SquadTrip wants you to make this the last summer where you and your friends keep your vacation plans stuck in group chat.
Make this summer the last summer you and your friends keep vacation plans in the group chat. Poor planning and inconvenient timing often leave travelers exhausted before they even begin.
Such situations inspired SquadTrip to launch its all-in-one group travel platform. Designed to provide new travelers and seasoned explorers with tools for stress-free travel, the free, user-friendly platform has simplified domestic and international travel for groups and solo travelers.
“Being from Brooklyn, the entrepreneurial spirit was ingrained in me and I always saw creatives developing solutions to everyday problems,” Darrien Watson, founder of SquadTrip, told BLACK ENTERPRISE.
“SquadTrip addressed issues I saw after being added to a group chat during a birthday trip. It started with good intentions, but getting everyone on the same page to plan was a nightmare! »
With ingenious features like instant messaging, questionnaires, pre-planned itineraries, booking and the often-dreaded payment collection, SquadTrip offers complete travel planning execution. The features reveal Watson's professional experience with software companies and his natural passion for travel.
“My co-founder and I knew we wanted to offer Black travelers a marketplace tailored to their needs,” says Watson. “SquadTrip offers experiences curated by Black-owned tour operators and travel agencies, ranging from luxury and cultural overseas excursions to guided tours. travel.”
“Our goal was to eliminate the setbacks that can detract from the enjoyment of group travel to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. »
Launching in Brooklyn, New York, in 2022, SquadTrip is the first travel marketplace designed specifically for Black travelers that serves as a platform to discover trips curated by Black tour operators and travel agencies. With its comprehensive software solution, travelers can streamline group travel with features like the TripBuilder tool, pre-planned itineraries and automatic monthly payment plans, all accessible through a user-friendly centralized dashboard.
“Our software is the first online platform for creating booking pages, accepting payments, and managing communications and finances all in one place,” shares Watson.
Additionally, although the company launched in Brooklyn, it has since moved its headquarters to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to participate in Build In Tulsa's Techstar Accelerator program for POC founders.
“Now we are part of the growing Black tech sector that is reviving Black Wall Street in Tulsa,” Watson says.
Over the past two years, SquadTrip has facilitated hundreds of trips to more than 50 countries, enhancing the travel experience and meeting the unique needs of Black travelers around the world. To help other Black travelers embark on a group trip this summer or later in the year, SquadTrip has developed an eight-step guide to orchestrating a successful group trip and creating unforgettable memories with your squad.
Evaluate the group – Know who you are traveling with and their interests, budgets and travel styles to effectively guide the planning process.
“Understanding the intention is crucial for travel outside of specific celebrations like weddings or graduations,” says Watson. “To start off on the right foot, make sure participants share the same interests, whether it's history for a city tour or musical tastes for a festival. »
Democratize decision-making – Involve your group from the beginning to ensure everyone feels heard. Use SquadTrip to brainstorm destinations, travel dates and budgets.
“SquadTrip empowers users by allowing them to create travel-friendly quizzes,” says Watson. “To ensure everyone’s preferences are heard and considered in the planning process.” »
Choose suitable accommodation—Research to find suitable accommodation and transportation for the entire group. Factor in flights, trains, or car rentals to determine the cost and duration of travel.
“Consider using room types to meet preferences while still getting accurate pricing and floor layouts,” adds Watson. “It’s helpful to know bed layouts, occupancy limits and more in advance to ensure everyone is comfortable.”
Create your itinerary and adopt “Maybe” – Group planning can be tricky and involve compromise because preferences vary. SquadTrip helps by creating flexible itineraries with group activities and free time, ensuring everyone enjoys the trip.
“It's a good idea to go into a trip with a plan, even if it's not very detailed,” notes Watson. “Having an idea of what each day might look like helps provide a structure that allows you to get the most out of your adventures.”
Avoid chasing down payments — Avoid awkward conversations by collecting and scheduling payments through SquadTrip and eliminating the need for group texts, spreadsheets, or apps like Venmo and PayPal.
“Usually travel runs into difficulties when it comes to raising money,” Watson admits. “We added automatic payments through SquadTrip to avoid dealing with uneven amounts and ensure everything is fair.”
“With transparency on individual contributions, total cost and payment progress, there is no need for reconciliation or awkward 'can you send me' conversations when everyone go home,” he adds.
Update your team – Prioritize clear communication when planning. Keep everyone informed of decisions and changes. With SquadTrip, send automated emails, trip updates, and payment reminders to your group.
“There’s not too much communication when planning group trips. But it is better to keep all critical and fundamental updates.
planning in a central location,” says Watson. “By keeping things simple, everyone will be on the same page without hassle.”
Celebrate differences and recognize the inevitable – Group trips mix diverse personalities. Embrace differences to discover hidden interests. Expect the unexpected: Flights are delayed, luggage gets lost, and personalities clash. Manage hiccups with flexibility and humor.
“Compromises will occur in any endeavor involving multiple people, especially without focusing on one celebrant on group trips,” says Watson. “Plus, taking flexible routes allows you to expose yourself to new passions, so keeping an open mind is essential.”
Consider a travel agent – For hands-off group leaders, SquadTrip offers a curated selection of journey agencies specializing in group travel here.
“If your group prefers a hands-off approach to planning, don’t hesitate to ask for additional help,” suggests Watson. “SquadTrip’s travel marketplace features curated black tour operators and travel agencies for seamless management.”
