It’s not easy planning trips for a group. It’s difficult to find the best deals on accommodations and airfare. It’s difficult to create an itinerary that would fit everyone’s interests. It’s difficult to bring them all together. Yes, planning a group tour is difficult. And flakers make it a lot worse.
Oh yes, what could be more horrible than last minute cancellations. Last year, I planned trips with my friends many times and they were all not flaker-free. Each time, there was always one or more people backing out, leaving the rest of the group with more problems than expected.
Flakers are desirable only when they come in this form. Much more useful.
Here’s what you need to understand with “group traveling.” I wish I could say that you’re too adorable we can’t go without you. Maybe you are. But that’s not the ONLY reason we want you in. In most cases, the more, the merrier, the CHEAPER. Cost of traveling drops as the group goes bigger. This is because there are more of you chipping in and dividing the expenses. But that’s not all. Since you already said “yes,” someone in the group might have already paid for airline tickets or accommodations in advance and it will be a shame to leave them unused.
So this post is for people who are planning trips or other activities with their friends. Hope this helps. Here are the top 5 signs that your friends are flaking on you according to PhilippineBeaches.org fans.
5. Details keep on changing.
Common flaker remark: “Can we move the date?”
One of my friends planned a trip to Tuguegarao in Cagayan. It wasnt her idea; it was something that came up at a school reunion party and everyone loved it. She was tasked to put the trip together and let them know the details. At first, everyone was enthusiastic. But as the big day drew nearer, so did the destination. She kept on hearing complaints like, “Oh, it’s too far. Can we choose a closer venue?” So they changed it to Anawangin Cove in Zambales. And then complaints about facilities (or the lack thereof). Changed to Subic. Then to Puerto Galera. (This circle of friends is based in Batangas so Mindoro is much nearer.)
And then, they decided to cancel it.
Seems like it happens to others, too. Babylyn, a fan of PhilippineBeaches.org, shared:
Una, malau pa ung mga pu2ntahan,.habang lumalap8 ung araw, palapit na ng palapit sa manila, hanggang sa kanya kanyang bahay nlng.. Ngkakatamaran na, tp0s ntu2l0g nlng….
It does not happen only to big trips like that. Have you ever planned a simple night-out and realized that the bar or restaurant you’re planning to go to just keeps on changing and then finally, laziness gets the better of you and then poof, it’s canceled.
Not just with venues, same thing applies to dates. When the date of the trip keeps on changing, you have a problem.
4. Uncertainty strikes.
Common flaker remark: “Let me check my schedule.” “Tingnan ko kung kaya ng budget.”
At first, everyone is excited. At first, everyone is very very sure. And then, uncertainty strikes! Nadeen Olivar shares:
100% sure na sure sa umpisa until.. maybe ng maybe.. until.. hope so ng hope so.. pag dyan na… Ay!! sayang naman, di na tayo TULOY! GRRRRR!.. high blood!
Well, most people are sincerely uncertain but sometimes, being uncertain is a convenient excuse to just back out. And this makes it even worse. if you’re sure early on that you can’t make it, say it right away so the poor planning friend won’t overbook or if we have booked already, we can find a replacement as early as possible and avoid all the hassle that comes with your uncertainty.
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