Discovering YOU Magazine August 2018 Issue | Page 27

VACATION AND TRAVEL

Consider a New Way to See the World: The Benefits of Group Travel

Article written by Timeshare Advocates

(BPT) - Many people long to see another part of the world but are reluctant to travel on their own or take on the stress of planning a vacation. Researching destinations, transportation, accommodations and activities can be a lot of work. Expedia research has shown that leisure travelers visit an average of 38 websites to get information and compare prices before finalizing their plans. If this sounds especially daunting, you're not alone!

We reached out to travel industry expert Jim Menge for his insights into overcoming the challenges of solo travel. Menge has visited more than 100 countries and firmly believes in the benefits of making lasting memories with

the people you get to know on a trip. Menge is also the President of Rovia(TM), an industry-leading travel and lifestyle service provider headquartered in Plano, Texas. "Travel is the ultimate expression of freedom," says Menge. "The freedom to leave home, to roam the earth, to see the world through the eyes of those you meet along the way and to share your world with them."

To attain that freedom, Menge recommends joining a travel club that offers pre-planned group vacation packages. Group travel provides an opportunity to meet people who enjoy similar activities, and the curated offerings of a travel club relieve the stress of planning every aspect of a trip on your own. Not only do you have an easier way to book your next trip, you also get to create long-lasting memories with a new group of friends. So, why don't more people take advantage of group travel?

Here are a few myths debunked:

Myth No. 1: I'll be lonely.

While a few in your group may already know each other, plenty of others will arrive solo, looking to meet new people. Unfamiliar settings have a way of