Plan Your Group or Family Vacation with Simply Travel by Ashley
Grandparents, cousins, college friends or three families who always vacation together: a group trip is a chance to make memories with the people who matter most. It also means more schedules, rooms and opinions to juggle. At Simply Travel by Ashley, Ashley Muhlenkamp helps families and groups plan trips that work for everyone, from all-inclusive resorts to cruises. She's based in Bellbrook, Ohio, and plans trips for clients anywhere in the United States, plus select international clients. Her planning services are completely free to you, with no hidden fees.
Plan My Group TripGroup Trips We Plan
All-Inclusive Resort or Cruise for Your Group?
An all-inclusive resort keeps everyone in one place, with most meals, drinks and activities included. It's easy to meet up at the pool or for dinner, and just as easy to split up for the spa, the kids' club or a quiet beach chair. Learn more on our Caribbean all-inclusive vacations page.
A cruise lets your group see several destinations while unpacking only once. Dining, pools and entertainment are on board, and everyone can choose their own adventure in port. Compare routes on our Caribbean cruises and Alaska cruises pages.
Not sure which fits your crew? Ashley can lay out both options side by side so your group can decide together.
What Makes a Group Trip Work
A few details make a big difference when you're traveling with a crowd:
Travel Documents for Families and Groups
Every traveler needs the right documents, including kids. A few things to know:
- Passports for children. Children under 16 apply in person, and both parents or guardians must be present or give consent. Passports for children under 16 are valid for 5 years.
- Traveling with only one parent. The State Department says some countries require a signed, notarized letter from the other parent, or proof of sole custody. It also recommends bringing a copy of each child's birth certificate or other proof of your relationship.
- Flights within the U.S. TSA doesn't require children under 18 to show ID for domestic flights. Adults need a REAL ID-compliant ID or another TSA-accepted ID.
- Cruises. Some closed-loop cruises have different document rules. See our Caribbean cruises page for details, and plan on passports when you can.
Requirements can change, so always confirm current rules with official sources and your cruise line or resort before you travel.
When to Plan Your Group Trip
Start early. Groups need more rooms or cabins on the same dates, and popular times like school breaks and holidays fill up fast. Travel Alaska, for example, suggests booking at least six months ahead for package tours and groups.
For Caribbean trips, keep hurricane season in mind. The official Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, according to NOAA's National Hurricane Center, with the peak around September 10. Many groups travel then and have great weather, and Ashley can help you weigh your dates and destinations.
How It Works: 3 Simple Steps
Tell us about your group. Fill out the "Let's Plan Your Vacation!" form on our homepage or call Ashley at (419) 852-4445. Share how many people are traveling, their ages, your dates and the kind of trip you have in mind.
Compare your options. Ashley puts together resort or cruise ideas that fit your group, explains what each one includes, and answers everyone's questions.
Book and get ready. Once your group decides, Ashley takes care of the booking details, so you can look forward to the trip.
Group and Family Vacation FAQ
Does it cost more to plan a group trip with a travel advisor?
No. Ashley's planning services are completely free to you, with no hidden fees. You get personal help comparing options and booking your group's trip.
How many people count as a group?
It depends on the resort or cruise line. Royal Caribbean, for example, requires at least eight staterooms for a group reservation, and other cruise lines and resorts set their own rules. Ashley can help whether you're two families or a big reunion.
Is an all-inclusive or a cruise better for a multigenerational trip?
Both can work well. An all-inclusive keeps everyone at one resort with most meals and activities included, while a cruise visits several destinations with dining and entertainment on board. Ashley can help you compare them based on your group's ages, interests and budget.
Do kids need a passport?
For most international trips, yes. Children under 16 apply in person with both parents or guardians present or consenting, and their passports are valid for 5 years. Some closed-loop cruises and trips to U.S. territories like Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands have different rules, so check your itinerary and official sources.
How far ahead should we book a group trip?
As early as you can, especially for school breaks and holidays. Groups need several rooms or cabins on the same dates, and starting early gives you more choices.
Our group lives in different states. Can Ashley still help?
Yes. Ashley plans trips for clients anywhere in the United States, plus select international clients, and she can help plan around travelers flying from different cities.
Let's Plan Your Group Getaway
Ready to bring everyone together? Fill out the "Let's Plan Your Vacation!" form on our homepage, call (419) 852-4445, or email simplytravelbyashley@gmail.com. Ashley is available Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Eastern.
Plan My Group Trip