't be afraid to strike out on your own."
"Learn all you can about each destination. This is YOUR trip and it is up to you to insure you've done all you can to make your journey a memorable one."
"If you bring it...YOU haul it."
Etc., etc., etc.
Let's face it. One of the greatest tests of friendship is traveling together. If we look for trouble...we'll find it. Therefore, arm yourself with a positive attitude and a lot of patience. There will probably be some bumps in the road, but don't let the bumps dictate your overall experience.
Relax...have fun...and make sure you let us all know how it goes.
Valarie
Put everything in writing and give your "requirements" to each traveling partner.
Don't be shy. Don't be rude. Just state the facts. When writing about your expectations, always include yourself (when possible) in your phrasing, such as:
"We are each responsible for our belongings, all tickets, and being on time for any planned transportation/tours, etc. We cannot expect the entire group to wait on any one of us, for any reason. As Benjamin Franklin said...Look before or you'll find yourself behind."
"I am here to help you any way I can. HOWEVER, I am NOT a tour guide. We are EACH spending a lot of money for this trip and each of us has different likes and dislikes. Therefore, each of us MUST know what we want to see/do and then...go see it and do it. Naturally, we will do alot as a group. But, it's always fun to meet for dinner and hear about everyone's personal experiences of the day. So, don't be afraid to strike out on your own."
"Learn all you can about each destination. This is YOUR trip and it is up to you to insure you've done all you can to make your journey a memorable one."
"If you bring it...YOU haul it."
Etc., etc., etc.
Let's face it. One of the greatest tests of friendship is traveling together. If we look for trouble...we'll find it. Therefore, arm yourself with a positive attitude and a lot of patience. There will probably be some bumps in the road, but don't let the bumps dictate your overall experience.
Relax...have fun...and make sure you let us all know how it goes.
Valarie
Oct 12th, 2008, 06:12 AM
#30
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I have taken your excellent advice, Valerie, and our group has discussed all of these things and seems to be on board with all of it except the part about learning all you can ahead of time -- half of us have been anal about researching sights, activities and restaurants, and the other half are doing the "whatever" thing, seemingly convinced that it will be more fun to make it up as they go. So long as the two halves don't antagonize each other unduly.....it will be interesting, surely. But we have discussed the money thing, the luggage, all of our forgetful tendencies (our age), and so on. We have even exchanged medical info in case of emergency -- a good idea from one of the group.
We leave soon; look for trip report sometime in Novmeber.
We leave soon; look for trip report sometime in Novmeber.
Oct 20th, 2008, 06:49 AM
#31
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Barb - Just wanted to tell you that I just stumbled upon your 2005 report about traveling with the Divas.
I couldn't sleep and appreciate so much the 2-3 hours of entertainment!!
Now I have to hurry to work. But, just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your report!
I couldn't sleep and appreciate so much the 2-3 hours of entertainment!!
Now I have to hurry to work. But, just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your report!
Nov 29th, 2008, 06:35 AM
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I just read the "article" on Slow Travel about large-group travel. Very good advice.
For others who plan such trips,
I just want to add, from my own experience, to get the money for all shared expenses upfront, well before the trip. If you make a commitment to a large villa and then people drop out, the rest of you are stuck bearing the extra cost. We take the known costs and add an estimate for car rental(s), utilities, etc. You're not on the trip until you pay up. And since large villas book up well ahead of time, you might have that money for a year. We have a separate savings account for such trips.
Hope all went (reasonably) well for Jano3 and we hear from her soon.
For others who plan such trips,
I just want to add, from my own experience, to get the money for all shared expenses upfront, well before the trip. If you make a commitment to a large villa and then people drop out, the rest of you are stuck bearing the extra cost. We take the known costs and add an estimate for car rental(s), utilities, etc. You're not on the trip until you pay up. And since large villas book up well ahead of time, you might have that money for a year. We have a separate savings account for such trips.
Hope all went (reasonably) well for Jano3 and we hear from her soon.
