JOIN USTravelling is a big part of one’s lifestyle now. Be it the plains, mountains or beaches, travelling around in groups, add to the wholesome experience.
This always adds a ‘dare element’ to trips, says Anand BK, an architect. “It’s exciting when there are more people. There is a better sense of security. You pick up interests from each other. When we went to a beach to Gokarana recently, some of the folks who travelled with us taught us how to swim better,” narrates Anand.
“When I had gone to Madikeri, I was able to stand under a waterfall. If I hadn’t travelled in a group, I wouldn’t have been able to do this. People motivate each other to try challenging feats,” he adds.
Neelam Bid, a marketing professional likes travelling in groups for the ‘comfort
factor’.
“There will be someone to take care of minutest details, while I can just sit back and enjoy the vacation. With today’s deadlines, such travels help act as a great connecting platform. Group travel also means a lot of fun moments — meal times are always synonymous with fun,” says Neelam.
Getting a set of people to indulge in like-minded activities can be challenging when travelling solo. “From shopping on unknown streets to absorbing the culture when in a foreign country, everything is a lot more exciting when you are in a group,” adds Neelam.
The advantages of travelling in groups are many, vouches Anirudh Kulkarni, a financial analyst. Anirudh, who has travelled across the Western Ghats and Himalayas, and gone on beach treks, says that he has always loved the group experience. “I don’t travel with
the same group often. Every time, there will be some new people added to the group that makes the experience different each time. This adds a fresh element to everything,” he says.
“When travelling in groups, responsibilities are shared — from choosing a guide to taking care of the itinerary. This also makes everyone feel important and responsible,” he says.
When out in the wilderness, it is always best to be in groups, says Akansha Gaurinath, a young dancer.
“At times, a few can guide others through the right or shorter routes, especially when a plan backfires. Stories of how to deal with leeches, how to fix a tent, how to make a better and lasting campfire — all become a part of group travel,” she says. As the saying goes, ‘variety is the spice of life’, and Akansha believes that while the schedule can get delayed when travelling in groups, it could turn out to be an educational trip. Travel is a platform for exchanging interesting stories, says Pradeep Shankar, a software professional, who has avid interest in landscape and travel photography.
“Visiting new places has always given me new perspectives about life, so do travelling in groups,” he adds.
While planning a trip, Pradeep likes sharing the itinerary with the rest of the team, so as to get inputs on the local cuisine and eateries en route.
“Having like-minded members in the group always adds an extra charm to the location or place one travels to, which makes the journey more memorable,” he adds.