We are planning a family trip to Austria and Italy in November 2016. We will have 25+ people, including 6 children under 8. What's the best way to find housing? We'll want to stay put near Salzburg or Innsbruck for about 5 days, if we can arrange it. Then head to Italy (probably Puglia.) What about transportation? Does it make sense to pay for a vehicle and driver and is it even possible to do that? We do want to do some of our travel by train also. I planned a similar trip for 9 of us ten years ago but 25 people is a BIG group to think about moving, sleeping and feeding! Thanks for any suggestions.
Posted by
Green Bay
20085 posts
With a group that large, you may want to contact a travel agent that specializes in European group travel. They can set these things up and take a lot of the worry off you at the same time as saving you money, because lodgings will negotiate when they see a large group like this. I do this frequently for ski groups to Europe (I am not an agent, just an organizer). They get charter buses for you on travel days, which is the most economical way to move big groups around.
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
Globus owns an associated company, the name of which escapes me, which will arrange all accommodations in the cities you choose, all transportation, and it's up to you to plan your time in each location. I think the company name is Monogram.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you so much! I will check out both ideas.
Posted by
Long Beach, California, USA
3391 posts
airbnb, vrbo, and other rental listing services do have listings that can accommodate very large groups such as yours. There are large houses and villas in Europe that can also easily accommodate your group. Google specifically what you want..."rental villa 25 people" and see what comes up. This listing outside of Salzburg is an example of a hotel...it is possible to rent out an entire facility like this one for a large group provided they have enough notice. We did this with a group of 30+ friends many years ago and it worked out great!
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
I would contact GoAhead tours and they can set up something private for you. I have done a few trips with them (I am not really a tour person) and they did a nice job... logistics handled very well. I have done a few photo tours for people and it's nice to have a company that does this all the time deal with all the issues... that way you can just have a good time with your family!