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It’s better when you travel together, which is why our Delta Group Specialists can help show you how easy it is to book airfare for everyone.

Get Your Group Ready for Takeoff

Delta Group Specialists customize Delta flight itineraries for groups of 10 or more passengers traveling on the same flight. You’ll get the advantage of competitive fares, flexible ticketing options and support in booking and managing your group’s travel. Your booking will be secured with a booking fee and deposit as outlined in your contract.

Use the following chart for details on how far in advance group travel can be booked.

For assistance with booking group travel, contact our representatives at 800-532-4777 , Monday through Friday 8 A.M. – 8 P.M. EST.

For our managed agency partners, please contact your Sales Account Executive for assistance.

BOOK GROUP TRAVEL NOW   (U.S./CA travel only)

Or, book by calling us at 800-532-4777

General Group Contract Terms and Conditions:

These details supplement, and are hereby incorporated into, your Group Contract with Delta Air Lines.  Delta reserves the right to change these terms at any time without notice; however, the terms in effect on the date you execute your Group Contract will apply.

• These Group Contract Terms and Conditions detail standard policies for group reservations; however, terms are subject to additional restrictions during peak travel periods as designated by Delta Air Lines, Inc.
• A group consists of 10 or more passengers traveling together on at least one common flight segment. In the event your group does not meet the minimum of 10 passengers, this booking will be cancelled, any deposit will be forfeited, and passengers may contact Delta about creating a new booking as individual travelers, which will be for the fare available at that time.
• Any changes requested to the Group Contract will require a renegotiation of fare and terms. Additions to your group may be at a different fare from the main group.  Individual deviations from the group itinerary may be available with additional fees and payment of any additional airfare.  A nonrefundable booking fee may also apply as specified in your Group Contract.
• You are also responsible for compliance with any applicable laws or regulations in the discussion of these fares with your customers.
• The information regarding this group is confidential between the travel agent or group leader and Delta’s Group and Specialty Sales Center.  Therefore, no information will be given to, nor changes made on behalf of, individual group members.
• Group tickets are not eligible for SkyMiles upgrades, and mileage accrual will be according to the SkyMiles program accrual policy for unpublished or opaque fares.
• All travel pursuant to this reservation shall be subject to Delta's applicable contract of carriage (and general rules tariff) and all applicable fare rules and restrictions.
• All necessary travel documentation to comply with governmental travel requirements (e.g., passports and visas) are the responsibility of the passenger. DL is not liable for any travel issues resulting from lack of proper documentation.
• Delta reserves the right to change equipment or schedules without notice.

Deviation Policies:

A deviation is defined as a change to the date, time or routing.  Any deviations may be at a different fare from the main group. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the main group must maintain group minimum requirements .  Your group may book deviations from the original group as follows:

• Prior to the group's utilization date an unlimited number of passengers may deviate from the group itinerary on either the outbound or the return at the applicable fare with no deviation fee.
• After the utilization date a maximum of 30% of the group may deviate on the outbound or return for a US$25.00 per person domestically and US$50.00 per person internationally nonrefundable deviation fee plus the applicable fare difference.
• The percentage of passengers who may deviate is based on the total number of seats held by the group at utilization date.
• Feeders (passengers wishing to travel from a different city connecting to the main group travel segment(s)) are not included in this limitation and may be done at any time prior to ticketing at the applicable fare for the new itinerary.
• A credit card is the only acceptable form of payment for deviations and is required at the time the deviation is booked.
• Passengers may make changes after ticketing at the applicable fare upon payment of the applicable ticket change or reissue fee plus any difference in fare.
• Once travel has commenced routing changes are not permitted.  Changes to the return travel date or time only will be permitted at the applicable fare with the appropriate ticket reissue fee and any difference in fare.

Utilization Policy:

In consideration for Delta's agreement to hold this seat inventory for your group, you agree to pay Delta a cancellation fee listed on your contract per seat, assessed from the deposit, if you fail to comply with the ticketing deadlines and/or if you fail to use at least the utilization percentage of the seats that we have reserved for you, as specified in your contract.

If there is no Deposit Due date, no deposit funds are due. The following policy applies only if a deposit is collected:

• If your group does not meet the minimum of 10 or individual members do not travel with the group, (a) the deposit will be forfeited and (b) passengers will be considered individual travelers and must be ticketed at the applicable fare.

If the Utilization is listed as 100%, the deposit will be refunded for ticketed passengers only.

If you fail to use at least the utilization requirement percentage of the seats that we have reserved for you, the amount of the cancellation fee will be calculated as follows:

• It is your responsibility to obtain a cancellation reference number from Delta for complete cancellations. Delta's business records will conclusively determine the time and date of any cancellation.
• Partial cancellations do not require a cancellation reference number.
• A new confirmation letter will be distributed at the time of any reductions, deviations, feeder additions or other itinerary changes.
• Until the last day to cancel/reduce without penalty:  100% of the seats may be cancelled without a cancellation fee.
• Except to the extent otherwise expressly specified in your contract, from the last day to cancel/reduce without penalty until 60 days before departure:  must maintain the minimum main group utilization requirement percentage of seats held for a full deposit refund.
• If you use some, but less than utilization requirement percentage, of the seats held, you will be charged the cancellation fee specified in your Group Contract for each seat below the utilization requirement percentage minimum.
• If  all  the seats on your reservation are cancelled after the utilization date specified in your contract, the entire deposit will be forfeited.
• 60 days or less before departure: Deposits will be refunded for ticketed passengers only within 60 days of the commencement of travel.
• Any applicable cancellation fee will be collected from the deposit on file.

Any and all matters arising out of or relating to the Group Contract and/or the subject matter hereof shall be governed by and enforced in accordance with the laws of the United States of America and, to the extent not preempted by Federal law, the laws of the State of Georgia without regard to conflict of law principles, regardless of the legal theory upon which such matter is asserted. The Group Contract, including the Ticket, Fare Rules, and Contract of Carriage as applicable, represents the entire agreement between the parties relating to transportation pursuant to this Agreement, and shall supersede all prior representations, understandings or agreements pertaining thereto, either oral or written. No other covenants, warranties, undertakings or understandings may be implied, in law or in equity. 

Delta shall not be liable for any punitive, consequential or special damages arising out of or in connection with the Group Contract, carriage or other services performed by Delta, whether or not Delta had knowledge that such damage might be incurred.  Delta shall not be liable for any damage arising out of its compliance with any laws, government regulations, orders, rules, requirements or security directives or as a result of a passenger’s failure to comply with such laws, government regulations, orders, rules, requirements or security directives or as a result of a passenger’s reliance on advice provided by Delta regarding such laws, regulations, orders, rules, requirements or security directives.  Election or failure by Delta to enforce any provision of the Group Contract shall not constitute a waiver of its rights and remedies with regard to such provision or any other provision.   No agent, servant, or representative of Delta has authority to alter, modify, or waive any provisions of the Group Contract or these Terms and Conditions.

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Traveling with a group doesn't have to be a hassle. Whether you're gathering dozens of friends and family members for a destination wedding or just a few of the guys for a golf getaway, our experienced Group Sales Team will help you or your travel agent coordinate the ideal vacation for your group from start to finish.

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July 08, 2020

4 minute read

Booking Travel For A Group? Here's Why You Need An Agent

If you’ve ever tried to schedule brunch over a group text, you’ve probably dealt with the nightmare of picking a date that works for everyone, finding a convenient location that is affordable but still has what everybody wants, and making sure that everyone actually, you know, shows up . It is a production, to say the least.

Now imagine doing that for something as important and logistically challenging as a group vacation. If you’re shaking your head in horror, don’t worry. That’s what a good travel agent is for.

Here are all the reasons why you should use a travel agent for your next group trip.

Travel agents know where to find the best deals.

Inteletravel advisors go through rigorous training to learn how to search for the best prices for transportation, lodging, and activities. They also spend time cultivating relationships in the travel industry which translate into cost savings for you.

Travel agents can find tours that aren’t listed publicly, leverage their relationships with various travel partners such as airlines and hotels to secure discounts, and even score you upgrades and unannounced perks. (Champagne upon check-in, anyone?)

Additionally, sometimes travel partners will give discounts for block purchases, such as hotel reservations, which your agent can advocate for, saving your group even more money than if you just went onto a discount travel website or booked directly.

Finally, when you use a travel agent, you can book with a deposit instead of having to immediately pay in full. That means your group can choose where to go, where to stay, and what to do without substantial up-front costs.

Travel agents will take care of the logistics.

Coordinating flights, transportation, lodging, and activities is a challenge even when you’re only taking care of yourself. Now imagine trying to get a group of people on the same flight or, at the very least, to your destination in the same time frame, booking multiple hotel rooms, and coordinating who will track down and schedule tours, restaurants, transportations, and rentals.

Travel agents can find flights for all members of your group and work with each individual’s unique needs. They’ll also be able to book room blocks, identify any documentation needs—if you’re going to an international destination, and one of your friends has a passport from a country that has visa specifications, for example—and schedule your trip from start to finish in a time- and money-saving manner.

Travel agents can make recommendations if you and your group can’t decide.

Say you and a friend really want to go whitewater rafting, while the two other members of your group would rather have a spa day. All four of you agree that you don’t want to spend a day apart. Travel agents are trained to advise you on alternate locations, solutions to logistical problems, and anything else that might occur. They may even be able to find whitewater rafting hosted by a hotel that has a spa.

Or say you’d like to go to Maui, but you’re worried it’s out of your budget. The right travel agent will help you find a beachfront location with similar activities (snorkeling, hiking, and more) within your budget—Kauai, another Hawaiian island, features plenty outdoor adventures and cheaper overall lodging and food costs. Or they could crunch the numbers to discover that while cheaper to stay on Kauai, it’s more expensive to get to, meaning you and your friends would actually save money by picking Maui.

Travel agents can help fix any hiccups or mistakes.

One of the benefits of establishing a relationship with a travel agent is they will continue to advocate for you even after you’ve left for your trip. Say one of your friends’ flights gets cancelled, or you schedule a group tour, and the tour company only reserves five seats when you actually need six. Instead of wasting precious vacation time on the phone, you can alert your travel agent, and they will talk to airlines, tour operators, and whoever else on your behalf. Just focus on having a fun time with your friends.

Travel agents don’t cost you a dime.

For the cost of simply finding the right travel agent and giving them your information, you’ll be able to plan a dream vacation for you and your crew. Agents make money from hotels, air carriers, and wholesalers, not from their clients.

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Top Tips for Planning Group Vacations

Groups that book together will still allow the travel agent to make an impressive commission, but it takes the agent significantly less work to book 20 people for a single vacation package than to research varying packages for each of the 20 people. Find out some of the best tips for planning group vacations, how to market your services and how a host agency may be able to help you expand your independent travel business .

Market Yourself as a Group Travel Expert to the Right Demographic

Independent travel agents are often most successful when they have a niche area of travel to focus on . This could be Disney cruises, family vacation packages or international luxury travel, but it should be something that truly does interest the travel agent. Once your niche is established, think about what groups could benefit most from your services.

If you are well-versed in affordable train travel through Europe, then advertising to college tour groups on social media might be ideal. If you prefer to deal with domestic business travel, then consider calling a few large corporations in your area to find out if they require the help of a travel agent for employee flights and accommodations. Finding your niche, and targeting the right groups, can help you improve your presence and your profits.

Let Travelers Know the Perks of Traveling in a Group

Be sure to inform current and potential travelers that groups can opt to stay together in a hotel, sit next to one another on flights, combine ground transport for lower rates and even get together for activities like private tours of new destinations. Inform businesses that using a single booking agent for employees can also keep costs down, which is a big concern for most corporations.

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Liaise With a Single Traveler Whenever Possible

Trying to understand the vacation requests of a dozen different people can feel overwhelming, and you may end up not meeting their needs properly. Instead, try to liaise with a single representative of the group when it comes to the right destination types, flight times and budget requirements. This ensures that you please the group as a whole and are able to serve them again in the future.

How a Host Agency Can Help With Group Travel

If problems arise mid-trip, the best agents will be able to communicate directly with the right contacts at airlines, hotels and vacation businesses. While it might seem impossible to have these resources at your disposal as an independent travel agent, working with a host agency like Travel Planners International puts the information you need right at your fingertips.

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• Creating flyers and other promotional material
• Assist with completing Group Finalization Form
• Manage Interactive Group Space List

Group travel can be a smart way to become a more successful travel agent. Click here for more on the perks of becoming an independent travel agent.

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The 10 Best Group Travel Tour Companies for 2023

Caroline Morse Teel

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her adventures around the world on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline.

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For those truly epic, once-in-a-lifetime destinations, you want to leave your itinerary to the experts. Whether your dream is to see the Big Five on an African Safari, trek tall mountains, explore European cities, or something even wilder, a group tour is the easiest way to do it.

However, picking the wrong group tour company is the quickest way to ruin your trip. Make sure you choose a tour company that aligns with your goals and travel styles. Do you want an intimate group tour or do you prefer to make lots of new friends in a big group? Does the price line up with what you like (luxury vs. budget)? Is the itinerary going to all the places you want to see? 

We’ve done the research and found the very best group travel tour companies for 2023 for every type of traveler.

Best Overall Group Travel: Exodus Travels

With trips on every continent, Exodus Travels covers anywhere on this planet that you could possibly want to go, from popular destinations like the Amalfi Coast to well off-the-beaten path adventures like Tajikistan. This award-winning group travel company boasts thousands of repeat customers who sign up for trips year after year (97% of past participants would recommend Exodus Travels to a friend). 

These small group tours operate with only around 12-16 people, and always feature experienced local leaders who can give you a unique insight into your destination. Exodus Travels caters to any type of travel style, including trips broken down by type of activity (think walking, cycling, multi-adventure, winter, or cultural) as well as type of traveler (family, age group, etc.). There are curated collections (coastal, “away from it all”, European wilderness, and trips of a lifetime) to inspire you, as well as self-guided options for when you want all the benefits of a group tour planner without the actual group. Looking for that special safari? Exodus Travels just partners with the African Wildlife Foundation to create carefully curated luxury adventures that go above and beyond the standard safari. 

Exodus Travels tours work for almost any budget, with options that range from affordable to premium. 

Top Trip: Explore under-the-radar Europe by foot on Exodus Travels’ Lakes & Mountains of Slovenia walking tour .

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Best Adventure Group Travel: World Expeditions

World Expeditions has been taking adventurous travelers to remote locations all over the world ever since its first group trek through Nepal in 1975. Today, World Expeditions offers active itineraries on every continent. Intrepid travelers can opt for trips themed around mountaineering, rafting, cycling, hiking, and more. 

World Expeditions aims to leave communities and places where they operate tours better than they found them. Trips are created using the company’s Thoughtful Travel Charter as a guideline, which emphasizes respect for the environment, sustainability, having a positive impact on local communities, protecting wildlife, and more. 

World Expeditions’ trips are capped at just 16 people to provide a good experience for participants, and there are no single supplements for solo travelers willing to share a room with someone of the same gender. 

Top Trip: Summit Africa’s tallest mountain on a fully-supported trek up Kilimanjaro on World Expeditions’ eight day trip up the beautiful Lemosho Route . 

Best Budget Group Travel: G Adventures 

For travelers on a budget, G Adventures offers cheap group tours that make dream destinations accessible to nearly anyone. (Think: sailing the Galapagos for just $1,124 , criss-crossing India’s Golden Triangle for $559 , or spending 8 days in Bali for less than $800.)

G Adventures is one of the best tour companies for solo travelers as well, as most trips don’t have a single-supplement. You can choose to share a room with another G Adventures solo traveler, or pay extra to have your own space.

G Adventures keeps costs down by opting for cheaper hotels and local meals, and making certain activities optional (for an additional cost). Pick your travel style—options range from “basic” to more luxe tours run in partnership with National Geographic. Family tours, local living tours (featuring homestays), and wellness-focused tours are also available. 

Top Trip: G Adventures’ China Express trip is a great way to see the highlights of China if you’re short on both time and budget. 

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Best Educational Group Tours: EF Go Ahead Tours

When you really want to learn about a destination, consider a group trip with EF Go Ahead Tours . EF is the world’s largest private education company, and the Go Ahead Tours arm capitalizes on the company’s relationships with local educators, historians, and tour guides to create group trips that take you deep into a destination. 

These small group tours generally cap at 38 travelers, and feature unique educational experiences. For a bucket list trip, EF Go Ahead Tour’s special event tours are particularly enticing, as they offer behind-the-scenes access to tough-to-plan trips like Oktoberfest in Munich or Cherry Blossom season in Japan. 

Intimidated by solo travel? EF Go Ahead Tours is a great option for solo travelers, since it offers designated trips for solo travelers , where everyone is traveling alone, making it less intimidating.  

Top Trip: Bring the tastes of Italy home with you on EF Go Ahead Tours’ Food & Wine: Piedmont & Tuscany tour (operated in partnership with America’s Test Kitchen), where you’ll learn how to make local dishes. 

Best Responsible Group Travel: Intrepid Travel

Looking for a responsible group travel operator that focuses on bettering the communities and destinations they visit? Intrepid Travel is the world’s largest travel B Corporation, a certification for companies doing good. 

Intrepid Travel’s tours focus on sustainability, diversity, inclusion, and sustaining communities. The company has its own charity, The Intrepid Foundation , which has donated over 7 million dollars to over 130 community organizations. 

Intrepid Travel’s small group tours attract a wide range of travelers, but they are especially great for younger travelers, as they have a large number of trips designed for people aged 18-29 . (Other trips, including family-focused trips, are geared toward any age.)

Top Trip: Experience unforgettable wildlife encounters on Intrepid Travel’s Premium Uganda & Rwanda trip which includes time with the mountain gorillas of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. 

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Best Private Group Travel: Kensington Tours

Whether your group consists of just two people or involves taking the entire extended family, Kensington Tours will take all the hassle of planning out of the equation. This private group operator creates personalized trips and itineraries tailored to your preferences, while their experts handle all the logistics and bookings. 

Plans are entirely flexible, and can even be changed while on the trip on a whim. Need some inspiration? Browse Kensington Tours’ travel ideas , to get some ideas for your next adventure. 

Top Trip: Sail around the stunning shores of Croatia and the Dalmation Islands on a private luxury catamaran on Kensington Tours’ fully customizable tour . 

Best Polar Group Travel: Chimu Adventures

Whether you’re headed north to the Artic or south to Antarctica, Chimu Adventures has the perfect polar group trip for you. Chimu Adventures has some of the most variety for polar trips, with options to fly, cruise, or a combination of both to get to your destination.

For an ultra-unique Antarctica trip, Chimu Adventures offers cruises departing from Australia or New Zealand (most Antarctica trips depart from Argentina). Can’t stay long? Book one of Chimu Adventures’ scenic flights to Antarctica , which fly as far as the south pole in one spectacular 16-hour day.

Chimu Adventures is one of the cheapest group trips to Antarctica, with rates starting under $5,000.

Top Trip: If you’re pressed for time (or simply don’t have the stomach for the Drake Passage), Chimu Adventures’ Antarctica Fly Cruise will get you to the ends of the earth quickly and smoothly.

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Best Group Tours for Solo Travelers: For the Love of Travel

Group tours can be a great way to meet new people, but they can sometimes skew on the older age range. If you’re between 25-39 and a solo traveler looking to meet new people, you’ll love For the Love of Travel . All participants on the trips are between 25-39, and according to the company, 80 percent are solo travelers—so you’ll make friends fast. Hoping to meet someone who will be more than just a friend on your next trip? Trips include a balanced number of “gal and guy spots” to ensure an even balance of genders within groups (and of course, non-binary genders are always welcome). 

For the Love of Travel offers weeklong (or longer) international trips as well as shorter weekender trips to nearby destinations like Mexico or Denver—perfect for people without a lot of vacation time.

Top Trip: Sleep in a glass igloo under the Northern Lights, go sledding with huskies, and warm up in traditional saunas on For the Love of Travel’s Lapland tour , already booking dates for 2024.

Best Biking Tours Group Travel: DuVine Cycling

Biking through the rolling hills of Italy or across the mountain roads of Chile sounds like a dream, but the logistics seem daunting (especially if you don’t want to haul all your own stuff from point-to-point). Enter: DuVine Cycling , a luxury small group tour company that specializes in bike trips. 

With trips across Europe, Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the United States, DuVine Cycling is a cyclist’s dream. Choose from all-biking trips or mix things up with a cycle and sail bike tour or a multi-sport adventure —no matter what, everything is included, from luxury boutique accommodations to top-quality name brand bikes. 

Top Trip: DuVine’s Holland Bike Tour promises “tulips, windmills, beer, and cheese”—what more could you need?

Best Luxury Group Travel: Abercrombie & Kent

Abercrombie & Kent has been delighting discerning travelers since 1962. Today, they take travelers on unforgettable adventures across over 100 different countries and all seven continents. Although Abercrombie & Kent’s trips are pricey, they encompass once-in-a-lifetime experiences like private jet tours around the world or luxury chartered cruises .

There are trips designed for solo travelers and families , and the small group journeys max out at around 14-18 guests.

Top Trip: Swim with whale sharks in the Philippines, feed proboscis monkeys in Malaysia, and photograph wild tigers in India on Abercrombie & Kent’s Wildlife Safari: Around the World by Private Jet trip , already booking dates into 2024.

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10 Insider Group Booking Tips from Travel Advisors [+Infographic]

This is the 1st of 3 articles in in our "Booking Group Travel Series. You can read the rest here:

• "5 Steps to Finding Groups (It's Not As Hard As You Think)"
• Here’s What Suppliers Want You to Know About Booking Groups

"Groups are one of the most profitable ways to earn commission in our industry . . . If you aren’t booking groups, you are leaving $40k on the table"

These are the wise words of Valerie Gossett, group travel advisor extraordinaire. While few reasonable people (who are not filthy rich) would walk away from a $40k bonus doing what they love, booking group travel can seem daunting if you don't know where to begin.  (If you haven't read our first article primer on finding groups, that's a good start.)  

But I'm here to tell you that it's not as hard as you think. Why do I know this? Because I chatted with six amazing travel advisors who've mastered the craft of booking group travel and they're here to share their wisdom with you.

With a little research (hey, that's why you're here right?!) and determination, you most certainly can do it too. And if you're on the path to becoming a pro already this is a good spot to brush up on your skills.

Without further ado . . . Meet the agents who weighed in on group booking tips! Truth be told, 10 tips is a really shy estimate . . . and you have these shining stars to thank. 

1. Do Your Research

Research is key to developing a memorable group. You'll need to research suppliers to make sure you understand their basic groups booking policy. If you want to book an affinity group , you'll need to find someone influential to help promote your group. Doing your homework will ensure that you know what you're getting into and starting your group off on the right foot.

Here's how these agents do it:  

"Each cruise line and each resort/tour operator . . . for land vacations will be different. So you have to know this ahead of time, before booking the group space. The differences [between suppliers] come into play for any of the above as to how many rooms/cabins constitute a tour conductor, when payments are due, what is non refundable and when final payments are due.

Cruise lines have it where you have the group put together and you book the cabins within the group. You don’t have to call anyone for this.

Tour operators for land vacations have a group code or a group contract. So you would start with talking to the groups dept. so you can get the code to apply or sign a contract. The steps are very specific especially with a group for a land vacation."

"I check the group leader’s (or potential group leader) Facebook page to see how many followers they have. I go on their website and research them to figure out if it’s a good fit for a group.

When I’m out and about I’ll go into a store, yoga studio or wine place, brewery or whatever I’m thinking of doing and always hand out my card and ask if they would be interested in creating a group with their followers.

When I’m traveling for fun I will always do the same thing out of town as well. I’m always marketing and always thinking of new ways to get business."

2. Qualify Your Group

Is it possible to make everyone happy? Yes. As a travel advisor, you are a miracle worker. So even if you have a group with diverse needs or interests, you'll need to be sure to accommodate those varying tastes.

But how do discover what those interests are when you're wrangling 20-200 travelers? These agents have some ideas: 

"I have a 'Client Conversation' form that I use when meeting new clients about what they are looking for. I’m sure the questions are similar to what other’s ask, but I like to make sure the questions are more open-ended so that they feel like we are having a conversation and not an interview.

Examples of questions I ask are: 'What is your dream?' 'Which of your past trips have you loved or not loved?' 'Why did you feel that way, do you think?' 'What type of experience are you looking for, a Chevrolet pickup experience, or a Mercedes sedan experience?'

Budget is super important, of course, but I try to listen more to what they are actually saying they want. You can show them what they get for the budget they give you, but often they decide it’s worth paying a little more for that 5-star experience instead. Listen to their hearts as well as their words."

"Ask them if they are making the decision on the itinerary/date or is there a group that will be making that decision. Make sure you are talking with all the people involved.

Also find out if you are the only TA they are speaking with — sometimes if there is a group of people involved in the decision then each one will be talking to a different TA."

"Find out the real purpose of the group. Asking open ended questions about why they want to travel and what they want to experience is important to finding the right itinerary or type of group, be it a cruise or land based.

Cruise groups will tend to book their excursions in advance, whereas my Mexico & Caribbean land-based groups seem to take a 'wait and see' approach based on weather, or if they want to 'shop' for a deal once they are there.

Dining is another difference — large groups on cruises may choose to dine together a few nights in the main dining room, but then opt for a smaller group at some of the specialty restaurants the other nights. Land based groups will break into smaller groups for dinner as often many restaurants don't hold larger groups."

3. Start With Your Niche & Book What You Know

It might be tempting to try to throw yourself into a group that's trending. But if your niche is culinary river cruise travel experiences, booking a destination wedding may not make sense (even if it is popular) especially if you don't have the passion for (or knowledge of) destination wedding clientele and travel. If you focus mainly on cruises, then starting out with an all-inclusive land trip may be setting yourself up for failure. These agents say more: 

"All-inclusive groups are a little more detailed and have complicated contracts and more stringent deposit deadlines, and as I know cruises through and through, it’s going to be a learning curve for me"

"Don’t go to something you don’t know about. If you’re at the Y[MCA] all the time, oh my gosh that’s perfect, put together a fitness cruise. Talk to the teacher, to the people, and that’s how it starts. And it’s actually so easy."

4. Plan Ahead (waaaaaaay ahead)

Even solo travelers may plan a trip over a year out. But with groups, you want to reserve space a early as you possibly can—and this becomes even more important if you're booking a special group (i.e. a new cruise ship or cruise destination that may sell out immediately).

The earlier you reserve space, the longer you have for marketing your group (which is especially important for affinity groups). Plus, the rates are more likely to be lower when space first opens. When it comes to booking groups, the early bird truly does get all the worms. But don't take my word for it. 

"I try to book that group as soon as it becomes available. I’ve booked groups that were over two years out already. After all, the longer you have it on the books, the longer you have to sell it."

"When getting any type of group space the sooner you get the space the better the price. When I started booking groups it was roughly 8 months out. Now when I put together groups it’s roughly a year and half out for best pricing and availability."

5. Find an Effective Pied Piper

A pied piper is someone who leads your groups and serves as the go-between for you (the agent) and the travelers. An organized and effective pied piper will ensure that you can focus on doing what you do best—plan and book travel—rather than answer the same question 100's of times. 

"It really is best, if possible, to limit the decision-makers in the group. The more people’s opinions you have, the longer it takes to come to a consensus. Once the group is established with the itinerary and pricing, people are more apt to sign on. If it’s open-ended, people tend to want to put limits on."

"This year I had my largest and most successful group ever. I reached out to the owner of a large fitness company with 90,000+ Facebook followers. I asked her if we could chat and we arranged a call and I explained how cost effective having an annual conference at sea is compared to the one she had at a local hotel for the past 10 years.

I led a 75 Cabin group on Royal Caribbean and she thanked me on stage for finding her and talking her into doing a cruise. It was the first annual and it will grow each year going forward."

"If a client tends to travel with a particular group once or twice a year, frequents a destination often, or give signals like I should become a travel agent, that's my cue to offer them the option of earning their travel or becoming an IC."

6. Choose Your Suppliers Carefully

Booking a group is probably not the time to take a new supplier (new to you) out for a test drive. When you first start, you'll probably want to pick from your own personal preferred supplier list. ( Want to know more about preferred supplier? We have more info on that ). Finding a supplier with a supportive BDM can elevate your group trip from average to amazing. How do these expert agents choose?  

"Generally I pick the suppliers that I have the most knowledge and information on and the ones whose business development managers are easily accessible to assist me with my group and are as excited about my group as I am . . . [To book] I like the old fashioned telephone. I call the groups department and get started booking.

I keep a printed confirmation on each couple or individual in the group that I book. I jot down lots of information on that confirmation when I call to book it, I write down the name of the individual I used to make the deposit, make a payment, add insurance etc. Then I keep those confirmations in a folder in alphabetical order, they are easily transportable wherever I go."

"I go to my favorites as I have built amazing supplier relationships through the years. Though I have my #1 favorites, I like to spread my own business around. It also depends on the group itself: My top 4 are Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, NCL and Carnival for large groups. I’m working on more luxury-focused groups . . . working with Azamara and Crystal for future exciting, interesting groups as well."

7. Stay Organized

With group travel, small mistakes have bigger consequences, so staying organized is key no matter how you do it. Here's how these agents keep tabs on deadlines.

"I use Excel and that works best for me to stay organized.

I also use the old fashion way and have a Group Notebook on all my groups where I store a lot of information that is very portable to keep with me when traveling or out of an area where I don’t have internet or phone availability.

Keep all important dates and deadlines in your calendar. Start a group email and keep your clients tuned in to all important deadlines as well."  

"I wish I had known that booking groups requires a ton of organization. I have developed my own spreadsheets and reminder system so that nothing falls through the cracks.

Yes, the rewards are great, but so is the amount of work required to make it work well, so that you’re not touching all of the pieces more than you need to . . .

I do not use a specific program or software, except for iCal, the calendar on my computer, and Excel, of course. I put all important deadlines, payments, etc in my calendar to keep track. In addition, I’ll put in reminders a week prior that it’s coming, so that these deadlines don’t sneak up on me.

It seems super archaic but it works for me. Every group also has several excel spreadsheets that will include big details such as payments amounts and passport info, but also small details such as seating preferences and dietary restrictions."

"Once the group is in place, usually the group leader will have their own team put together a google form that I receive. I ask for Legal names as it appears on travel docs, dates of birth, address, phone and email – then I enter the client into Freedom (The Oasis booking engine).

I don’t use a CRM or any software (I know that’s the norm) but I’m a bit technically challenged and my own system of keeping a file for each group with all of the client's info in each file works for me. I send a credit card authorization to each client with the date of deposit and final payment so that I can automatically charge them when each deadline approaches. 

Oasis has great marketing tools available to their agents (who I know consider it a Godsend). I just use the payment reminders in Freedom. I print out a list and it has all of my clients' trips with the final payment date (and they give a few days ahead reminder) so I keep that on my desk and check it daily. Then I book the cabin directly with the cruise line, and pull the individual reservation into Freedom as well.

I keep all of the credit card info on one spreadsheet as the group leaders charge their own markup directly with the client . . . it makes more sense than running it through the cruise line as they use it for expenses (gift bags, T-shirts, etc to bring to the event).

If I have name changes, questions, etc, I call the groups department directly." 

"I would suggest starting your spreadsheet or whatever you are using with the first cabin/room booked. Don’t book a few and then play catch up. Input the information as you go along. If you have a group leader then always keep them updated as to who has booked as you go along."

"Personally, I was very accustomed to ClientBase when I was actively selling. Today I have 16 ICs that use their own program—everything from Tess to Excel.

I asked some of my DWHSA members and there was the consensus: VCRM and TravelJoy seemed to be the top 2 for handling groups. They each had their own reasons for liking the program they use:

• TravelJoy :  Being able to contact each group member or collectively as a group; see when those emails have been viewed or a file opened. Clients can access their itinerary via an App, training staff is thorough and prompt, video help files. It's easy, efficient, intuitive. [Advisors] can import and store files, such as copies of a client's passport. 
• VCRM :  Commission reporting is very easy, prompt support, open to ideas. It's designed by travel agents for travel agents, it's a workhorse, robust, so many features to use.

8. Find Creative Uses for Tour Conductor Credits and Amenity Points

Tour conductor credits (TC) and amenity points are one of the huge benefits of booking groups! Tour Conductor credits are the free spaces an agent earns for selling a certain volume of travel. For example, on a cruise, an agent may earn a free berth for every 16 cabins they book.

Amenity points is a term for other perks you can offer your clients—such as in-room champagne, a cocktail hour (for a group), or some swag. Different suppliers will call this different things and have different guidelines. 

How you use your TC credits will depend on your group and can go a long way to making your clients feel like they're getting VIP treatment. Do you want a TC credit for yourself? Do you give to it to a pied piper or spread the discount evenly among guests? Do you use amenity points for a cocktail hour or in-room gifts? Hear how these agents juggle their TC credits: 

"I use the tour conductors credits by giving them back to my clients for their cruises if they bring me a designated number of cabins. I generally try to pick more than one pied piper so to speak and let them sell in to the group as well because there is a benefit to them, they are significant in building the group. I also give referral bonuses to anyone who refers someone in to my group in the way of on board credit."

"I always offer the group leader the first TC to build loyalty. When it’s a large group and people are bringing their staff (at least 45 cabins . . . and definitely 100) I will offer more than one.

I've used the GAP points for a welcome cocktail party and if there's any extra, I add it as onboard credit for the guest cabins. I will always lead anything over 25 cabins and I pay for my own room unless there are extra TC’s for me . . . as (again) loyalty is important and it goes a long way with my generosity."

"When deciding what to do with the TC credit(s) or amenity points I ask the group leader what they might want and get them involved in the decision. What if no one drinks and you have a one hour cocktail party arranged? I give them some options.

Depending on the group make up I have put together scavenger hunts on cruise ships, getting a group excursion for zip-lining or an adventure park . . . I find out what this group may be interested in and then go from there."

"When a couple earns free rooms based on their group total, I give what they receive back to them minus my commission I've lost on the total. Cruises, I tend to apply the TC to the group's total in order reduce the cost for the guest." 

9. Make Sure Your Customer Service is A++++++

It probably goes without saying that you need to have great customer service skills. But with groups, the stakes are even higher and it becomes even more important to go above and beyond. These travel advisors have great tips to make sure their clients are getting VIP treatment: 

"[My] first group came from our golf club, when a few of the guys discovered they all had 'big' anniversaries the next year, and discussed that it would be a good idea to take a trip together to celebrate. My husband came home and reported this, so I scheduled a meeting at the club shortly thereafter so we could discuss.

I served appetizers and drinks and took a big risk doing that as I hadn’t really done a ton of business up until that point. I was only about 5 months into the business and investing several hundred dollars just to feed people felt “risky” but you have to take risks to be successful.

I do spoil my groups. We meet a couple of times so that everyone can get comfortable. At the meetings we discuss the itinerary, what to pack, how to handle money, anything they want to talk about. I also keep communication lines open at all times, with newsy group emails to build excitement.

I’ve found that the best time to start talking about your own group is after you’ve already done the trip. Your experiences are what give you incredible credibility. People get excited about signing onto their favorite social media site to see what you’ve posted about your trip. Then when you are back from your trip, ask who might be interested in going back with you! Get them dreaming, and they are much more likely to follow through, especially if they can read the excitement and confidence you have about a destination and about traveling, in general."

10. Organic Marketing Is Your Friend

"Be as vocal and present as possible. Be ENTHUSIASTIC about what you are promoting and believe in what you are selling. Always have information at your fingertips, no matter where you go and talk, talk, talk."

"Social media is my best marketing tool. I do not advertise or create flyers. Along with social media, going and traveling myself is the best way I’ve found to generate excitement. Go travel and enjoy, share it with your friends, family, and followers, and then invite them along for the next time.

Once you have a list of people who have expressed interest either directly or on social media, maybe host an informational meeting. Many of my meetings are held in my home, where clients feel a part of my life and can catch the passion. Also, informational emails are sent to past clients I think might be interested, or to people who have expressed interest on social media. These will include the basics of the trip you are planning: Dates, cost, number of people you are taking, etc.

And finally, for those spring break or family groups, my best advice is to do a great job for that first one (maybe it’s your own family?) and your reputation for taking special care of clients will precede you."

"My first group was from the owner of a local pizza parlor that had a group of friends that cruised every year and wasn’t happy with his agent (I later found out he was booking direct with the cruise line) – when I met him I told him I would love to be his travel agent and I went in every week for 3 months to buy a pizza from him – one day he called me and said “I’m ready” I booked 16 cabins (in 2008) and that started a domino effect of repeat and referral clients."

"You can’t be a secret agent. So when you go to the Y, wear a shirt (not with your company logo) with a cruise ship on it. Wear a shirt with the destination where the cruise ship goes. I’ve been in sales for 30 years. No one wants to be sold. But they do want to talk about travel."

Bonus track . . . our travel agent infographic

We like to pick travel advisors' brains about  what they know now they wish they'd known then.  So we asked our esteemed advisors what they wish they'd known starting out and arranged it into a nifty infographic:  

Don't miss out & THANK YOU to our über agents!!!!!!

Thank you soooooooooo much to our advisors who took time out their busy busy schedules to chat and email with me (seriously, booking groups is no joke and these advisors are busy as all get out). So thank you so very much to Janet Tracy of The Travel Dreamer (an IC with Oasis Travel Network ), Lisa Sheldon of I Do Island Wedding s and the Destination Weddings and Honeymoons Association (independent with Travel Leaders Network Consortia ), Kathryn Burns (an IC with Andavo Travel ), Patty Baumer of Cruise Fun+ (an IC with Travel Planners International ), Valerie Gossett of Premier Resources Travel Group (an IC with Travel Planners International ) and Deb Fogarty of Be Well Travel (an IC with Oasis Travel Network ).

It's no small favor for these agents to (gladly) sharing their wisdom derived from many many years of experience and trial and error. You can thank them for the all the secret shortcuts! 

Psst . . . Does Deb's name sound familiar to you?! That's probably because you heard her on our Travel Agent Chatter Vol. 3 ! If you didn't catch her, you gotta go tune in to our podcast series stat! 

There is more where this came from! Don't miss our first blog in the series, 5 Steps to Finding Groups (It's Not as Hard as You Think.)  And because magic tricks happen in 3s, we're going to round out our group booking series with a supplier perspective too! So stay tuned!

About the Author

Mary Stein has been working as a writer and editor for Host Agency Reviews since 2016. She loves supporting travel advisors on their entrepreneurial journey and is inspired by their passion, tenacity, and creativity. Mary is also a mom, dog lover, fiction writer, hiker, and a Great British Bake Off superfan.

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Group travel booking: all your questions answered

In this post we're covering:.

• Booking group tickets for flights

Booking group hotels

• More group booking tips

See how easy it can be to book business trips for large groups

Booking group flights, what is group booking in airlines, do airlines offer discounts for groups, is it cheaper to book group flights, why are group flight bookings more expensive, if group booking flights doesn't offer a discount, why do it.

“The other disadvantage with booking yourself manually and not getting a group rate, is that you don’t have any flexibility. ”

How can you get the best rates on group hotel bookings?

What else can you negotiate for, more tips for booking group trips, what’s the overall process for booking group trips, when are negotiations not worth the effort.

“That’s a big reason why customers appreciate this service so much. They don’t have to worry about trying to get a better deal, which is an art. We handle all the negotiations. ”

How do you handle groups coming from different starting locations?

How long does it take to book a group trip, how do you streamline group booking, how can office managers excel at group booking.

“I always try to send the minimal amount of email and to be clear. This makes it less stressful for the client. I try to batch the communication. ”

• Hotel + flight information - who is staying where, and what their route is. Include departure dates and return dates.
• Minimum stay - how long will the retreat last? Let people know so they can organize what they do afterward. Maybe they want to extend their corporate retreat a few days and turn it into a family vacation?
• Travel requirements - do any of your colleagues require any special documentation or additional assistance from your end? Offer them a way to reach out.
• Payment details - what's been paid for by the company, and what should travelers expect to be reimbursed for? Should they use their own credit cards on this trip?
• Be clear on the details - what can they expect upon arrival? Are you doing car rentals or has all transportation been organized?
• Outline the activities - what are we doing on our retreat? Are we doing a city tour of San Diego or letting loose in Las Vegas?

What’s one of your worst group booking mistakes and how did you handle it?

What's your worst experience with group booking ground transportation, how can people learn more about getting your help for group bookings.

“I’m the first point of contact so we get to work one-on-one and really form a relationship. ”

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Group Travel Support

Our group experts can help you succeed.

Group travel is an advanced market segment and our dedicated team is here to assist you with this specialized niche. Booking groups comes with many new questions and additional considerations for you as the travel agent. Planning group travel can be rewarding, but it takes a lot of time, planning, and organization.

What makes a group booking?

A group booking can vary depending on the group type. Land Groups contract group space with a minimum of 10 rooms (20 people) and cruise groups contract with a minimum of 8 cabins (16 people). A group is based on the number of accommodations needed and not a specific amount of passengers traveling.

KHM Travel Agents can:

• Rely on the dedicated, detail-oriented support of experienced travel agents
• Take advantage of the established relationships and commission levels with top group suppliers like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Apple Leisure Group, and Delta Vacations
• Promote and book into group space already held by KHM Travel Group and/or our consortia, Travel Leaders Network
• Manage their group bookings, clients, and commissions in our client management system, myTravelCRM
• Immerse themselves in learning groups with focused emails and webinars
• Schedule one-on-one support sessions to educate and empower them to confidently begin booking groups.

Planning group trips can be intimidating, but with our experienced team to support you, it doesn’t have to be. We know what it takes to navigate booking group cruise space, and what it takes to wow a destination wedding party.

What many agents don’t expect is the investment of time, energy, and money that booking groups requires. With KHM Travel Group, our goal is to lay the foundation for you to provide first-rate service to your groups and build your group business.

Hear from Donna , one of our top-producing agents, who decided to specialize in groups. See what she loves about planning cruises and how KHM Travel Group makes it easy for her to grow her business.

If you have more questions about KHM Travel Group, give us a call at 1-888-611-1220. If you are ready to get started, head over here to fill out our membership request form.

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To get started, contact your Professional Travel Advisor or Call a Royal Vacation Planner at (800) 465-3595 , or request a quote.

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Visit our Royal Weddings Page to learn more or contact one of our Royal Romance Wedding Specialists to plan your special day onboard.

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Visit our website or call one of our Corporate Sales Managers at (800) 762-0458 to learn more about conducting a meeting, conference or incentive program aboard a Royal Caribbean ship.

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Your Royal Vacation Planners can arrange private shore excursions, dinners, scavenger hunts – or even your destination wedding. Unique onboard experiences plus a range of facilities make nearly anything possible. Or, take the adventure off the ship – arrange for a group activity at our private beach destinations, Labadee® and CocoCay®. Your Royal Vacation Planners will make the arrangements, and your Onboard Coordinator will ensure everything goes as planned.

We’re by your side for each step– before you set sail and while onboard. We handle the details. You get on to the fun.

Group discounts and points that can earn your group awesome onboard amenities.

We can arrange private shore excursions, cocktail hours, or other events, just for your group.

Fine dining, live music and shows, kids programs, fitness center, nightlife – it’s covered!

Each person can pay individually, or as a group. Your assigned Royal Vacation Planners will handle it all.

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Group Cruises

Group Cruises are a perfect vacation choice for family vacations, reunions, fraternity & sorority conventions, business travel, weddings and more. Practically every cruise line offers group benefits and perks that you can gain access to through our travel agents. The cruise benefits and special rates our travel agents can secure for your group are outstanding!

Travel Agent Group Cruise Benefits

• Easy Planning- Travel Agents will handle all the cruise booking details. Also, most cruise lines have a full time "group coordinator" onboard to assist once you're on the cruise ship.
• Customize It- Travel Agents will help arrange private shore excursions, beach activity, cocktail parties, group photos, or other events, just for your group.
• No Payment Headaches- Each person can pay individually, or as a group. Our travel agents handle it all. 
• Cruise Planners exclusive group registration tool-  Each member of your group can log into a dedicated web page from your Cruise Planners Travel Advisor's website and see the trip's details and more.

Group Cruise Benefits

Perks vary by cruise line, but here are just a few options to whet your collective appetite. 

• “Group amenity points” which translate to onboard credit toward amenities
• Cabin upgrades for everyone in the group
• Hundreds of dollars in shipboard credits
• A free beverage package for everyone in the group cruise
• Free accommodations for the person who organized the cruise. You can cruise for FREE !
• No payment headaches - Each person can pay individually, or as a group. We handle it all. Plus, through our exclusive group registration tool, you can share the trip's details with your entire group by simply sending them to your dedicated Cruise Planners Travel Advisor's website.

So what does a group mean? For cruising purposes, it’s a minimum of eight staterooms… so if you know 15 people who feel like taking a vacation, you now qualify for all the group travel goodness we offer. The 16 (or more) can be any of the following:

• Destination Wedding
• Birthday, Bat Mitzvah, Quince, (even a Sweet 16)
• Bachelor/bachelorette party
• Family Reunions, High School Reunions
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• Club and Sports Associations
• Girlfriends Getaway, Mancation 

Plus any other reason to get a bunch of people together to kick back, relax, and cruise around the world. 

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Group Travel Vacation Guide

Use Hotwire to help plan your next group travel vacation. Whether you're looking for an all-inclusive group vacation package or last-minute, small group trip, we have the latest information and hottest deals on popular group travel destinations. Traveling with a group is not only fun, but a great way to stretch your vacation dollar. Many resorts offer terrific group discounts for lodging, activities, and more. We realize that planning an exciting group vacation can be a tricky thing; maybe some of you want a beach vacation, while others may want to be in a big city for lots of urban exploration. And then there's the challenge of finding a place that's fitting for your particular group event — whether it's a bachelor party, a girls' getaway, a family reunion, a business retreat, or holiday gathering. Hotwire has lots of ideas for group travel from relaxing in beach towns to going aboard all-inclusive cruises to getting away to popular outdoor destinations. Whether you want to splurge or save (there are plenty of discount group rates to be had out there), we've got information on how you can make the most out of traveling with a group, large or small. So don't wait: take a look at a list of our popular group travel destinations and get a few great ideas.

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Featured Group Vacation Beach Hotels in San Diego

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Apr 28 - Apr 29

Apr 17 - Apr 18

Apr 16 - Apr 17

Beach (San Diego, CA, Newport, RI, Virginia Beach, VA)

Group travel of any kind is more fun at the beach! There's something for everyone — swimming, snorkeling, going on day trips, walking on the sand at sunrise or sunset, or kicking back with a frosted drink on a beach towel. How do palm trees and surf, margaritas on the rocks, and mariachi music sound to you? Check out San Diego, California, with its perpetually balmy climate and 70 miles of beaches. Explore the funky hamlet of Ocean Beach, with its surfers and fun shops, or just a jicama's toss away is La Jolla, where you can end the day watching an amazing sunset while you feast on sweet and flaky fish tacos.

If you're on the east coast, Virginia Beach, Virginia is a popular resort destination with miles of beaches and hundreds of hotels and restaurants along its oceanfront. Engage in water sports, world-class golf, or stroll along the boardwalk. For the more adventurous in your group, try a surf lesson; if there are several surf enthusiasts, ask if there is a group discount. Or take your group to a classic maritime city — Newport, Rhode Island - for a huge variety of water-based recreational activities. Newport is the largest city on Aquidneck Island in Narragansett Bay. The island is home to many beautiful beaches. First Beach is Newport's largest public beach, while Second Beach in neighboring Middletown is a great beach for waves. Sail, kayak, windsurf, and more in this historic town.

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Featured Caribbean Group Hotel Deals

May 1 - May 2

Apr 18 - Apr 19

Cruise (Caribbean)

To get the most out of group travel, go with friends and family on a cruise to the Caribbean. Cruises began as an outgrowth of trans-Atlantic travel, but it's now often a destination in and of itself. There's great food on cruise ships and more to do than just play a game of shuffleboard. These days, you can surf, rock climb, even ice skate onboard. It's a great way to take a large group to see the Caribbean; with more than 30 major islands to choose from, a cruise can give you an instant itinerary and possibly, a great discount group rate.

For family group vacations, you might want to choose a cruise with Aruba on its course. The island has many kid-friendly attractions such as a butterfly farm and kids' scuba tours. If your group is most interested in eating well and adventurously on your trip, make sure to find a cruise that has Anguilla as a stop. A chic and serene destination, you'll find imaginative twists on local bounty at popular restaurants such as Blanchards or Tasty's. For a splurge, go to Malliouhana Restaurant, where you can dine on exquisite French food in an open-sided pavilion on a rocky promontory over the sea. There's just so much to do on a cruise - from hiking in nature to exploring exotic ports to getting a hot stone massage in your cabin. You can stay in your group or go your separate ways with all your options.

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Featured Group Deals in Lake Tahoe

Apr 21 - Apr 22

Ski (Lake Tahoe, CA, Denver, CO, Killington, VT)

Ski resorts seem to exist for group travel. Resorts offer activities for skiing and non-skiing folks alike, and group discount package deals abound. Squaw Valley in Lake Tahoe, California offers thousands of acres of open bowl skiing - there are 33 lifts to choose from! Or skip the slopes one day and go ice skating on the Olympic size rink with its amazing views of Lake Tahoe.

Colorado is blessed with no fewer than 18 ski resorts. Vail is America's largest and most famous ski mountain. And with 193 trails to choose from, it offers a run for everyone. While many of the runs are great for intermediate skiers, experts can brave the famous Back Bowls. Snowboarders will be happy too, with four terrain parks to choose from. If your group getaway members are into a boisterous ski party scene as well as great skiing and snowboarding, Killington, Vermont is the place to go. It is New England's largest resort; there are seven distinct peaks to explore — experts love Bear Mountain, Skye Peak, and The Canyon. The resort is famous for attracting ski clubs, and the numerous bars along the access road keep things hot through the icy Vermont winters.

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Featured Group Hotels Along the Oregon Coast

Outdoor (Oregon Trail, OR)

Exploring the great outdoors is a wonderful idea for a group travel event such as a girlfriends' getaway or a business retreat. Beautiful to see and educational to boot, the Oregon National Historic Trail recognizes diverse facets of history such as prominent past routes of trade, migration, military action, missionary work, and more. You can visit interpretive sites with your group, or go hiking, biking or horseback riding on different trail segments.

Depending on which segment you explore, there are also visiting museums, such as the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center in Casper, Wyoming, and Auto Tour Route Interpretive Guides are being developed for each state that the historic trail passes through. The guides provide descriptions of locations where visitors will find remnants of the trail with either interpretive services or media that add insight to the experiences and history of the Oregon Trail. For a more active group travel experience, the Oregon Trail is the way to go.

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Featured Group Hotels in Hawaii

May 8 - May 9

Special Occasion (Hawaii)

You can't go wrong with group travel in idyllic Hawaii. Everyone can have fun in relaxing Honolulu. Oahu's largest city and the state capital, Honolulu is home to many top attractions: sample a great dim-sum lunch in vibrant Chinatown or check out Aloha Tower, the city's landmark harbor-side clock tower surrounded by a marketplace brimming with shops and popular restaurants. Honolulu is also home to famed Waikiki Beach, located between the Ala Wai Yacht Harbor and Diamond Head.

Waikiki's Beach's white sand runs along a 2-mile stretch of coast, flanked by dozens of high-rise hotels. The area is popular for sunbathing, swimming, surfing, body-boarding, picnicking, and outrigger canoeing - you'll will never be lacking for things to do! At the end of the beach is Diamond Head, one of the world's most famous volcanic rings. Although no diamonds were ever found here, the calcite crystals in the lava rock sparkle in the bright Hawaiian sunshine.

Explore more hotel deals in Hawaii .

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Is a travel agent worth it the pros and cons.

Travel experts agree there are several advantages to hiring a vacation planner.

The Pros & Cons of Using a Travel Agent

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A travel agent can save you money and time.

Need to pivot your trip plans but don't want to deal with the extra time, money and hassle of rebooking flights and accommodations on your own? That's just one area where a knowledgeable travel agent (also commonly known as a travel advisor) can help. Read on to discover the other benefits – as well as the downsides – of using a travel agent, so you can confidently decide whether or not a travel agent is worth it for your next trip.

The Pros of Using a Travel Agent

Travel agents can save you money – and get you other perks.

"In some cases, you'll actually get a better  deal by working with a travel agent," says Jackie Steele, travel expert at MagicGuides . "This could be in the form of a cruise onboard credit (free spending money to use on the ship), access to special agency/group rates, or even just learning about a discount you qualify for but weren't aware of." The best agents will even keep an eye on new discounts as they're announced and apply them to your trip even after you've booked, he notes.

Travel agents handle all the details

Hotel room? Booked. Dinner reservations? Made. Tour tickets? Ready to go. A travel agent handles every detail of your vacation itinerary. "The traveler still gets to be involved in the fun part of dreaming up ideas and providing their travel wishes, while we take and perfect them," says Jessica Parker, founder of Trip Whisperer .

Molly McShea, owner and travel advisor at McShea Travel , points out that travel agents can also help with timing logistics. "Travel agents know how many days should be spent in each destination, which tours go together, and how many things you should do in a day," she says, adding that crafting an itinerary can be challenging if it's not something you regularly do. Additionally, travel agents can help you choose the best time to visit your preferred destination(s) based on seasonality and your budget, and sift through travel insurance policies to find the best option for your needs.

Travel agents can provide local expertise

"A travel advisor's industry connections and relationships provide added value to their clients," says Valerie Edman, a luxury travel advisor and agency owner at Cultured Travel LLC. She says when working with a travel agent, travelers gain access to a global network of connections including:

• In-destination specialists who work exclusively with travel advisors and can connect travelers with unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences they wouldn't otherwise know about
• Exclusive experiences not available to the general public

You'll avoid surprise fees

When deciding if a travel agent is worth it for you, remember this: A reputable agent can guarantee you won't encounter any surprise fees on accommodations and activities once your trip is booked.

You'll have someone to troubleshoot unexpected travel issues

A travel advisor is essentially your personal vacation concierge. "Because they've been around for so long, agents really know what to look for," says Christopher Elliott , a consumer advocate and journalist. "Travel agents are among the first to know about flight cancellations and delays , making it easy for them to rebook itineraries right away." 

The Cons of Using a Travel Agent

It might not be your cheapest option.

There are some instances when it makes more sense to plan your own trip. "If you're planning a quick flight from New York City to Los Angeles, it's easy enough to book it yourself online directly or through a third-party booking site," says Elliott. "If you're planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip or bucket list honeymoon , that's when you call the experts."

You'll have less flexibility in your itinerary

The upside of working with a travel agent is having someone plan an epic vacation for you based on industry knowledge and local expertise. But this can also be a downside in the event you discover an activity you'd like to do or a restaurant you'd like to try that isn't on your pre-planned itinerary. If you alter your plans, you risk losing money; plus, the time it takes for you and your travel agent to coordinate your change of plans may not be worth the hassle.

You still have to do some research

It's important to find an agent you can trust, which means you still have to do some of the vacation planning. For this part, Parker recommends picking up the phone. "Lots of people avoid or don't pick up the phone as much anymore," she says. "That's where you get the high-touch service, tone of voice, excitement or concerns to manage." She advises to look for the following red flags:

• No fees: " Travel advisors are charging planning fees more now or increasing them, so the client knows more confidently than ever, we work for them, not the suppliers with the best commissions," Parker explains. "There are a lot of things that are non-commissionable and the advisor's time and expertise shouldn't be given away for free, either. That's the best way to show an advisor takes their business seriously."
• Limited options: If you work with someone who is inexperienced or has an incentive to book you with a certain supplier, they may not be prioritizing your best interests. "It's important to check if they are with a larger consortia, accreditations and network, typically listed on their website and signatures," says Parker. "That level of mindshare doesn't come with a lone advisor unless they have many, many years of experience."
• Slow response times: If communication is delayed, that's a sign they may be too busy to plan your trip – but again, this is something you can avoid by having the right conversations early on.

Edman suggestes starting your search with the American Society of Travel Advisors . "ASTA-verified travel advisors are committed to the highest industry standards and have verifiable industry knowledge so consumers can feel confident in working with them," she says.

You might also be interested in:

• Is Travel Insurance Worth It?
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The experts: travel agents on 20 ways to book a sustainable and sensational summer holiday

Keen to get away? Here is how to find a great deal, pick the perfect destination and support the local community

A holiday should be relaxing, but booking one can be a fraught experience, with days lost to endless scrolling, comparing reviews and prices. How can you be sure you are getting a good deal? Travel agents share their tips for the most affordable, sustainable and memorable trips.

1. Book like an agent

“Everybody views themselves as a travel agent and they can be up to a point,” says Paul Sharp from Newcastle upon Tyne, who operates as part of the Travel Counsellors network and has 30 years’ experience in the industry. He says the rise of budget airlines and online booking have led to people feeling confident about organising trips themselves. What is the one thing we should know when doing so? “It is a false economy to book things separately because you have no protection,” Sharp says. He gives the example of someone planning a trip to South Africa to watch rugby, who booked flights with the airline and hotels directly and rugby tickets elsewhere. The game was cancelled but the flights and hotel were non-refundable. If they had been booked together, the trip would have been covered under package travel regulations. “Book with a company you trust and know – there are a lot of sites that crop up and you don’t really know their provenance,” he says.

2. Be an early bird

“Planning in advance is always going to be better value,” says Helen Youngman , an independent travel agent and partner at 360 Private Travel , based near Norwich. “Late deals do exist, but a lot of hotels use ‘dynamic pricing’, which means prices increase as availability goes down. Flights are only going to increase in price the closer you get to the departure date because the fuller the flight gets, the more expensive it will be.” Sharp adds: “Don’t hang on for a last-minute deal because you could end up disappointed. Scheduled flights tend to be available about 11 months in advance, so that is the best time to book. Also, at that stage, a lot of hotels and accommodation providers will have early-bird specials.”

3. If you do book late, be flexible

Jessica Bollinger, who works in the Bristol branch of Danish travel agent Kilroy , which specialises in youth and adventure holidays, agrees that late deals are now something of a myth. “They are not unheard of, but with a last-minute deal there are certain things you’re not going to get. So you have to be really open-minded as to where you’re going to go,” she says.

4. Avoid peak season

The cheapest time to travel is always outside the school holidays, says Youngman, with Christmas and new year the most expensive times. Can you get a good deal if you fly on Christmas or New Year’s Day itself? Sometimes, she says, “but a lot of people are catching on to that trick”. If you have to go in the school holidays, be open to going somewhere off the beaten track. “Being clever about destinations is a good plan,” says Youngman. “In Europe, look farther east at places such as Montenegro, Albania and Georgia. And Morocco is a good summer destination for families.”

5. Midweek can be more affordable

“Midweek can be cheaper, it just depends on availability,” says Youngman. “A Thursday to Monday trip is going to be slightly more expensive than Monday to Friday, but all travel fares are based on availability, so the further in advance you can book, the better.”

6. Take out travel insurance when you book

A lot of people sort out their insurance at the airport, says Sharp, but it is best to do it as soon as you have booked your trip. He says: “Travel insurance doesn’t just cover you if you lose a bag or are poorly while you are away. It also covers you should you need to cancel for an insurable reason before you travel.” This includes illness or a bereavement.

7. On solo trips, consider a group tour

If you are travelling alone, “pretty much anywhere is possible”, says Youngman. “Embarking on your first solo trip can be daunting, which is why small group tours are an amazing way to travel with like-minded people. Some companies I work with are doing specialist female-only tours with visits to female entrepreneurs, co-operatives, makers and bakers. Small group tours are great because they handle all the logistics, include really immersive experiences and are safe. They pick you up from the airport, and from that point onwards, you’re travelling with other people and you’ve got an expert guide.”

8. Have a daily budget

“We advise setting a daily limit for yourself while travelling and then multiplying that number by the days you are away to get the amount to save for your spending money,” says Bollinger. “When you work it out like this, it makes a lot more sense in people’s minds, especially young people who don’t have much budgeting experience. It also keeps you accountable to yourself, so you don’t blow everything right at the beginning and then have nothing left for the end.” To stick to a tight budget, she says: “Cook food as you go along and use public transport instead of tourist buses – this will really help you save money.”

9. Consider all-inclusive options

“If you are going to spend a lot of time eating and drinking in the hotel, I recommend upgrading to an all-inclusive option if possible,” says Youngman, “especially if you’d like a cocktail or two and you’re grazing throughout the day. Otherwise it can all add up and when you check out it costs a fortune.” With active holidays such as skiing or safaris, she adds: “If you have the option to choose an all-inclusive package that includes the activities, food and drink, that is usually a more cost-effective way of travelling. Because sometimes they will really sting you on the extras and it will be more expensive.”

10. Work your way around the world

“A working holiday is a great way to fund your trip,” says Bollinger, who helps people book travel to Australia, New Zealand and Canada by organising working holidays so they can extend their stay. “A lot of jobs will be hospitality-related, but if you go to a more rural spot you can do farm work, and if you have qualifications already, sometimes those can be used. Working holidays in Canada are often at ski resorts near Vancouver, so you get the added benefit of being in a beautiful place to take advantage of the winter sports.”

11. Travel as sustainably as possible

“You can get to most places in Europe by train , so if you are open to slowing down and having a more relaxed itinerary, not only are you travelling more sustainably, but you have more time to absorb the culture surrounding you,” says Youngman. “Be good to the environment you are travelling to see.” She stresses the importance of limiting flights as much as possible, especially internally, and avoiding indirect long-haul options. “We highly recommend ‘open-jaw flights’, which means you fly into one destination and out of another, to limit the number of flights,” says Bollinger. “We also promote travelling for longer in one destination as opposed to trying to go to many in a short time, and travelling overland when possible, instead of taking multiple flights.”

12. Offset carbon emissions with a reputable company

When considering carbon from flights, says Thomas Power of Pura Aventura , a B Corp sustainable travel company in Brighton: “Don’t believe the airline schemes, or anyone else who promises you absolution for a few quid. While 85% of offset schemes may be worthless, there are high-quality carbon credits starting at about £20 a tonne.” These can be bought to compensate for CO 2 emissions. Companies such as “ C Level ​ ​help you at least take positive action to balance your impact”, says Power.

13. Think of responsible travel as a ‘fair exchange’

When travelling, says Power, consider: “What are we giving and what are we receiving? Is it a fair exchange? Is somebody getting something in return for what I am receiving in this transaction?” This applies to everything from “taking a cruise to Venice and not giving anything to the city, to going camping in Sussex and getting a supermarket delivery to your tent instead of going to the village shop or buying eggs from the house down the road”. This concept of “fair exchange” can be beneficial for everyone, he says, by giving you access to unique experiences. “In terms of the economy, the less money that leaves the village, town or city, the better,” he says.

14. Embrace the great outdoors

If you camp out “you are closer to nature than any other accommodation option”, says Brodie Farrow, of the online camping and touring travel agent Pitchup . There are many benefits to this, she says: “It is really good for mental health. It is also a much more sustainable option: the carbon footprints of outdoor holidays tend to be much lower than hotel stays, as people travel by car rather than flying and it promotes local produce and low-impact activities such as hiking in the surrounding area. The accommodation or pitches are much less carbon intensive than hotels, too. And you have a positive impact on the community that you are visiting: camping attracts a higher number of customers at a lower cost than hotels do, which can help to underpin the viability of local facilities such as the shop, the bar and takeaway, and that benefits the wider community.”

15. If you are camping-phobic, glamp

“There really is something for everyone,” says Farrow. “You can get glamping accommodation with four-poster beds if you prefer camping in luxury, or you can go really wild and remote, with no facilities, out on your own and back to nature. I think you would be hard-pressed to say that there is nothing that appeals.” Although glamping has become a fairly pricey option, she says: “Some types are much cheaper than others. You can get some ‘pod-only’ camping accommodation, where you bring your own bedding, starting from £15 a night.”

16. If the weather is terrible …

… And you are under canvas, “try to keep your bedroom a wet-gear-free zone”, says Farrow. “Store and dry wet stuff in your porch area rather than in your bedroom compartment. Protect your equipment by putting it in plastic bags or dry bags. Don’t let anything touch your tent walls or you will have soggy socks.” For activities, she suggests, “swimming in the sea, because you are wet already, or going to the pub”. If you are disappointed by the weather on a non-camping holiday, “as annoying as it is, try to embrace it”, says Sharp. Many people come back from their holidays exhausted because they try to see and do everything when they’re away. Instead, he says: “Have a lie-in, ask local people which is the best restaurant for a long, lazy lunch and, most of all, relax and recharge your batteries – it’s a holiday after all.”

17. For best value destinations, try …

“Go for Belgrade over Berlin,” says Youngman. “It has an underground culture scene very similar to Berlin 20 years ago.” For backpackers, Bollinger suggests: “Some places in Central America can be really affordable. Nicaragua, Honduras and Guatemala are good options for someone wanting to think outside the box.” Sharp says there are more affordable options in “Cyprus, Bulgaria, Turkey and Egypt, compared with Spain and the Balearics, which are becoming increasingly expensive due to cost of living increases”. If you are looking for a staycation, North Yorkshire, Cumbria and Cornwall are some of the most popular UK locations on Pitchup, says Farrow, which can inflate the price. Locations such as Pembrokeshire and the Isle of Wight are cheaper.

18. For a trip of a lifetime that doesn’t cost the earth …

“North Macedonia is just amazing,” says Youngman. “Ohrid has beautiful cobbled streets, Ottoman architecture , fantastic food and wine and you can visit the most biodiverse lake in Europe.” Farrow says: “I camped at the foot of Ben Nevis last year before hiking up it. The weather was terrible but it was worth it for the unreal views.” While Bollinger’s most memorable trip was “Interrailing in Europe and finding a way to do things on my own. It was before smartphones, so it was a very interesting experience and built up my confidence in travelling.”

19. If in doubt, follow local people

“Live like a local person by taking local buses and eating in local spots,” says Bollinger. “It is going to save you money, and will also let you experience life in a different way.” Power adds: “People want to go to Peru but they never come back talking about Machu Picchu, they come back talking about the people they met. Buy local and connections will happen for you. In the absence of interaction with your host community, the things you see are just wallpaper.”

20. And remember: you get what you pay for

“If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is,” says Sharp.

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An introvert's guide to surviving group travel

By monica pitrelli,cnbc • published 3 hours ago • updated 3 hours ago.

The thought of round-the-clock "togetherness" — with friends, family or strangers bound together in a tour group — can be overwhelming to the estimated 57% of people who lean toward introversion .

Solo travel can suit introverts, who tend to re-energize by time spent alone. But even as its popularity increases, most trips are taken with other people.

But most uncomfortable moments can be avoided by following some of these ground rules, offered by fellow introverts.

Rule 1: The 'golden rule' of group travel

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The most popular recommendation by far: Book your own room.

"This allows for morning and evening downtime to defuse, regroup and refresh," said Jenny Olsen, a Los Angeles-based public relations consultant who describes herself as a "total introverted traveler."

If you have to share a room, she said, try to sleep in. "Then order room service to have breakfast alone in bed."

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In fact, Olsen advises ordering room service once a day, whether "breakfast, dinner or a late night dessert."

Dori Nix, a marketing and communications director for the Colorado-based women-led tour company Adventures in Good Company , also recommends staying alone, even if means paying a single supplement.

"Having a space to decompress at the end of each day is often the only way I can function in social environments throughout the day," she said. "It's a safe place to escape."

Rule No. 2: Don't get trapped by talkers

In Psychology Today , author Sophia Dembling cautions introverts to research group trips well.

"A tour bus full of first-timers to Europe might include a lot of mighty friendly folks who love making friends," she wrote. "And I don't mean that in a good way."

Headphones are a good way to ward off unwanted conversations, especially on flights, said John Hackston, head of thought leadership at the The Myers-Briggs Company .

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator assessment  is a popular test to determine introversion and extroversion tendencies, terms popularized by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung more than a century ago.  

Conversing with strangers can be uncomfortable for some introverts, Hackston said. He suggests having a exit strategy.

"Be ready to 'go to the restroom' or 'leave to make a phone call' if you need to get away," he said.

What type of trips should introverts avoid?

• Large travel groups (30+ travelers)
• Packed schedules
• Crowded locations and party destinations
• Constant social interaction
• Where double occupancy is the only option
• A lot of driving time

Source: Kelly Kimple and Dori Nix, Adventures in Good Company

Travel writer Patty Civalleri also said introverts shouldn't be passive in these situations. Her advice: Don't allow yourself to be trapped by an endless talker.

"When you feel the need to break out of a conversation, simply look over the shoulder of the person talking and say something like 'Wow, look over there. That looks interesting. Excuse me while I go check it out,'" she emailed CNBC Travel while on a group trip to Mazatlán, Mexico, "Or 'I see a great photo, or selfie, opp. I'm going to grab it before it gets away."

Rule No. 3: Own the need for 'alone time'

Talk to your travel companions before the trip, said Jonathan Feniak, general counsel at legal firm LLC Attorney. 

"When I was younger, I didn't realize I needed a little bit of alone time to keep my social batteries charged," he said. "After 7+ days spent traveling with people 24/7, it becomes harder to maintain that energy without an hour here or there, so I now tell any companions about those needs ahead of time."

That lets people know they're not "the problem," he said.  

"If they don't know about your introverted personality until you're mid-vacation, they may misinterpret your energy or take it personally," he said.

Though Western societies have long rewarded extroverted "more is merrier" types, there is nothing wrong with wanting space from the group, said Civalleri.

"Never feel shy about asking for alone time. We all need some time off from others, from activities and from the world," she told CNBC Travel. "Time to simply relax by the pool alone with a book can be very therapeutic."

The Myers-Briggs Company's Hackston said introverts should set boundaries on vacation, which may mean doing their own thing at times.

"You don't have to attend every minute of every activity your group has planned," he said. "Spending hours in a library or a museum can be boring for some, but if this is your cup of tea, make time to explore it at your own pace."

Rule 4: Keep groups small, but not too small

Adventures in Good Company CEO Kelly Kimple has a rule: no big tour buses.

"As an introvert, I definitely need small groups," she said. "I also need to minimize time in vehicles. Long drives in a small space where can be caught up in hours of conversations can be exhausting for introverts!"

Kimple, a field biologist from rural New Hampshire, said she prefers trips with ample quiet time. Her company organizes outdoor trips for small groups of women that include activties like hiking and even sketching in the Rocky Mountains.

Some introverts prefer solo travel, but Brooke Webber, a Los Angeles-based marketing professional, said she advises traveling with a small group.    

"More people might sound like a nightmare for a true introvert, but for me it made it easier to have 'me-time' as necessary," she said. "If you travel in a group of 3+ people, you aren't leaving a companion alone if you want to take a few hours or a day to explore solo or rest."

Having the option to break away at a moment's notice keeps Webber energized, she said, and "less likely to need to take it because I feel my social time is an option, not an obligation."

David Ciccarelli, CEO of the vacation rental website Lake, said he's also a fan of traveling with a small group of friends, occasionally choosing to dip out to later "come back into the fold."

He advises packing a few items to help tune out the world.

"My earplugs and eye mask are a necessity," he said. "They help me wind down at night and get some privacy on long train rides, flights, or an afternoon nap in the hotel room."

Also on CNBC

• What’s your single best tip for traveling in Japan? Here’s what insiders said
• Richard Branson’s cruise line launches month-long cruise for remote workers
• The reason luxury travel is so expensive these days

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Is it better to book a cruise through a travel agent? We say yes

G oing online to book an airline ticket or hotel stay is a familiar and fairly easy transaction. When you book a cruise, however — particularly your first cruise — you might want to reconsider the impulse to handle the transaction yourself through a cruise line website or an online advertiser with cheap prices. This DIY approach might not be the best way to find your dream vacation at sea.

In reality, it's not that simple to book a cruise. You will likely run into a lot of questions to which you have no ready answer.

That's where specialized cruise travel agents come into play. Their expertise can help you avoid mistakes, whether you are a first-timer or a repeat cruiser checking out a brand you have not tried before.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Why you should book through a cruise travel agent

You should consider booking a cruise through a travel agent because a knowledgeable agent can help you understand the nuances of a cruise purchase and help you make the best decisions for your vacation preferences.

When you book a cruise, you are making a vacation decision that goes way beyond a flight or hotel nights. Which ship you choose determines your dining and evening entertainment choices for the duration of your vacation. Which itinerary you choose impacts which destinations you'll visit and which shoreside activities will be available to you. It can be overwhelming to evaluate the options on your own if you've never cruised before.

In addition, cruise fares can be hard to understand and compare. You might, for instance, see a fare listed online without the port charges, taxes and fees, which you only see after you give your personal details.

Plus, the price of your cruise includes accommodations, meals, entertainment and activities — and in some cases drinks, tips, shore excursions, Wi-Fi and other extras. There's a lot bundled into some fares and not as much with others. A travel agent can help you determine what your cruise fare gets you. The cheapest base cruise fare does not always provide the best value or best overall vacation deal.

Related: 4 scenarios when you should use a travel agent

You aren't just booking general passage on a ship, either, as you will be asked to pick a specific cabin and when you prefer to dine. Making a mistake in these categories can ruin your cruise experience, as there are such thing as "bad" cabins and dining times (think noisy or claustrophobic cabins, dinner at 8 p.m. with cranky children, etc.).

With cruises, you typically don't pay for your whole vacation upfront but rather put down a deposit, with final payment due at a later date. A cruise travel agent can ensure you don't miss any due dates.

Remember, you might be a DIY type when booking airlines and hotels, but booking a cruise is more complex. If you enjoy doing your own research, focus on what to do and see in the ports of call. Read about different ships, cruise lines and itineraries. However, when it comes to booking the cruise, we recommend you still contact a travel agent who specializes in cruises to help you learn a few tips and avoid any rookie mistakes.

Travel agents can get better deals on cruises

If you're concerned that working with an agent will make your cruise more expensive, don't be. Cruise travel agents receive the bulk of their income via commission from the cruise lines. Their service to you is usually free, though some might charge first-time clients a minimal fee. It's worth it.

In addition to sharing their expertise, the agent may have negotiated group space at lower rates with the cruise line, which could save you money on the cruise fare. The agent might also have first access to sale prices because the cruise lines notify their agent partners and loyalty club members first before they announce a sale to the public.

Related: 6 ways to get a deal on a cruise

Some cruise travel agents even throw in booking perks , such as a complimentary bottle of Champagne, awaiting your arrival in your cabin.

How to find a travel agent for a cruise

Cruise lines prefer that you use a travel agent rather than going online and booking directly. They have small in-house reservation teams, and when you have a question while making a booking, good luck in getting an expert on the phone in a timely manner.

Companies such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line provide online directories to help you find an experienced cruise travel agent near you.

You can also find experienced and certified cruise travel agents through CLIA, the Cruise Lines International Association , which is the industry's main marketing group. Asking friends who have cruised to recommend a travel agent is another good idea.

Related: 5 unexpected places that sell cruises

You might get more personalized care from smaller agencies than from the huge online agencies, though websites such as icruise.com, Cruise.com and Cruise411.com also have experienced cruise agents. These larger online travel agencies can be a good option for those who prefer to make decisions and ask questions via chat. Just make sure you get the name and phone number of the representative for any follow-up questions.

Questions to ask a cruise travel agent

In choosing a cruise travel agent, you will want to tap into the person's specific expertise about the cruise line and ship you are considering. Anyone can read a ship deck plan outlining ship spaces (which you can find online), but you are looking for people who really know their stuff.

Look for travel agencies that are cruise-only or a home-based agent who specializes in cruises. If you are using a full-service travel agency, ask for the cruise desk.

Here are some questions to ask a travel agent to determine their expertise:

• How often do you cruise?
• Have you cruised on the line I am considering?
• Have you cruised on the ship that I am considering, or do you have clients who have cruised that ship and provided a review of their vacation?
• Do you have firsthand knowledge about the cruise destination? The itinerary?

You will also want to ask the travel agent if they have a preferred relationship or negotiated agreement with any specific lines that could lead to special perks for you.

Be aware that not all agents work with all cruise lines; some represent only a few preferred suppliers or specialize in higher-end cruises. They get bigger commissions from their preferred lines.

This is not necessarily a bad thing, but be aware if the agent seems to be putting you off the line you were originally considering, as this could be the reason. On the plus side, an agent who is a preferred supplier might have negotiated rates with the cruise line and be able to call in favors, such as that bottle of Champagne or a cabin upgrade .

You should also ask if the travel agency offers 24/7 assistance (usually an 800 number) in case you have last-minute questions or something goes wrong before or during your trip.

The cruise travel agent should have questions for you as well, to better understand your dream vacation desires. If you are calling a cruise agency for the first time, the agent should be interviewing you as much as you are interviewing him or her. The agent should be focused on helping you choose the cruise line , ship and cabin that is right for you. Making the correct choices is very important to your overall cruise experience.

Bottom line

Booking a cruise is a complex enterprise. A cruise travel agent will guide you through choosing your cabin and dining times, deposits and final payment, and options for shore excursions and specialty dining. If you need to cancel the trip, the agent will also help you through the refund process. You'll have a lot less stress before and during your vacation if you book with an experienced agent.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Myod ? Apartments Apartment

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You can take a walk and explore the neighbourhood area of the apartment. Places nearby: ZIL Culture Center, VDNKh and Saint Basil's Cathedral.

A perfect fit for a big group of travellers: apartment «Myod ? Apartments» is located in Elektrostal . This apartment is located in walking distance from the city center.

If you travel by car, you can park in a parking zone for free. If you travel by car, there’s a parking zone.

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Apelsin Hotel Hotel Noginskoye Shosse 36B, 144008 Elektrostal', Russia

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Central Air Force Museum 16 km.

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Ramenskoye Bus Station 30 km.

Ramenskoye Train Station 30 km.

Gorenki Train Station 32 km.

Reutov City Park 36 km.

Reutovo Train Station 36 km.

Novokosino Metro Station 36 km.

Lyubertsy Train Station 36 km.

Triumph Sport Hall 37 km.

Closest Airports

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Moscow Domodedovo Airport 55 km.

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April 12, 2024 - Israel-Hamas war

By Chris Lau, Sana Noor Haq, Adrienne Vogt , Matt Meyer and Tori B. Powell , CNN

Our live coverage of Israel's war on Hamas in Gaza has moved  here .

USAID worker killed in Israel, agency says

From CNN's Jennifer Hansler

A staff member with United States Agency for International Development (USAID) died Friday in the Israeli port city of Jaffa, the agency announced.

The male staffer was with USAID’s West Bank and Gaza mission, the agency said in a brief statement.

USAID did not provide details on the circumstances around his death or his identity or citizenship.

“He was a dedicated member of our team for more than two decades, and our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues,” USAID said.

USAID is working with the US Embassy to work out details about the fatal incident and its follow-up investigation, it said.

US expects Iran to carry out direct strikes against targets inside Israel, sources say

From CNN's MJ Lee and Natasha Bertrand

The United States currently expects Iran will carry out strikes against multiple targets inside Israel and that Iranian proxies could also be involved in carrying out the attacks, according to a senior administration official and a source familiar with the intelligence.  

The targets would likely be both inside Israel and around the region.

The beginning of a state-on-state conflict between Iran and Israel would mark a serious escalation in the region that the US has hoped to avoid.

US sees Iran moving military assets including drones and cruise missiles, sources say

From Natasha Bertrand and Oren Liebermann

The US observed Iran moving military assets around internally, including drones and cruise missiles, signaling that it is possibly preparing to attack Israeli targets from inside its own territory, according to two people familiar with US intelligence. 

It is not clear whether Iran is preparing to strike from its soil as part of an initial attack, or if it is posturing to try to deter Israel or the US from conducting a possible counter strike on its territory. 

One of the people said the US had observed Iran readying as many as 100 cruise missiles.

Some context: The Iranians want their retaliatory strike on Israel — a response to the Israeli strike on an Iranian consulate last week in Damascus — to be "significant," one of the people familiar with the intelligence said. But they also want to avoid getting embroiled in a direct war with Israel and the US, CNN has reported, which is why US intelligence has assessed that Iran may use its proxy forces to launch the first attack.

Israeli settlers storm village in West Bank and kill at least 1 Palestinian. Here's what you should know

From CNN staff

Hundreds of armed Israeli settlers stormed a village in the occupied West Bank on Friday, setting fire to several homes and cars — and leaving at least one Palestinian dead — in one of the largest attacks by settlers this year, according to Palestinian officials. 

The settlers attacked Al-Mughayyir village, east of Ramallah, raided homes and fired gunshots at residents, according to Amin Abu-Alia, the head of the village council. Videos obtained by CNN show parts of the village burning, with smoke billowing over several buildings and settlers lobbing rocks. Houses and cars are seen completely burnt up, with sounds of gunfire and clashes heard in the background.

Here are other headlines you should know:

• More Israeli attacks: An Israeli airstrike early Friday killed at least 29 people and injured dozens more after troops targeted a house belonging to the well-known Al-Tabatibi family in eastern Gaza City, according to a local health official. Israeli forces also surrounded and attacked the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, wounding several journalists and at least one other person. And in the occupied West Bank, troops killed two Hamas members in a raid on the city of Tubas, according to Israeli and Palestinian officials.
• Hezbollah-Israel clashes: Around 40 rockets were fired from Lebanon on Friday evening, according to the Israeli military. Some were intercepted and the rest fell in open areas, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement. Israeli warplanes also carried out several airstrikes on Friday, targeting "military buildings" used by Hezbollah fighters in parts of southern Lebanon, the IDF said.
• Iranian threats: US President Joe Biden told reporters Friday he expects an attack from Iran will happen “sooner than later," with the White House adding that there is a "very credible" threat of Iranian retaliatory strikes against Israel. Additionally, the US Defense Department is moving additional assets to the Middle East region, a defense official told CNN, as the US and Israel brace for the potential attack . Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and US Central Command Commander Gen. Erik Kurilla on Friday discussed preparations for the  potential attack .
• Warnings amid Iranian threats: France , Germany, Canada and the United States are among countries that are warning their citizens not to travel to the region due to the threat of an Iranian attack against Israel.
• Humanitarian aid: The Israeli military does not understand how humanitarian operations work, a top United Nations official said Friday, maintaining there is a "degree of mistrust" that needs to be resolved between the IDF and nongovernmental organizations on the ground in Gaza.
• Sanctions: The European Council has  adopted sanctions  against three Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad entities , in light of "their responsibilities in the brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks" that occurred across Israel on October 7. The US is also sanctioning four leaders of Hamas’ cyber and drone operations based in Gaza and Lebanon, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller announced on Friday. 

US will attempt to intercept launches at Israel if feasible, US officials say

From CNN's Oren Liebermann and Natasha Bertrand

The US will attempt to intercept any weapons launched at Israel if it’s feasible to do so, two US officials told CNN, in an indication of the level of ongoing cooperation between the two militaries before an anticipated Iranian attack .

US Navy forces in the Red Sea have previously intercepted long-range missiles launched from the Houthis in Yemen toward Israel. US forces in Iraq and Syria could also potentially intercept drones and rockets targeting northern Israel, depending on the location from which they’re launched.

Gen. Erik Kurilla, the commander of US Central Command, has been in Israel meeting with the country’s security leadership. On Friday, the Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, met with Kurilla.

There have been a number of conversations where US officials have urged Israel not to escalate the situation in retaliating against Iran, according to one of the US officials. 

Remember: An Iranian attack is expected in response to Israel’s deadly strike of Tehran's consulate in Damascus, Syria, last week.

The Damascus attack was the latest incident to stoke fears of a wider regional conflict breaking out in the Middle East during Israel's campaign in Gaza.

Diplomatic efforts: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has held a slew of calls to foreign counterparts aimed at pressuring Iran not to attack Israel.

The top US diplomat spoke with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Friday, according to a readout from State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.

Blinken also spoke with the Turkish, Chinese and Saudi foreign ministers in recent days, Miller said.

Israeli settlers kill at least 1 Palestinian while storming West Bank village

From CNN’s Kareem Khadder and Zeena Saifi in Jerusalem and CNN’s Benjamin Brown in London

Hundreds of armed Israeli settlers stormed a village in the occupied West Bank on Friday, setting fire to several homes and cars in one of the largest attacks by settlers this year, according to Palestinian officials. 

At least one Palestinian man was killed when shots were fired by Israeli settlers in the village of Al-Mughayyir, east of Ramallah, according to the head of the village council Amin Abu-Alia. He said he identified the killed Palestinian as his 26-year-old relative named Jihad Abu-Alia, who was meant to get married this summer.

At least 25 others were injured in the rampage, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Ramallah, the scale of which has not been seen since hundreds of settlers stormed through the villages of  Turmusayya  and  Huwara  in two separate incidents last year. 

Between 1,000 and 1,200 settlers surrounded the village, and around 500 stormed it just after midday local time on Friday, blocking all the roads in the area, Abu-Alia told CNN.

He added that Israeli security forces informed Palestinian officials that the settlers were looking for a 14-year-old Israeli boy who had gone missing earlier in the day.

They attacked the village, raided homes and fired gunshots at residents, Abu-Alia said. Videos obtained by CNN show parts of the village burning, with smoke billowing over several buildings and settlers lobbing rocks. Houses and cars are seen completely burnt up, with sounds of gunfire and clashes heard in the background.

According to Abu-Alia, the Israeli military arrived at the scene at around 3 p.m. and didn’t stop the settlers from attacking the village. Israeli soldiers allowed them to raid homes, prevented Palestinian residents from moving around and blocked ambulances from reaching the injured, he added.  

Abu-Alia told CNN settlers stole approximately 70 sheep from the Palestinian village.

In response to a question by CNN, the IDF said “violent riots were instigated in multiple locations in the area” following the search for the boy.

Israel says airstrikes targeted Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon

Israeli warplanes carried out several airstrikes on Friday, targeting "military buildings" used by Hezbollah fighters in parts of southern Lebanon, according to the Israel Defense Forces.

The areas include the Aita al-Shaab and the Taybeh in southern Lebanon, said Avichay Adraee, I DF spokesperson for Arab media,  in a post on X.

"During the day, several shells were fired from Lebanon towards the Upper Galilee region, without causing any casualties. IDF forces attacked the sources of fire," Adraee added. 

The Israeli airstrikes were before the 40 rockets that were launched from Lebanon toward northern Israel Friday evening and claimed by Hezbollah.

Biden expects an attack from Iran will happen "sooner than later"

From CNN's Samantha Waldenberg

US President Joe Biden expects an attack from Iran will happen “sooner than later," he told reporters at the White House Friday.

“I don’t want to get into secure information but my expectation is sooner than later,” Biden said when asked how imminent an attack on Israel was.

Asked what his message to Tehran is right now, the president said “Don’t.”

In response to more shouted questions from reporters asking if American troops were at risk, Biden returned to the podium and said that the United States is "devoted” to the defense of Israel. 

“We will support Israel. We will help defend Israel and Iran will not succeed,” Biden said.

Remember: The United States says it is on high alert for a significant Iranian retaliatory attack following Israel's deadly strike on Tehran's consulate in Damascus last week, raising fears of a wider regional war. There remains a “real,” “credible” and “viable” threat of Iran launching strikes, the White House said earlier Friday, following Israel’s attack on  a diplomatic compound in Syria that killed three Iranian generals.

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