Myths of Group Travel

There are several myths that surround group discounts when booking a hotel or flight. Once you understand the myths associated with the group discounts, you will be more likely to spend less time finding the best rates and have a better chance getting through the process faster.

Myth 1: Group Rate Definition

A common myth is that group rates are defined the same throughout the travel industry. This is not true. In fact, you will find that hotels have different definitions then airlines even cruise lines. Typically hotels define a group as 10 or more rooms with double occupancy while airlines define a group as 10 passengers or more flying together. When you are taking a cruise, they will define a group as a totally different number.

Myth 2: Fewer than 10

It is often thought that your group will not be considered as such if it has less than 10 people. This is false. While different establishments define groups differently, your group does not have to be traditionally defined to be considered. While the discounts may vary for smaller groups or nontraditional group sizes, it is important to ask the hotel, airline or cruise line if your group is defined as such.

Myth 3: Seasonality

Because the travel industry depends greatly on seasonality, it is not true that the season in which you book as no effect on the discounts that you will receive. For instance, when you book a trip to the Bahamas, the rates are much cheaper during the Fall and Spring than in the Summer and Winter due to the hurricane-prone season.  Try to book your accommodations or flight plans outside of peak seasons and you will save big.

Myth 4: Black-out Dates

It is true that groups can travel anytime however, it is also true that groups are also subjectible to black-out dates and peak times. You will find that your rates are higher, deposit due dates are stricter and space is more limited during black-out dates such as major holidays. To save on your group travel rates, avoid black-out dates by checking with the hotel or airline.

Myth 5: Discount Guarantee

Just because you are booking as a group does not guarantee you a discount. Sometimes your group size may change the discount that you will receive. For instance, if your group exceeds the number that is available at the cheapest rate, some members of your group will end up paying the full price. It is important if you are facing this problem to check with different airlines or hotels, you may find that those members of your group will find better discounts for themselves if they stay at a different location or fly with a different airline.

Myth 6: Fully Refundable

It is not true that deposits for group hotels and flights are fully refundable. Typically if you cancel or your number falls below 90% of your estimated total number of passengers or people staying, you will lose the deposit for those people. This is because if your number goes down below the pre-set minimum all of the rooms or tickets that you booked will have to be reissued and some penalties may apply.

Once you understand the myths that are associated with group discounts and travel, you will be better equip with the knowledge that you need to get the best rates at the best time of year.

CALL us to plan your next group!!

The Way To Go Travel

Ron Trimper
Travel Agent
Kansas City
www.thewaytogotravel.com
816-392-5880
rtrimper@thewaytogotravel.com