Traveling—the art of leaving behind the comfort of your own bed, where you know exactly how the shower works and breakfast magically appears without any effort on your part. But now, you’re embarking on an adventure where your team will be fumbling with maps like explorers from a bygone era and inevitably end up at the one restaurant that doesn’t have an English menu. But that’s all part of the charm, right?

Travel is an unpredictable rollercoaster of laughs, mishaps, and stories they’ll be sharing long after the trip is over—sometimes whether they want to or not.

So, whether you’re figuring out how to keep everyone comfortable on a long flight or just hoping to survive the trip without too many embarrassing moments, these tips are here to ensure your team not only survives but thrives—and has a blast laughing their way through every unexpected twist and turn along the way.

1. Plan, But Don’t Be a Control Freak

A well-thought-out plan is essential, especially when managing a group, but trying to schedule every minute of the day can turn an exciting trip into a marathon of exhaustion. Leave room for spontaneity—sometimes the best team bonding happens when plans change and everyone ends up at an unexpected local event. After all, not every great moment needs to be on the itinerary, and some of the most memorable experiences come from the unexpected.

Just remember, the best-laid plans often go awry—especially when the local goat yoga class wasn’t part of the original schedule.

It’s also important to get input from the team when planning. While you might have a vision for the perfect trip, incorporating suggestions from others ensures everyone feels invested in the experience. Plus, it can lead to discovering activities or destinations you hadn’t considered, adding to the uniqueness of the trip.

2. Pack Light, Because Nobody Likes a Pack Mule

Encourage your team to pack smart. Overpacking leads to unnecessary stress—no one wants to lug a heavy suitcase through cobblestone streets or up hotel stairs. Remind everyone to stick to the essentials because, let’s face it, there’s always a laundry service nearby if needed. And if someone forgets something, it’s a perfect excuse to explore the local shops!

Plus, traveling light makes it easier to navigate airports, buses, and hotel check-ins, keeping the team more relaxed and ready to enjoy the trip.

3. Stay Healthy, Avoid the “Travel Plague”

Nothing disrupts a team trip like someone falling ill. Ensure everyone stays hydrated, and encourage frequent hand washing. You might even want to provide small travel health kits with essentials like hand sanitizer, wipes, and over-the-counter meds. Keeping everyone healthy means more energy for the activities that really matter—whether it’s tackling that team-building obstacle course or simply enjoying a peaceful day at the spa.

Additionally, consider the local food and water safety when choosing dining options. While trying local cuisine is a must, opt for reputable restaurants or those recommended by locals to avoid any unexpected digestive issues. A little caution goes a long way in keeping everyone healthy and happy.

4. Embrace the Local Culture (Or at Least Try Not to Embarrass Yourself)

Part of the charm of traveling is immersing in the local culture. Encourage your team to try new foods, learn a few local phrases, and engage with the community. Just remind them to approach it with humor—mistakes are part of the experience, and sometimes ordering the wrong dish can lead to a memorable story everyone laughs about later.

For a deeper cultural experience, consider organizing a local guide or cultural immersion activity, like a cooking class or a traditional dance workshop. These activities not only enhance the trip’s value but also provide a fun, shared experience that will resonate long after the trip ends.

5. Keep Safety a Priority (And Don’t Take Unnecessary Risks)

Safety should always come first, especially when responsible for a group. Remind your team to be cautious, especially in unfamiliar areas. Exploring is great, but ensure everyone knows their limits and sticks together. A well-planned adventure is thrilling, but it should never come at the expense of safety. After all, the goal is to return home with great memories, not cautionary tales.

Consider setting up a buddy system for the trip, ensuring that no one ventures out alone, especially in unfamiliar locations. Also, make sure everyone has the necessary emergency contact information and knows the basic safety protocols for the destination, such as local emergency numbers and the location of the nearest embassy or consulate.

6. Document the Journey (But Don’t Overdo It)

Capturing memories is great, but make sure your team isn’t spending more time behind the camera than actually enjoying the trip. Suggest focusing on those special, unexpected moments—the kind that truly encapsulate the experience. 

One great photo of the team enjoying a local festival is worth more than a hundred identical sunset shots. Encourage everyone to snap a few pics but to also be present and soak in the experience. After all, nobody needs 50 pictures of the same meal—unless it’s to prove that it really did look that strange from every angle.

To make documenting even more fun, you could create a shared digital album or encourage team members to contribute to a trip diary. This way, everyone can share their unique perspectives and create a collective memory that’s rich in diversity and experience.

7. Be Open to New Experiences (But Know Your Limits)

Encourage your team to step out of their comfort zones and try something new, whether it’s a local delicacy or a team-building activity like a cooking class or a guided meditation session. However, it’s also important to respect individual limits—what’s adventurous for one person might be overwhelming for another. The goal is to create positive, shared experiences that everyone can enjoy and talk about when they’re back at work.

If the trip includes activities that might be physically or mentally challenging, offer alternative options for those who prefer something different. The key is inclusivity, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable and part of the team, regardless of their preferences or limitations.

8. Respect the Environment (Because Sustainability Matters)

Encourage your team to travel responsibly by minimizing waste and respecting the local environment. Whether it’s using reusable water bottles, reducing plastic use, or supporting eco-friendly businesses, these small actions make a big difference. Plus, it sets a positive example for the team and leaves a lasting, positive impact on the places you visit. After all, part of creating an unforgettable trip is ensuring it’s a responsible one too.

You could also incorporate a sustainability challenge during the trip, where team members earn points for eco-friendly actions. This adds an element of fun while promoting awareness and responsible travel habits.

9. Have a Backup Plan (Because Something Will Definitely Go Wrong)

Even the best-laid plans can go awry. Emphasize the importance of staying flexible and maintaining a positive attitude. When things don’t go as planned, it’s an opportunity for the team to bond and create memorable experiences together. Sometimes the unexpected moments are the most rewarding. Encourage everyone to go with the flow and make the most of whatever comes their way.

Having a backup plan for key activities can help ease the stress of unexpected changes. Whether it’s an alternative venue for a planned event or a list of “rainy day” activities, being prepared for the unexpected can turn potential setbacks into opportunities for new adventures.

10. Travel Insurance: It’s Boring, But You Need It

While it’s not the most exciting part of planning, travel insurance is essential. Make sure the entire team is covered so that everyone can enjoy the trip with peace of mind. After all, the last thing you want is to be unprepared for the unexpected. It’s one of those things that’s better to have and not need than the other way around.

Because nothing ruins a team trip faster than starting a crowdfunding campaign to get everyone home safely.

Consider reviewing the travel insurance coverage as a group before the trip, so everyone knows what’s covered and how to access help if needed. This can also be a good time to discuss any personal health needs or concerns to ensure everyone is well-prepared.

Laugh Your Way Around the World

At the end of the day, travel is about creating memories and building connections. Whether you’re planning an incentive trip or a mindfulness retreat, these tips will help ensure your team not only survives the journey but thrives in it. So pack your bags, bring your sense of humor, and get ready to create stories that your team will be talking about long after they return to the office.

Let Globe Guides handle the boring and complicated logistics while we plan the perfect trip, ensuring your team has the most unforgettable experience. We’ll manage all the details, so all you need to do is enjoy the journey and make lasting memories.