Pocyline Karani
26 March 2007
Nairobi — After toiling in the first quarter of the year, Easter is round the corner and it's definitely an ideal time to get away from the hustle and bustle of your day-to-day activities.Considering that the tension of modern day living can knock you down, a holiday can rejuvenate you, especially if the vacation is spent in the company of your family or friends.
A walk on Mombasa's pristine beaches, bird watching and game viewing or sampling exotic dishes sounds like the ultimate vacation during the Easter long weekend.
However, if your holiday or outing is not well planned it may turn out to be a financial blunder that you will have to live with throughout the year.
If you are not willing to part with your hard earned cash, a packaged group getaway is an option that you should consider if you want to keep a lid on your budget.
Group vacations bring down costs by half
Group vacation is a fast growing concept that is luring many people out of town to unwind with other fun-seeking holidaymakers.
"Group getaways offer an opportunity for a fun-filled time with family or close friends," says Ms Silvia Chemtai who is in the throes of organising a group outing for four families.
Ms Anne Huysman of Ontdek Kenya, a tour and travel firm, specialising in group vacations says group travel - either international or local - bring down costs by almost a half. "The cost of a vacation is determined by how many people are in a group," says Huysman.
A three-day stay in a five star hotel in Mombasa, for instance, would cost Sh25,000 for two, excluding transport. However, if touring in a group the travellers can save Sh10,000. Expenses for a group are usually low because travellers share accommodation and transport costs.
Young people and retirees usually prefer group vacations because they have free time to bond with their families and friends, unlike mid-aged people who are usually in a rush.
Huysman says attraction to group tours can be linked to the fast-paced work place environment where human interaction is getting minimal, leaving workers yearning to go outdoors and mingle. "People want an environment where they can interact and share experiences, which is best found in a group tour."
Huysman recommends an average of 12 people per group with tours lasting between 10 to 15 days.
Ontdek Kenya has gone further to segment group tours by targeting women holidaymakers.
"Single women usually gang up for excursions, making them an attractive segment," Huysman says.
She says for one to enjoy a group tour, travellers should have shared interests that can boost bonding and infuse a carnival mood.
Ontdek clients are aged between 40 and 78, with an interest of keeping fit, bird watching and game viewing.
Planning for group holidays is a tedious daily affair that requires Ontdek to keep tabs on the changing client tastes and preferences.
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