Last year I received some not-so-surprising news from a good friend. She informed me about the results of a board meeting held to discuss traveling this year.  Her organization thought it would be best to not plan a cruise, a vacation that would have brought together members of her college alumni from all over the US. Why? Budget constraints.

Today, while I do see better days in the industry, there is still a resistance. Leaders of churches, schools, corporations and families are afraid to spend money.  Perhaps this is due to the need to be wiser with spending. At the end of the day, an organization must be mindful of its bottom line. And, unfortunately, that usually means an elimination of all things non-essential:

cut out the leisure. Makes sense.

But many groups are now getting away for financial reasons, too. Earlier this year I wrote about business networking events that are turning into weekend escapes. Group leaders are thinking about not only saving money, but making it (in some cases; you have to be careful with shipboard guidelines in terms of what is allowed to be sold on a cruise). 

Additionally, several groups have contacted travel professionals to take advantage ofmoney making opportunities with food or wine-based weekends. This is not a reason to quit a full-time job, but it does justify taking vacation (as if anyone needs an excuse to go away - lol).

My advice to board members or other higher ups who are looking for a way to travel and make money at the same time

Contact a travel agent. Do not go at it alone. There are lots of rules and protocol that need to be followed and one mistake will cost your group money, time and credibility. And only a travel has the inside scoop on discounted hotels, and most times we can match what you find on any dot com. 

Your group can get together this year, by being smarter and thinking beyond simply saving money, and focusing on income generation.

Ty

© 2011 Tyjuana Wilson

Ty Wilson, the Group Travel Diva is the owner of The TyLand Group, the home of TyLand Travel and Tyjuana Wilson, Writing Consultant. TyLand Travel  is a no-hassle travel agency geared towards group getaways. As a writer, Ty  is committed to providing to small businesses: press releases, website/blog content and newsletter copy. She has earned her BA in Communications from St. Augustine’s College. You can reach her on Facebook  and Twitter.