Choose: Small vs. Large Group
Those of you who are experienced travellers—as opposed to "tourists" so that includes virtually all of our clientele—will know that the atmosphere on a smaller coach (say 18 seats with a maximum of 10 people) is a world removed from a large party of 35-40 on a 52 seater. Well actually, "world removed" is an understatement. It is the difference between an intimate dinner 'a deux and a Vegas convention.
As the head honcho—and often unwitting and unwilling party leader—you will be under pressure to please all of the people all of the time. Please take our advice and don't even go there: it doesn't work.
For what it is worth, our years of experience suggest that the smaller the group, the better for you. This is not for our own selfish monetary reasons. In fact and in practice, the only fixed cost saving a large group will make over a smaller one is in the transport—and why would we hire a 49 seat coach when an 18 seater will do? So rest assured on that count.
No, the real difference does not lie in the money but in the momentum. You and your friends and family will enjoy Ireland so much more if you can limit the numbers to a small group of like-minded people. This avoids arguments and dissent over the itinerary and it has other benefits, some of which you might not anticipate:
- A smaller vehicle can access backroads and attractions denied to a large coach. This is particularly important in Ireland—as you would expect.
- A smaller group can get rooms in hotels and smaller establishments which just could not cater for large parties.
- A small group has the flexibility to alter the itinerary (within reason and by mutual agreement) to visit unexpected events and festivals.
- A smaller group can reach decisions so much more quickly. We have seen too many large groups paralysed for fear that any decision will cause trouble.
- You will get to know all our partners so much better—from the bus driver to the waitress. These are the really important people, who make your holiday work and they deserve your care and attention.
So we do recommend smaller groups if possible. If we may be selfish for a moment, it means that we can produce a better customised tour and it has been our experience that we have made so many good friends from parties of 4, 6 and 8 that, frankly, we'd like to keep on making many more friends!
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