Group Travel Scoop - Groople.com

Top 10 Tips and Advice for Girlfriends Getaways

This one is for the girls. We’re talking girlfriends getaways and we’re bringing a list. So here it is the group scoop’s top ten advice for girlfriend getaways:

#1 Vegas, baby. The #1 destination in the US for a girlfriends getaways is Las Vegas- what they say is true, “what happens in Vegas, stays...” um, that is “what happens between us girls, stays between us girls”

#2 Plan, plan, plan. And please don’t over schedule - you don't want to be on the clock! You can use Groople’s Groopvine to help you keep everybody’s contact info, details, everything together.

#3 On the horizon. Set a date far, far in advance and stick to it! Yes, it can be hard to find the perfect time, but it’s always easier when it’s down the road – and written down. Why not try for the same weekend every year?

#4 The return trip. When you fall in love with that special place and all the girls want to make it same time, same place next year…book early. Become a regular, you’ll usually get discounts and the red carpet treatment.

#5 The small expenses kitty. Everyone chips in an amount at the start, and then you can pay for small expenses (coffee, taxis) without any unnecessary arguing over who should pay. If anyone mentions her husband or kids by name while on the trip, she has to donate to the kitty.

#6 Bring photos, take new ones. Old photos are a must – always the more embarrassing, the better. The trip is certain to be a trip down memory land and you’ll want the photo evidence. Take lots of pictures of this year’s trip to have a look back at a trip gone by. I suggest something like every third trip look at the photo set from three years ago…

#7 Play nice. If she wants to go to a museum but you don't but she went to a different attraction for you, and said nothing, then it's your turn for a sacrifice. No one is going to want to see the exact same things as their friends. It's usually not as fun to go alone, so a compromise can save hurt feelings and as long as you go together, it can't be that bad- bring those photos we talked about!

#8 Take some alone time. Not everybody needs it but for those of us who do, we crave it. And our girl’s getaway is all about indulging cravings.

#9 Shopping. Force a shopping trip by not packing everything. Shopping is always a must and I’ve always found it a kick to intentionally not pack a scarf or bag I’ll need so I have a ready made excuse to go shopping on the trip (as if I needed one...but). Memories you can wear.

#10 The shampoo list. The most practical advice for last- the toiletry assignments. Designate each person to bring one bulky toiletry item (shampoo, conditioner, blow-dryer, lotion, etc.) to share with the group. We don’t want to take up all the bathroom counter space with two dozen bottles do we?

Why aren’t you planning yet?

One for the Golf Meccas

Welcome to my world! The “Group Scoop” has a new “Grouper Scooper” (hey! I couldn’t let that gem go by unsaid!). A new voice, new perspective, same Groople attitude.

Even with a new captain at the helm, the course will remain steadfast.  The Group Scoop will remain a space for sometimes opinionated, mostly factual, always interesting musings in and around the wonderful world of group travel.

As for today, here’s one for the golfing “Meccas.”

I want to start my discussions with a trend in the travel mainstream consciousness regarding my beloved “golfing vacation” topic that I simply disagree with. Specifically, golfing gurus are championing what I would deem a quantitative approach to “golfing vacation”. More is better. Better because there is more. Let me untangle that last statement.

The idea is that the United States has seen such an explosion in golf courses that there are literally hundreds of courses worthy of a “golfing vacation.” Many states, with many quality golf courses. So the best idea becomes for you to choose your destination based on factors over and above the actual course when planning a “golfing vacation”. Choose a destination based on any sound combination of budget, weather, amenities, other attractions, really anything, because the quality golf will be there, think of that last. Sure sounds pragmatic, don’t it? Practical even. You could even load your buddies in a sensible minivan to drive there. 

Should a once a year, maybe once every five years, event be the domain of practicality alone? Nay, nay I say. What about giving you and your golfing buddies something to remember, something to tell people about for years and years to come?

Don’t always make the simple choice of planning the same “golfing vacation” where the surrounding city and hotel mean more than the course itself (quantitative “golfing vacation”). Consider something more; consider planning a pilgrimage. Do what it takes to make it to one of golf’s “Meccas.” Make a trip for the ages. Play some random nice course in Arizona and you’ll talk about what a nice time you had for a couple weeks- then forget it soon after as it blends with the similar local courses you play every week.

However, make the trek to Pebble beach, tee off with the sea breeze whistling by, where the vistas are breathtaking, the greens impossible, and you’ll experience something more. Stand in the same hallowed ground as the legends of golf and you won’t be talking about it for weeks like that nice average spot you went to last year. No, you’ll regale all who will listen for years to come about the greatness and magnitude of your experience at one of golf’s legendary landmarks. Playing at one of golf’s legendary courses will not only be just as fun and relaxing as random spot in Florida, it’ll also be an accomplishment, a member’s only achievement.

So go play: Pebble beach (CA), Pacific Dunes (OR), Pinehurst (NC), or try and get on Augusta National (GA), even number #1 from golf digest, Pine Valley (NJ), anything in Scotland will do! Next time you’re in a group of fellas talking about their favorite courses you’ll be the one that everyone needs every detail from. The hero of the day!

On second thought, Arizona and Florida do have nice courses, great hotels, amenities galore; what a fabulous vacation, hmmm…

But for now- here’s to the golfing “Meccas!” Hip, hip...

Mancations - The verdict is in

All right, I think we can put this question to rest. The verdict is in, and one of the latest marketing buzzwards, "mancation" is apparently very lame. The word just doesn't roll off the tongue. It almost makes you gag to say it. So apparently marketers aren't as hip as we like to think.

Nearly 80 percent of those who took the mancation poll think mancation is either "very lame" or would never admit to having participated in a mancation. I am firmly in your camp, and I believe that a guys weekend or friends getaway and any number of much more appropriate terms describe the great trips you are already taking.

Now is definitely a great time to plan that guys weekend for the upcoming summer season. In another poll I recently ran, Napa Valley topped a list including Vegas and San Diego as a favorite destination for trips with friends. Decide for yourself, and find the perfect hotel for your trip today.

Mancation - Very Hip or Very Lame?

Lots of people enjoy getting away with their friends, and certainly both girlfriends getaways and the increasingly common "mancation" are becoming more and more popular. I am just curious about one thing. I definitely understand the appeal of taking these trips with friends, whether you are a group of girls or a group of guys. Getting away to Vegas, New York, Napa, San Diego, and lots of other great destinations is fun, but please all you Group Travel Scoop readers help me understand one thing by answering my poll question.

Is there anyone out there, who thinks the term mancation is the least bit cool?

Opinion Polls & Market Research

I hope this makes you laugh, and I can't wait to publish the results. Patrick Soch, Senior Marketing Manager

Top Spa Hotels for Your Girlfriend Getaway

According to Travelpost.com, women aged 31 - 45 rate the following hotels as the best hotels with onsite spa facilities. These are some fantastic spa hotels from all over the United States, and according to reviews by other women travelers these are the best spa hotels and resorts. I recommend giving one of these quality hotels a try for your next girlfriend getaway or ladies-only small group trip.

JW Marriott Ihilani Resort and Spa Kapolei, HI
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort and Casino (Incline Village, NV)
W New York (New York City, NY)
Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort (Phoenix, AZ)
Driskill Hotel (Austin, TX)
Hilton Chicago (Chicago, IL)
Wynn Las Vegas (Las Vegas, NV)
MGM Grand (Las Vegas, NV)
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress (Orlando, FL)
Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas (Las Vegas, NV)
Marriott Marquis Atlanta (Atlanta, GA)

Try this itinerary on for size.

Thursday - Turn off your computer, shut off the lights, and say "Good evening" to your co-workers. Then jump in a cab with three of your girlfriends, and head for the airport. Catch your flight to Las Vegas. Take a short cab ride to your hotel, where you check in at the Wynn Las Vegas.

Friday Morning - Order breakfast in bed with your three lifelong friends. Catch up on the latest news, and then head to the on-site spa at Wynn for a massage, facial, body treatments, and more. Open from 9:00am until 7:00pm daily, the spa is here to pamper you and cater to your wishes.

Friday Afternoon - After your spa treatment, you are going to feel great. Gather your friends, get dressed to the nines, and then head out for a day of shopping on the Vegas Strip.

Friday Night - Of course you remembered to plan ahead, so you have tickets to a hot Las Vegas show, may La Reve at the Wynn. Enjoy the dream-like fantasy of a Las Vegas production, and then head out to the great night clubs in Vegas, where you can dance until morning.

Saturday Morning - Breakfast in bed, again! Then down to the spa for that treatment you missed yesterday.

Saturday Afternoon - Where to begin? Did you know you can drive a high-performance car on a race track in Las Vegas? Don't let the guys have all the fun. Go take a few laps around the track with the ladies. It will be a blast - I guarantee it!

Saturday Night - Dine at one of Wynn's fantastic restaurants. You can choose from steakhouse to Japanese and lots of options in between. Then head back out on the town for another night of dancing.

Sunday Morning - Head on over to the Strip, and stop by Paris Hotel's Creperie for a fantastic crepe breakfast. Then catch your cab for the airport, and head for home.

Mancations - A Guys Getaway by Any Other Name . . .

The travel industry has a new buzzword for a group of guys getting together for a fantastic golf weekend, Vegas poker trip, or a trip to a race track where everyone gets to experience the thrill of driving a race car.

Mancation is what they are calling it, and according to Matt Lauer on the Today Show it is a growing trend. A mancation is what happens when you call up 10 of your college roommates or your dearest friends and you plan that trip to Scottsdale, Arizona to play golf and drink beer for three days. A mancation is that trip to Las Vegas you arranged for that same group of guys. You can view the Today Show segment by Clicking Here to find out more about the trips guys are taking.

Hotels, resorts, and spas are all geared up to cater to this growing trend. Not only can you go to Scottsdale for three days and play world-class golf. Combine it with a massage at the end of the day, fine cigars, scotch, and all the fine trimmings. Today's guys getaways are not only popular, they are increasingly upscale.

A mancation is not just a getaway, it can be the trip of a lifetime. Get together those friends, and spend a week in St. Andrews, Scotland playing on the courses where golf was invented. For a real touch of history and class, book a stay at the Old Course Hotel.

For an adrenaline filled experience, enjoy the thrill of driving a NASCAR race car at one of Dale Jarrett Racing Adventure's locations from Talladega to Kansas City. Let everyone test his skills on the track, and just imagine the stories you will bring home with you.

Find a great group hotel rate for your guys getaway.

Men of the world unite for your Trips (but don't forget to encourage your wife to take that Girlfriends Getaway, too!)

Patrick Soch, Senior Marketing Manager

6 Things Spring Break Student Travelers Should Know

After semesters of cramming and all-night term paper writing, you are more then ready to hit the beach! Of course most college students are looking for a great value to go along with a fun time. Here

are a few pointers to help you plan and book the best Spring Break trip for your group:

1.) PLAN AHEAD! Spring Break is a very popular time to travel so we suggest you book at least 3-6 months in advance, especially if your trip involves group travel.

2.) A great cost saving option is to talk to your Groople Travel Professional about the destination you are interested in. Travel professionals have plenty of knowledge on the most popular destinations and can help you find a resort area that best fits your group's budget.

3.) Stay at an all-inclusive resort. This will take care of all your food/beverage expenses ahead of time so that you can relax and not worry about carrying much cash around during your vacation.

4.) Keep in mind that while sharing a room can cut back on costs, most hotels will allow a maximum of 3 people per room. They will not allow quadruple occupancy during Spring Break.

5.) Another cost-cutting idea is to stay at a property a couple of blocks away from the beach. You will still have great views and be within walking distance but will get a much lower price than you would at a beachfront property.

6.) Book your excursions (snorkeling/diving/sailing/ect) ahead of time. This will not only guarantee your reservation, but ensure that you get the best price. With the large numbers of Spring Breakers in resort destinations, some dishonest companies have been know to charge more the double the cost for excursions just because they know the tourists will pay it. This is another area where your Groople Travel Professional can help you because of great relationships with vendors and by only dealing with proven trustworthy companies.

These are just a few tips to help you plan and book your next Spring Break Group. Please feel free to call or email us with any questions or for more travel tips. We can also clue you in on this year's hottest spring break locations! Just to give you a hint......

Cabo is topping the list! Call or email us today to plan and book your "07 Spring Break Group"

Thanks!

Lisa Valdez