<p>In thinking of planning a senior vacation with a group of my friends at the end of the year and was wondering if any parents could help.<br>
When planning for vacation, how do you set up transportation to go somewhere? Do you set it up through a travel agency or do it yourself once you get there. I've seen some travel packages including a flight and hotel but how do I plan activities outside of the hotel like scuba diving or rock climbing.</p>
<p>The problem with planning vacations with friends is whether they can afford the trip and their willingness to commit to paying for it in advance as well as getting dates all of you can agree on with college orientation, summer jobs and internships to consider.
Unless you and your friends are scuba certified now, that is another expensive activity.
Are you and your friends rock climbers?
Once you pick a destination you can search+ book the outdoor activities you are interested in.
Where do you have in mind?</p>
<p>Yeah im aware about the money, but I’m saving that for last. Lets say everyone can go and we have agreed on a date. Probably Florida or California.</p>
<p>I assume you are a senior in college, if not, you may have an additional challenge of convincing people´s parents to let them go.</p>
<p>My older daughter planned a spring break at Cancun for her sorority sisters. She found a place that was all inclusive - food and drinks. It took a lot of pressure off in trying to figure out where to eat and the cost was a lot more controllable. Her friends lived all over the US (some of them went home first before they went on the vacation). They each booked their own travel - air and hotel. You don´t really get that big of a break by booking group. D1 didn´t lay out any money for people. She was happy to book it for anyone who wanted to travel with her, but they all had to give her their credit card. I would advise you not to put anyone´s travel on your card, because you could get stuck with it.</p>
<p>A lot of resorts have activities (scuba diving, deep sea fishing, cruise) you could sign up for once you get there. You could call up the hotel concierge prior to arriving too.</p>
<p>Norcal:
Scuba in the Monterey Bay then drive over to Yosemite to rock climb.
Socal:
Scuba at Catalina Island, Channel Islands and rock climb in Joshua Tree National Park
San Diego:
Scuba at La Jolla cove and rock climb at many sites in SD area
The more money you can afford the better the accommodations, you need to book early for Yosemite</p>
<p>I will answer the scuba part, since I am a diver/instructor and have planned a number of trips.</p>
<p>I usually research a location and the scuba shops online before my trip. I look for good reviews, etc. Then I will contact the shop (email, call) and ask any questions I need answered (if they don’t answer or don’t answer to my satisfaction, I know to go elsewhere). For diving you usually need to reserve in advance because most dives are boat dives and space is limited. You can also get paperwork to fill out in advance. If you are a new diver and are going to FL, be sure to ask if they put a guide in the water on every dive or if you have to pay extra for that. FL keys usually doesn’t provide dive guides unless you ask/pay for them. This varies by location.</p>
<p>I would guess the same holds true for other activities like rock climbing, snorkeling, wind surfing, etc. Do your research in advance and it will make your trip go more smoothly. </p>
<p>Good luck planning your trip!</p>
<p>If you are planning this trip for the summer, you won’t want to climb in Joshua Tree – too hot! I would suggest Yosemite but you will need to figure out accommodations right away as everything sells out months in advance. I already have my camping reservations for July. Camp 4 is a popular climbers, tents only campground and is first come, first served. Make sure you do your research before heading to Yosemite so you won’t be disappointed. Climbing in Yosemite is definitely worth it!</p>
<p>Be aware that many hotels require that at least one person is at least 21. A credit card in that person’s name is also required at check-in. Some hotels will allow 18 year olds to check in with a credit card. Make sure you pick a place that doesn’t require a car. Most car rental companies require the driver be at least 25 with a credit card.</p>
<p>Sometimes a “package deal” appears more expensive at first, but often includes taxes, fees and other hidden charges. It might be the best way to go since you will have fewer surprises.</p>
<p>I was a travel agent for 10 years. I would check out a local travel agency. Most don’t charge fees, some charge a small fee, but they make their money by commission on actual travel completed. They are also a great place for travel brochures.</p>
<p>I think a beach resort will be just fine for like 3-4 days. Thanks for the ideas!</p>