What’s your first reaction when your friends tell ‘“Let’s plan a trip?” Excitement, a rush of adventure and then finally the resignation that it won’t work? No? Then probably that’s what happens with my friends’ circle anyway.
So, I’ve devised a hack which involves a tenacious 5-step plan. Let’s see if this gets your friends to travel.
#1 Make a list of like-minded people
They don’t have to be your friends only. Acquaintances that share your taste can be a perfect match. Because if a plan goes through and you’re stuck with whining kids (Take it metaphorically! No offence intended), then the whole experience will be shoddy.
#2 Decide the place and 2-3 dates that work for you
Indecision is the key to failure. So, instead of letting your friends decide, create and plan an itinerary. But keep the possibility of dates open so that in case of an emergency (depends on what the other person’s excuse is) you can postpone the trip, if necessary.
#3 Research modes of transport & accommodation
Pick 4-5 hotels, resorts and plan a detailed itinerary so that you know what means of transport can work best for you. This way, you won’t have to deal with surprises in case more people decide to join (or you lack the crowd for a bigger transport vehicle)
#4 Lay the plan out for your ‘ideal’ gang
The key here is to approach individually. It’s easier to gauge their reaction and decipher their interest. If your assessment of point one is right, then you’ll have higher chances of success here. (Yes, said like a sales rep, but this is no less than a sales pitch.)
#5 Set your itinerary in motion
Read this point only if you pass step 4. Because there is no point without it! (Haha, get the pun?) Discuss budgets, finalise on the dates and make tweaks if necessary and book the whole trip. There is no way one can back out when their money is already spent. (Unless, of course, your friends are filthy rich.)
If you’re able to go on more than 5 trips with this master plan, then really, take up your occupation as a travel agent. You’re simply marvellous at this. But if you’re stuck at step 4, then just go on a solo trip! You might as well not waste so much effort put into preparing the itinerary.
Let me know how this works for you! I’ll surely take a patent for the procedure when it reaches the expected success rate! I tried blackmail once. I ended up going for a trip but not doing much!