It doesn't matter if you are planning group travel for a reunion, wedding, corporate event or retreat, if you know how to plan and where to look, it is easy to find ways to save money. If you follow these tips, you will be on your way to saving money for your travel group.

It is important to look for group airfare. This is especially helpful if most of the members of your group are traveling from the same location. Many airlines offer discounts for groups and may include bonuses for your group if you are traveling together. Some of the advantages to booking your flight as a group include;

• Discounted tickets
• Free airfare
• Reserved seating
• Package options

Call the airlines you are considering to find out what they consider to be a group. Most airlines will consider a group to be 10 or more but it varies for each one. Just be sure that you understand their policies before you make any reservations.

You may come across sites online that will assist you with making group travel plans. These will help you find the best rates for booking your hotel as a group. You may also find sites that will help you book flights, tours and reservations to restaurants and other activities.

Sometimes hotels and airlines will offer bonuses when you book rooms or seats with them. You may get things like room upgrades or per-reserved seating depending on which hotel or airline you book with. This will save you money because you will be getting the upgrades as an add-on to your already discounted price.

Once you have chosen a hotel, airline or have done any other booking of reservations that you need to do, it is okay to negotiate for different things that you may need. For instance, you may need a shuttle to pick you up at the airport. Often times, the hotel will include that in your final price as a bonus to booking as a group. Everything can be up for negotiation. After all, the worst they can say is “no” and then you know it’s time to look at other companies.

Rather than spend money on theme parks or water resorts, consider hanging out by the pool at the hotel. Take a cooler with snacks and drinks and spend the day in the sun. If the hotel has an indoor swimming pool you will also have the option of swimming if the weather turns ugly while you are on your trip.

There are several different ways to save money when you are making reservations for hotel rooms or booking flights. When you know what to look for, who to speak to and what questions to ask, you will be well on your way to saving big on your group travel plans.

Eat in small diners and other spots that are local favorites. Often the menu has more options and the prices are more reasonable. Ask around to find the best places to eat. The atmosphere is often more relaxed and there is always good conversation. If you eat at a chain restaurant or fast food joint you will more than likely spend more for your meal.

Traveling does not always have to be expensive. There are plenty of ways to organize group travel that is affordable.