Let this summer be the last one where you and your friends discuss vacation plans in a group chat. Poor planning and poor timing often leave travelers exhausted before they even leave.
That's why SquadTrip launched an all-in-one group travel platform. Designed to provide first-time and seasoned travelers with the tools for stress-free travel, this free, user-friendly platform simplifies domestic and international travel for groups and solo travelers.
“Coming from Brooklyn, the entrepreneurial spirit is in me and I've always seen creative people come up with solutions to everyday problems,” SquadTrip founder Darien Watson told BLACK ENTERPRISE.
“SquadTrip addressed the issues I saw after being added to a birthday trip group chat. It started out with good intentions, but getting everyone on the same page and planning was a nightmare.”
SquadTrip offers complete trip planning execution through convenient features like chat messages, surveys, pre-planned itineraries, bookings and the often-hassle collection of payments.These features reveal Watson's professional background, where he worked for a software vendor, as well as his natural passion for travel.
“My co-founders and I wanted to provide Black travelers with a marketplace tailored to their needs,” Watson said. “SquadTrip offers experiences curated by Black-owned tour operators and travel companies, from luxury cultural experiences abroad to casual getaways.”
“We aimed to remove obstacles that can take away from the enjoyment of group travel and ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.”
Launching in Brooklyn, New York in 2022, SquadTrip is a premier travel marketplace tailored specifically for Black travelers, serving as a platform for Black tour operators and travel companies to find curated trips. Through its comprehensive software solution, travelers can streamline group travel with features like the TripBuilder tool, pre-planned itineraries and automated monthly payment plans, all accessible from a user-friendly, centralized dashboard.
“Our software is the first online platform that lets you create a booking page, take payments, and manage communications and finances all in one place,” Watson says.
Additionally, the company was founded in Brooklyn but relocated its headquarters to Tulsa, Oklahoma to participate in Build In Tulsa’s Techstar Accelerator program for POC founders.
“Today, we're part of a growing Black tech sector that's revitalizing Black Wall Street in Tulsa,” Watson said.
Provided by SquadTrip
Over the past two years, SquadTrip has supported hundreds of trips in over 50 countries, elevating the travel experience and meeting the unique needs of Black travelers around the world. To help other Black travelers take a group trip this summer or later this year, SquadTrip has created an 8-step guide to having a successful group trip and creating unforgettable memories with your peers.
Assess your group – Know who you’re traveling with, their interests, budget, and travel style to effectively navigate the planning process.
“Understanding the purpose of any trip that isn't a special celebration like a wedding or graduation is crucial,” Watson says. “To get off to a good start, make sure participants have a common interest, like history for a city tour or music preferences for a festival.”
Democratize decision-making – Involve the group from the start so everyone feels heard. Use SquadTrip to brainstorm destinations, travel dates, and budgets.
“SquadTrip helps users make decisions by allowing them to create surveys tailored to their trip,” Watson explains, “ensuring that everyone's preferences are heard and taken into account in the planning process.”
Choose the right accommodation – Research accommodation and transportation options that will be convenient for the whole group. Consider planes, trains and rental cars, taking into account cost and travel time.
“Consider using room types that suit your preferences while checking the exact rate and floor layout,” Watson adds. “Check the bed arrangement, occupancy limits, etc. in advance so you know if everyone will be comfortable.”
Provided by SquadTrip
Create an itinerary and embrace the “what if” – Planning for a group can be difficult and compromises must be made as tastes vary. SquadTrip helps you create a flexible itinerary that includes group activities and free time to ensure everyone enjoys the trip.
“When you go on a trip, it's a good idea to have a plan, even if it's not detailed,” Watson points out. “Knowing what you're going to do each day will give you structure to make the most of your adventure.”
Avoid chasing payments — Collect and schedule payments through SquadTrip and avoid awkward conversations without the need for group texts, spreadsheets, or apps like Venmo or PayPal.
“Typically with trips we get stuck at the collection stage,” Watson acknowledges, “so we've added automatic payments through SquadTrip to avoid handling unequal amounts and make sure everything is fair.”
“Individual contributions, total costs and payment progress are transparent, eliminating the need for coordination when everyone gets home or awkward conversations like, 'Can you send me off?'” he adds.
Update your team – Clear communication is a priority while planning. Keep everyone up to date on decisions and changes. SquadTrip allows you to send group emails, trip updates, and auto-payment reminders.
“When planning a group trip, you can never have too much communication, but it’s best to share all the important updates and basic information.
“Planning in a central place,” Watson says, “keeps things simple so everyone is on the same page without hassle.”
Provided by SquadTrip
Celebrate differences and accept the inevitable – Traveling in a group brings together a diverse mix of personalities. Embrace differences and discover hidden interests. Expect the unexpected: flights will be delayed, luggage will be lost, personalities will clash. Deal with problems with flexibility and humor.
“Compromises happen all the time.
“It's important, especially with group trips, to have an endeavor that involves multiple people and not be centered on the priest,” Watson explains. “Also, being flexible with your itinerary can expose you to new passions, so it's important to keep an open mind.”
Consider a travel agent – ​​For hassle-free group leaders, SquadTrip offers a selection of travel agents that specialize in group travel here.
“If your group doesn't want the hassle of planning, don't be afraid to ask for additional support,” Watson suggests. “SquadTrip's travel marketplace offers hand-picked Black tour operators and travel companies for seamless management.”
