Travel

Looking for a Group Trip in 2024? SquadTrip’s Group Travel Marketplace Delivers Cultural Experiences and Connections

One of the most intimidating parts of wanting to see the world is potentially having to do it alone. In a perfect world, every trip makes it out of the group chat, but we all know how that goes. What starts as a group of ten, dwindles to six, and before you know it, only you and one other person are boarding the flight on vacation day. It’s one of many reasons why people are turning to curated group travel experiences, particularly Black-owned ones.

I recently learned about SquadTrip, a Black-owned group travel planning software that handles marketing, booking, and data management. The platform works for everything from private family vacations to hosting a retreat. The creators have streamlined the design, payment, and communication processes for hosts and attendees. Although I’m still debating whether to dive into the world of group travel as a host myself, the features of this app certainly make the idea more appealing. Whether you’re a budding travel experience host or just looking for a few trip recommendations, here’s why you should consider SquadTrip to plan or find your next getaway.

group of people taking a selfie during travel stop at the park
Photo credit: yurakrasil

The Perks of Group Travel with SquadTrip

  • Customize Your Trip Offerings and Allow Customers to Choose Their Own Adventure
  • Payments Options & Flexibility, Made Simple
  • Easily Track, Manage, and Communicate with Your Travel Group

The first, and most important, part of group travel is summarizing the details into one easily accessible place; that’s where Trip Pages come in. SquadTrip makes building engaging trip information pages easy with itineraries, tiered package options, add-ons for extra perks and excursions, and more. You can also include your own branding and images and answer the most pressing questions in the FAQs section of the page. 

From there, you can share the link with family and friends. Or, for business-minded hosts, promote your trip on your website and social media. For the super-promoters, SquadTrip also makes it easy to share and track referral links with affiliate partners to help you sell out.

One of the biggest selling points of using SquadTrip is how simple it is to offer various payment options. Flexible deposits help travelers decide how much or little they want to spend to save their spot, with the host setting a minimum amount. Monthly auto-billing allows your trip attendees more time to pay for their trip, making your trip more accessible to those who aren’t able to pay in full. 

On the technical side, SquadTrip simplifies the life of a group trip host with its data and communication management tools. Registration questions make it easier than ever to gather important details like passport and flight information. Automated payment reminders avoid having to overmonitor your payment schedule. Similarly, automated emails can be scheduled to streamline sharing information with your group. 

Now, the most important of traveling in numbers is, well, the numbers. Luckily, SquadTrip’s pricing is pretty straightforward considering all of its features. Processing fees are 6% for the Starter plan and 4% for Launch and Premium plans. The fee accounts for Stripe’s merchant fee (2.9% + 30¢) for processing credit card payments. As a host, you’ll have to set up a Stripe account if you don’t already have one. However, thanks to the integration with Stripe, hosts can enjoy daily payouts to handle things like deposits and excursion pre-payments.

My Top 3 Picks for 2024 Group Experiences on SquadTrip

One of the features that I’m most excited to see grow is SquadTrip’s Marketplace. Having a Black-owned travel marketplace with Black-led travel experiences is really a Black traveler’s dream. Search by destination, dates, price, or payment options to find group trips you can hop into without having to persuade anyone else. If you’re up for an adventure and don’t worry about who all’s going to be there, then you’re bound to have the experience of a lifetime.

Before I go, I wanted to share of few of the trips that caught my attention in the marketplace.  For a group travel experience without the headache of planning and the perk of new connections, check out these exciting upcoming international trips available on SquadTrip.

Into(ME)see Wellness Retreat

Trip Dates: March 31 – April 8, 2024

There might not be two things I love more than a retreat and spending time with myself. Just in time for Spring, the Into(ME)see Wellness Retreat is an 8-day experience in Guatemala. This mind/body/soul-centered getaway is all about self-discovery and rejuvenation. The itinerary blends holistic activities with expert guidance, nourishing Guatemalan cuisine, and a stunning backdrop to unplug the world. One of the highlights of this retreat is the Temazcal Ceremony, a traditional Mexican sweat lodge ceremony. Plus, there’s also daily yoga, several cultural tours, massages, and more on the agenda.

You’ll spend five days and four nights on Lake Antilian in Tzununa. From there, the second half of the trip includes three days and three nights in Antigua. The retreat price includes your lodging, meals, breakfast, lunch, and dinner while on the lake. Once in Antigua, breakfast and departure dinner are included.

2024 Wine Down in Cape Town

Trip Dates: June 14 – June 22, 2024

After three visits to Cape Town, the Mother City is easily in my top three list of favorite cities. That’s why this 2024 Wine Down in Cape Town itinerary is one of my picks for upcoming trips available on SquadTrip. When it comes to culture, cuisine, and beautiful landscapes, few destinations rival the vibes of South Africa. 

The 9-day itinerary includes stops in Johannesburg and Cape Town. Included activities such as wine tasting, sightseeing, and exploring will give you a taste of this special part of the world. There are also two optional add-ons to Kruger Park and Victoria Falls, two of Africa’s must-see natural wonders. Since this trip heads to South Africa in June, the temperatures will be mild, and the crowds much lighter, so I’d recommend this for an alternative summer escape.

Magical Kenya Experience

Trip Dates: September 27 – October 3, 2024

Kenya is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and this 7-day safari and beach itinerary is a great introduction to the beauty of East Africa. The Magical Kenya Experience starts in the capital, Nairobi, before embarking on a multi-day Masai Mara safari adventure. After spotting wildlife through game drives or the option hot air balloon ride, this itinerary transitions to the famed Diani Beach. Here, you’ll bask in the African sun while watching the most beautiful sunsets over the Indian Ocean. 

Two pricing packages are available: Mid-range and Luxury. Lodging, meals, most activities, and transportation are included, with optional add-ons like a professional photographer and videographer.

My Thoughts on SquadTrip

After diving deep into the world of SquadTrip, the thought of pulling together a family vacation just became a lot less anxiety-ridden. When the day finally comes that I put together my own international group trip for women, SquadTrip’s features make it a lot more appealing to manage. Although there’s no foolproof way to avoid every mishap, navigating the planning process just got a whole lot easier.

When I’m ready, SquadTrip is definitely going to be my first stop.

This post is part of the SQUADTRIP SQUADUP sponsored campaign. This post reflects my personal opinion about the information provided by the sponsors.


Black-ownedGroup travelSponsoredSquadTriptravel tips



Website and Digital Marketing Strategy for Network of Financial Education Brands

CLIENTS

Brunch & Budget

Pockets Change

See Change Financial

ROLE

Website Design & Strategy

Digital Marketing

Email Marketing (Newsletters)

Copywriting

Graphic Design

AGENCY

SC Creative Group (freelance)

OPPORTUNITY

From 2017 to 2021, I worked alongside the passionate team behind several brands to lead their website, email, and brand design strategy. What started as a 5-month marketing management project for one brand (covering brand asset consulting, advertising & social campaigns, social media and website design and strategy), expanded into 3-years of on-going collaboration across three brands in the financial education space. 

The network of brands included: Brunch & Budget, affordable financial planning for people of color; Pockets Change, an organization that builds intergenerational financial resilience with students, families, and educators through hip-hop pedagogy; and See Change Financial, a radical financial community for creators of color who are taking control of their finances as a liberatory catalyst to lead value-filled lives.

ACHIEVEMENT

During our 3-year client/consultant relationship, our work together supported the increased visibility and brand amplification they sought to achieve in unifying their brand message, mission, and visual identity. 

We redesigned the site architecture, layout, copy, and visuals of each brand, creating an engaging, ever-updated online presence that kept each community informed and engaged. I also led the creation and implementation of marketing management systems including newsletter and social media content planning, design, and scheduling.

By helping Pam, Dyalekt, and Andrea (the creators) spend less time on promoting their business, they were able to lean into more programming and serving more educators, young adults, parents, and youth. In addition to re-purposing their decade-plus history of financial planning wisdom via their Brunch & Budget podcast, I also made sure during our time working together that they leveraged all opportunities to raise awareness, dollars (fundraising), and impact through storytelling.

One of the biggest achievements of supporting their brand growth goals came through a fundraising campaign for Pockets Change. After implementing a new donor engagement strategy and amplifying the initiative across platforms and partner networks at my recommendation, I helped the organization raise $19,000 in November 2021.

RELEVANT LINKS

[Graphic Design] Social Media Content Management

During the era of social highlights via quote cards and brand-forward graphics and insights, I designed a set of social media templates for the team’s internal use. These templates helped onboard their interns into social media management while I supported by spearheaded strategy and copy for social and email behind the scenes.

WEBSITE LAYOUT UPDATES

Pockets Change Website Revamp Preview (2019)

Client Case Study overview image
Client website pages preview - Pockets Change

Brunch & Budget Website Revamp Preview (2018)

SC Creative Group client project - Brunch and Budget Website Design
SC Creative client project example - Web Design for Brunch and Budget

TESTIMONIAL

Simone worked with us at Pockets Change over the course of 4 years to troubleshoot, brainstorm, and make magic happen with our vision. She made ongoing updates to our website to share our stories, impact, and resources. She's a partner in the process of getting the digital details right.
Pockets Change Co-Founder Andrea Ferrero
Andrea Ferrero
Co-Founder & Executive Director, Pockets Change

Greenlight Word-Of-Mouth Marketing Strategy

CLIENT

Greenlight

ROLE

Creative Strategy

Experiential Marketing

Copywriting

AGENCY

Fizz (Atlanta, Georgia)

OPPORTUNITY

Greenlight is a financial technology company on a mission to raise financially smart kids. Through its debit card for kids and application subscription, the company makes it easier for parents to teach their kids about money management while giving them a parent-monitored space to learning about things like saving, stocks, and direct deposits. The “all-in-one money app for families,” Greenlight gives kids independence while giving parents peace of mind.

The fintech company contracted Fizz, a word-of-mouth marketing agency based in Atlanta, to help expand brand awareness as it sought to increase users and identify ways to penetrate the market on a national scale for the first time.

ACHIEVEMENT

As a contracted strategist, I worked alongside the in-house agency team to develop a robust creative WOM marketing strategy that included more than a dozen experiential digital and live brand activations. The goal of the overall strategy was to identify niche sectors within the broader target demographic and pinpoint opportunities (events, life moments, everyday activities, etc.) that would allow the brand to organically make life a little easier – as on-the-go parents and schedule-stacked kids – creating a chance to get curious and engage with GL market managers about the brand.

Working alongside the in-house strategy and design teams, my role was to develop word-of-mouth-marketing concepts into detailed experiences. This included researching a calendar of brand-aligned community and sporting events, developing a go-to-market plan for each concept, and presenting relevant branded swag ideas along with identifying vendors, costs, specs requirements, etc. to pass along to the project manager for execution.

RELEVANT LINKS

The link below is a preview of one of the concepts I spearheaded the research, copywriting, and strategy development on. This concept was part of a larger word-of-mouth marketing strategy deck.

[Word-of-Mouth Strategy Concept] Greenlight ‘Very Invested Parents’ Strategy

Jim Ellis Toyota of McDonough Grand Opening

CLIENT

Jim Ellis Automotive Group

ROLE

Event Planning & Management

Vendor Procurement & Management

Budget Management​

Copywriting

Design

AGENCY

Jim Ellis Automotive Advertising Agency

OPPORTUNITY

One of the joys of maintaining great professional relationships is being able to work with old employers on new initiatives. Jim Ellis Automotive Group is Atlanta, Georgia’s largest family-owned automotive group.

While the company’s marketing manager was out on maternity leave, I was tapped to step into her role. As the interim marketing manager, one of my responsibilities was to lead and execute the grand opening celebration of the automotive group’s 18th dealership –  Jim Ellis Toyota of McDonough Grand Opening – a newly remodeled 57,000 square foot facility.

This project was exciting for a few reasons. Namely, the ability to lean into the breadth of my expertise. During this project, I led every aspect of the event, from securing vendors and media communications to run-of-show planning, invitations, and on-site management.

ACHIEVEMENT

On Tuesday, May 21, 2019, Jim Ellis Automotive Group celebrated the official grand opening of Jim Ellis Toyota of McDonough. By all accounts, the affair was a successful introduction of the trusted Jim Ellis brand to Atlanta metro’s Southern region.

The event was well-regarded by those in attendance including Jim Ellis Automotive’s President, Jimmy Ellis, special guest executives from Toyota HQ, and – most importantly – the dedicated dealership staff, family, and friends. Special guests included Jim McEachern (Vice President, Southeast Toyota Field Operations) and Billy Copeland (Mayor of McDonough, GA).

The dealership’s acquisition and grand opening received media coverage locally and in notable national outlets including Business Insider and Auto Remarketing. 

This project is a great example of my ability to work across teams, using my diverse background to easily navigate multiple corporate brand standards and guidelines, coordinate design projects, draft promotional and media-related communications, manage vendors (catering, event decor, entertainment, photo/video) and budgets, handle experiential logistics, and oversee on-site execution.

RELEVANT LINKS

[Blog Post/Press Relase] Jim Ellis Automotive Group Acquires Toyota of McDonough

[Blog Post/Press Relase] Jim Ellis Automotive Celebrates the Official Grand Opening of Jim Ellis Toyota of McDonough

GRAND OPENING PHOTO & VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

REMARKS FROM THE LATE JIMMY ELLIS

TESTIMONIAL

Simone is such a pleasure to work with and has such a diverse set of marketing talents. I have used her services for over three years now to fill in various gaps that arise within my marketing team. She has filled in multiple times for vacant roles on my team, including my own role when I was last out on maternity leave. I couldn’t have found a better person to entrust my duties to. Simone works quickly and thoroughly and always has a high level of professionalism and attentiveness. Additionally, Simone always has a great attitude and is really just a pleasant human being. I always look forward to the opportunities I have to work with Simone.
Loren Roberts
Current Title: Director of Marketing at Jim Ellis Automotive Group

[COPYWRITING]

Long-Form Blog Post: WiFi Artists

How We Spent 30 Days in Medellin, Colombia – WiFi Artists Recap

[COPYWRITING]

Long-Form Blog Post: WiFi Artists

Program Recap: WiFi Artists Remote Work and Travel in Lima, Peru

Jim Ellis Toyota of McDonough Grand Opening

CLIENT

Jim Ellis Automotive Group

ROLE

Event Planning & Management

Vendor Procurement & Management

Budget Management​

Copywriting

Design

AGENCY

Jim Ellis Automotive Advertising Agency

OPPORTUNITY

One of the joys of maintaining great professional relationships is being able to work with old employers on new initiatives. Jim Ellis Automotive Group is Atlanta, Georgia’s largest family-owned automotive group.

While the company’s marketing manager was out on maternity leave, I was tapped to step into her role. As the interim marketing manager, one of my responsibilities was to lead and execute the grand opening celebration of the automotive group’s 18th dealership –  Jim Ellis Toyota of McDonough Grand Opening – a newly remodeled 57,000 square foot facility.

This project was exciting for a few reasons. Namely, the ability to lean into the breadth of my expertise. During this project, I led every aspect of the event, from securing vendors and media communications to run-of-show planning, invitations, and on-site management.

ACHIEVEMENT

On Tuesday, May 21, 2019, Jim Ellis Automotive Group celebrated the official grand opening of Jim Ellis Toyota of McDonough. By all accounts, the affair was a successful introduction of the trusted Jim Ellis brand to Atlanta metro’s Southern region.

The event was well-regarded by those in attendance including Jim Ellis Automotive’s President, Jimmy Ellis, special guest executives from Toyota HQ, and – most importantly – the dedicated dealership staff, family, and friends. Special guests included Jim McEachern (Vice President, Southeast Toyota Field Operations) and Billy Copeland (Mayor of McDonough, GA).

The dealership’s acquisition and grand opening received media coverage locally and in notable national outlets including Business Insider and Auto Remarketing. 

This project is a great example of my ability to work across teams, using my diverse background to easily navigate multiple corporate brand standards and guidelines, coordinate design projects, draft promotional and media-related communications, manage vendors (catering, event decor, entertainment, photo/video) and budgets, handle experiential logistics, and oversee on-site execution.

RELEVANT LINKS

[Blog Post/Press Relase] Jim Ellis Automotive Group Acquires Toyota of McDonough

[Blog Post/Press Relase] Jim Ellis Automotive Celebrates the Official Grand Opening of Jim Ellis Toyota of McDonough

GRAND OPENING HIGHLIGHT REEL

REMARKS FROM THE LATE JIMMY ELLIS

TESTIMONIAL

Simone is such a pleasure to work with and has such a diverse set of marketing talents. I have used her services for over three years now to fill in various gaps that arise within my marketing team. She has filled in multiple times for vacant roles on my team, including my own role when I was last out on maternity leave. I couldn’t have found a better person to entrust my duties to. Simone works quickly and thoroughly and always has a high level of professionalism and attentiveness. Additionally, Simone always has a great attitude and is really just a pleasant human being. I always look forward to the opportunities I have to work with Simone.
Loren Roberts
Current Title: Director of Marketing at Jim Ellis Automotive Group