The great thing about group travel is that it gives you a chance to get to know a bunch of people you might not otherwise meet. The tough thing about group travel? It gives you a chance to get to know a bunch of people you might not otherwise meet.
Let’s face it: Some people are meant to hang in packs.
We were “better together” in Versailles but not everyone should travel in a group.
Others should only fly solo.
There’s a saying in travel circles: There’s a person who everyone is fed up with on every group trip and if you can’t figure out who it is, chances are it’s you.
Here’s how to know if you’re annoying the bejeesus out of everyone on your group trip.
1. You’re always late
The group is scheduled to meet at 8 am. You show up at 8:45 with a latte in hand from the shop down the street. Those smirks people are shooting your way aren’t filled with congratulations, they are daggers, aimed for your cup and filled with the hope that a bumpy bus spills the contents all over your late self. Group travel has no patience for late-by-choice.
2. You ask for things to be changed to better suit your liking
Hey, if you’ve heard there’s an impressive thing to see just off the beaten track, let people know about it and even arrange a way to get back to it in your off hours but don’t try to hijack the planned itinerary. You knew what was on the trip when you signed up for it. The time to figure out that you wanted to do/see/be something different is over. Just because you have a fascination with ancient rocks doesn’t mean we all do. Stick to the plan.
3. People seem less happy the closer you get to them
You know how you always tell that story at home that gets your closest family and friends laughing? You know how you told it to the group and people seemed uncomfortable and embarrassed for you? Yup. Take the hint.
4. At the end of the trip no one asks for your contact info
“What an amazing trip! Let’s all stay in touch!” said no one to you on your trip ever. Chances are the notebook that skipped your seat on the bus wasn’t an accident.
Neither was the group hug they had when you went to the washroom.
5. They tell you so
For the love of Sesame Street. When someone says to you that you’re being annoying, never assume they’re kidding. They’re not kidding. You are annoying. Stop it.
And if you find yourself in the situation where you’re two days into a group trip and you’re already starting to feel the hate, take a hard look at yourself. Can you simmer down a bit? Be more helpful to the group as a whole?
Try! Your trip may depend on it.
YOUR TURN: Group traveler or solo artist? What kind of travel suits you best?
Oh tee hee hee. Shame he’ll never see it though, see point 4!!! I can smile about it now though. R x
Ahem, Rachel any resemblance to people living or dead is pure coincidence…
The problem is that you don’t always know what is on the trip when you sign up. Itinerary’s always seem to change. And I do love ancient rocks. Oh, oh. Does this mean I should by going solo?
Nah, you’re great in a group. :) Ease up on the rocks…
I was a Tour Manager for years so group travel doesn’t interest me at all. I can do it and I will be on time and not be a brat but it’s not my favorite. I prefer being with one of two friends or alone. Being alone doesn’t bother me because I tend to meet people along the way and have wonderfully meaningful conversations.