I have enough experience in organizing groups to travel to Paris that I can outline some of the pros and cons of traveling with a group.

The biggest advantage of traveling with a group is the collegiality and friendships that people make.   If members of the group don’t previously know one another, they bond quickly.    Sometimes they will say the best part of the trip will be the times they went to dinner with the group or did a group activity such as a cruise down the Seine.  

The drawback of traveling with a group is that travelers need a bit more patience.   The group can only go as fast as its slowest member.    However, if the tour is flexible, the large group can split into subgroups according to interest and time schedules.   In most of the trips I run, if I take a group of 18 to Paris, it will generally evolve into 3 or 4 smaller groups who tour and dine together.

The biggest goal when traveling with a group is to try to make everyone happy.    You might think that is impossible, but with good planning and flexibility, that goal can be achieved.  That means making sure the hotel fits everyone’s needs, everyone is happy with the itinerary, and eating where everyone likes to eat.

To make things run smoothly, one or two people should be put in charge of buying and distributing Museum Passes, transportation tickets, and any other general information that must be given out to the group.

When with a group, pick a centrally located hotel to minimize the travel time. Some money might be saved by getting a hotel located in a non-central location, but it really isn’t worth it.   Believe it or not, it is important to pick a place that has a good breakfast spot either located at the hotel or within 100 yards of it.   Trying to get people together in the morning is a major effort. If people are scattered all over the place, it only makes that job harder.

Also, pick a hotel that is budget-minded. That way, everyone can afford it and you won’t exclude anyone on your trip.

Planning an itinerary is a major effort when traveling with 10-20 people.   The first day is easy – everyone wants to see Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, and the Arc de Triomphe.   After that first day plan a group dinner so that everyone can get together and discuss their interests.     Don’t make up itineraries on the spot. Survey the group to see what they are interested in.    I always break my itinerary into a “morning” session and an “afternoon/evening” session with a generous lunch break in the middle.    If people wish to venture out on their own, I encourage it.

Dining options require planning.   Try to stay local to your meeting spot and if you don’t, give very precise instructions on how to get to the restaurant, even writing it down or photocopying it if necessary.    It’s disappointing if people are “lost” on the metro on the way to dinner.   

I always check with a restaurant a day or two before bringing in a large group. Sometimes they will offer a discount or need to make special accommodations.    Again, pick a restaurant that is affordable for everyone in your group.

I love traveling with 10-20 people.   It is much more fun than if I had traveled solo or one or two other people. I highly recommend it.