The unsung hero of every group getaway

Every group travel adventure often hinges on the efforts of an individual who handles all the planning and logistics. (Envato Elements pic) In Kuala Lumpur, this unsung hero emerges after the initial suggestion of a group getaway. The person quietly takes charge, organising dates, budgets, itineraries, and making reservations for the entire group.

A recent survey by travel platform Klook reveals that 91.9% of Malaysian respondents believe these travel planners deserve more recognition for their hard work. The survey, conducted among 2,725 travellers across 10 markets, found that Malaysian travel planners spend an average of over seven hours organising a week-long trip. Some even invest up to 40 hours in a single holiday, highlighting the significant time commitment required for successful group travel.

The most challenging aspect for planners is managing the budget, cited by 63.1% of respondents. Coordinating schedules and dealing with last-minute changes are also significant concerns, with 45% and 38.9% of planners respectively reporting these issues. Keeping everyone happy by selecting activities that cater to diverse preferences is another crucial responsibility, tackled by nearly two-thirds of the planners.

The work continues even after the trip, with more than half of the planners continuing to manage bookings, directions, and transport throughout the journey. Despite their efforts, appreciation from the group can be scarce. More than six in 10 planners have heard the phrase "I could have planned this better," and 58.4% have been asked, "Why didn't we do this instead?"

Nearly half of the planners have been told that something was beyond another traveller's budget. However, the importance of these travel planners is undeniable. Some 70.5% believe the holiday would never have materialised without them, and 67.8% assert that their group would not have travelled as smoothly without a designated planner.

The next time a holiday runs smoothly, consider showing gratitude beyond a simple "thanks" in the group chat. Instead, offer assistance with luggage, a meal, or an activity that recognizes the planner's role in making those memories possible.