When the Patmore family began planning their big 2025 cruise vacation with friends, they had no idea what they were in for. After years of planning small family trips, organizing a group of 50 for a weeklong cruise felt like a whole new ballgame. From trying to align everyone’s schedules to managing the rising costs of travel, the challenges piled up quickly. That’s when they decided to turn to an expert. 

Enter Judith Salmon, a 20-year travel and group vacation expert, and CEO of Vibes Vacation and Tours. "Group travel can be overwhelming if you're not prepared," Judith explains. "But with the right planning, it becomes one of the most rewarding ways to travel—more memories, more shared experiences, and yes, even more savings." 

Judith has seen the landscape of group travel evolve over the years, and as 2025 approaches, she believes it’s important to understand both the challenges and opportunities ahead. Here’s what she shared with the Patmore family—and how she helped them turn potential obstacles into an unforgettable adventure. 

 Challenges for Group Travel in 2025 

1. Managing Rising Travel Costs 

In 2025, inflation and demand for travel are expected to drive prices higher across the board. Airfare, accommodations, and even excursions will likely cost more than in previous years, making budget management more challenging for group travelers. "Rising costs don’t have to be a dealbreaker," Judith advises. "The key is booking early. Many people wait too long, hoping for last-minute deals, but with group travel, early bookings secure better rates and more options. We were able to save the Patmore family 15% on their cruise just by locking in their dates months in advance." 

2. Coordinating Diverse Preferences 

One of the most common issues for large groups is balancing everyone's preferences. Some want to relax on the beach, while others are excited for city tours and excursions. Trying to please everyone can quickly become a headache. "With group travel, flexibility is key," Judith says. "Create a mix of group activities and downtime. For the Patmore family, we built in free afternoons so everyone could explore on their own or relax as they wished, and we scheduled big group dinners to bring everyone back together." 

3. Navigating Health and Safety Protocols 

As we move into 2025, health protocols and travel restrictions are still evolving. This can complicate things, especially for international group travel, where rules differ from country to country. "This is where having a travel consultant becomes invaluable," Judith explains. "You need someone to keep track of changing protocols so you don’t have to. When the Patmore family had concerns about entry requirements for one of their shore excursions, we handled all the paperwork and ensured they had the right documentation, allowing them to focus on enjoying their trip." 

Opportunities for Group Travel in 2025 

1. More Personalized Experiences 

Thanks to technological advances, 2025 is ushering in a new era of personalized travel. Group travelers will have more control over customizing their experiences, from private tours to exclusive events. "One of the best things about group travel in 2025 is the ability to tailor everything to the group's preferences," Judith says. For the Patmore family, Vibes Vacation & Tours arranged a private cooking class on one of their shore days. It was a highlight of the trip—something that would have been impossible without personalized planning. 

 2. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Travel 

Another opportunity is the growing trend toward sustainability. Group travelers are increasingly looking for ways to minimize their environmental impact. The travel industry has responded with more eco-friendly accommodations, tours, and transportation options. "In 2025, sustainability is going to be at the forefront of travel," Judith notes. "We encourage groups to choose eco-friendly options like green hotels and tours that support local communities. For this particular client we arranged a nature tour that focused on local conservation efforts, and they loved knowing their travel choices were making a positive impact." 

3. Exclusive Group Perks 

Judith is also excited about the growing trend of exclusive perks for group travelers. "Travel providers are recognizing the value of groups," she says. "Cruise lines, hotels, and airlines offer group benefits, early access to amenities, and even VIP packages," she emphasized. She said a good travel consultant should be able to secure complimentary upgrades to private dining experience on a cruise. “The Patmore group was treated like VIPs because we were able to negotiate cabin upgrades as well," she said. 

Turning Group Travel Challenges into Opportunities 

As the Patmore family found out, group travel in 2025 comes with its challenges, but with the right guidance, those challenges become opportunities for an unforgettable trip. Working with an experienced travel consultant ensures that your group is prepared for rising costs, diverse preferences, and even the unexpected health protocols that come with modern travel.