Tips for Organizers
A genuinely life transforming program includes careful forethought about the kinds of experiences you hope your participants will have while abroad. Just as flights and hotels and other basic travel components are important, a group travel organizer needs to be attentive to the expertise that an organization brings to support the overall travel experience for participants.
Illume travel programs are ideal for:
- Religious congregations and institutions – where community and shared spiritual experiences are valued.
- Academic groups – where shared learning experiences are integral to the curriculum.
- Families and friends – who value shared fun together as a way to deepen bonds.
- Professional organizations – where conferences and seminars are an important way to foster professional growth and learning.
- Cultural organizations – where organized intercultural activities allow participants to tap into resources and opportunities difficult to access on their own and/ where shared experiences are part of the raison d’etre of the group (e.gg reading clubs, garden clubs, art clubs, language clubs).
When organizing a group travel event it is helpful to incorporate into the program :
- What activities need to be built into the program?
- What sites offer opportunities for these experiences to happen?
- Is the on-site program manager mature, experienced, affable, professional and fluent in the language of the group and of the destination country?
- Are the local guides truly knowledgeable in their field and able to understand the subtle questions of participants and enjoyable to listen to?
- What are the long-term relationships with local affiliates to not only secure the best services but to anticipate any eventualities for incidents requiring adjustments?
- Is there sufficient free time scheduled for participants to explore destinations on their own or for personal relaxation and rest or for shopping?
- Are there opportunities for smaller groups of participants to share meals together?