Big group trips are some of my favorite stays to host. Family reunions, friend groups, a few families sharing a house. There is a lot of good energy when everyone is under one roof.
A little planning goes a long way, though. Here is what I would think about before you book. These are the simple things that make the biggest difference.
Why this blog? Hi, I'm Katie. My family and I run Mitten Rentals, and I have been hosting vacation rentals for more than ten years (Superhost since 2015). This is where I share the places I send our own guests along the West Michigan lakeshore.
READ: Planning a Girls Weekend on the Lakeshore
My Tips for Traveling With a Crowd
1) Pick a Home With Room to Spread Out
When you compare homes, look at bedrooms, bathrooms and outdoor space, not just the number of beds. A house that technically sleeps everyone can still feel tight.
Bathrooms are the one people forget. Count them.
Outdoor space matters more than you think with a big group. A yard or a deck gives people somewhere to go when the house gets loud.
2) Make Dinner Reservations Early
Restaurants fill up in summer, especially for big tables. A group of twelve is a lot harder to seat on a Saturday than a party of four.
Book your dinners before you arrive, then you are not texting the group from the beach trying to find a table.
If your group is flexible, an early dinner is often easier to book than prime time.
3) Plan a Couple of Big Meals at the House
Plan a couple of big meals at the house. A grill night and a big breakfast save money, and they are often the best part of the trip.
Split up cooking duty by family or by day so no one is stuck in the kitchen.
Shop once for the whole group on the way in, or assign each family a meal and let them bring the groceries for it.
READ: Adventures for the Whole Crew
4) Leave Room for Downtime
Not everyone needs to do everything. Let people break off into smaller groups for an afternoon.
Beach days and fire pit nights are easy wins. They work for every age and take almost no planning.
The best group trips I see have one or two planned things a day and a lot of open time in between. That is what people remember.
Stay + Play Holland and South Haven Hilltop Farm House are both great for groups. If you are not sure which fits your crew, ask us and we will help you sort it out. Tell us how many people are coming and what kind of trip you have in mind.
Get everyone on the calendar, then come stay with us.