tour

Mar 27
0

Let’s Eat!

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Everyone knows that besides choosing what destinations your group is travelling to, where and what to eat is just as important.

After deciding where you are going, visit that city’s Convention and Visitors Bureau for a listing of what restaurants are group friendly.  They are a great resource and will have lots of suggestions and ideas of what to do and where to eat in their city.

Deciding on where you will dine, is just the beginning.   The National Tourism Association suggests calling the restaurant’s manager and asking some of the following questions:

  1. How much advance notice do you need for our group?
  2. Is convenient tour bus loading/unloading available onsite?
  3. Do you have room to park a charter bus?
  4. Do you have special meal options specifically for large tour groups?
  5. How will we be seated? Is there a banquet room on site?
  6. Do you offer group discounts?
  7. Do chaperones receive a free meal?
  8. Do you require an advance deposit? If so, how much?
  9. Is the deposit refundable?
  10. What is your cancellation and refund policy?

With the answers to these questions, it will be easy to plan your group’s meal!  Now all you need to do is sit down, relax and enjoy the meal!

Mar 19
0

Lasting Memories

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There are so many reasons to travel, so many places to see and experience, but I think that going together, with a group is the most memorable way to get there.

I remember in high school, our band and choir did a combined end of the year tour. We took two motorcoaches loaded down with band instruments, music stands and luggage. The buses were full of my excited band and choir mates, our teachers and a few parent chaperons.

What I remember most about that trip, is the laughter. I know what you are thinking – high school girls laugh at everything, and you are right to some degree, but this was different. It was like we are all in it together, the jocks, the nerds, the band geeks, the populars. All clique boundaries were thrown to the side for a few days and together we were on those buses making memories.

For me, it’s been over 20 years since that music tour and my high school friends and I still laugh about the things that we said or did on that trip. It’s funny how long something like that will stay with you. Yes, traveling by plane is faster for the most part, but can you make pit stops along the way and see places you might never have thought of? Traveling by plane is also less personable and comfortable. When you travel by motorcoach you get to know your driver, and he/she becomes part of your group.

The driver of our bus was named Chuck, and he loved racing. Because Chuck was such an awesome guy, we decided to make a pit stop in Indianapolis and tour the race track. Our group purchased him a shirt and I remember he was moved to tears because he was so touched that we thought so highly of him. Can you blame us? This man was sent out on a four of five day trip with a bunch of crazy high schoolers. I think a shirt was the least we could do for him!

Motorcoach trips = lasting memories, and that’s why I think group travel is better by bus.