There are many myths that exist about finding affordable group travel discounts – and knowing as well as understanding them can only help you find a very affordable group travel experience. Furthermore, this knowledge will motivate you to search for the best available rates for your group and speed up the planning for your next trip. So, before calling airlines or hotels for upcoming group travels, consider the items listed here and gain some understanding about the most common myths regarding group travel discounts.

Myth #1: A group must have 10 people to get ‘group discounts.’

The statement is frequently heard that you must have 10 people or above to be considered a group for discount purposes. Well, the truth is that there is not any ‘corporate standard’ that dictates what specific number qualifies as a group for group discount purposes. What is the truth? If you have 5 or more people, it is still considered as a group and should be eligible for any group discounts currently being offered.

Myth #2: The definition of ‘group rate’ is etched in granite.

The myth here is that group rates are similarly defined throughout the hospitality industry; that hotels and airlines and cruise ships all have the same definition. Actually, it does tend to vary amongst different types of establishments, such as hotels, airlines and even cruise ships. Be careful and get a clear definition when negotiating for a group. The truth is that a specific number of definitions will vary a great deal and it is imperative that you know what that definition is without ‘assuming’ that since you have 10 people in your group that entitles you to a discount. Don’t find this out when you pay your bill!

Myth #3: Peak times and black-out dates aren’t a big deal.

There are certain dates you need to know about, times of the year when many people travel and seek airline flights and hotels. These are considered in all the hospitality industry as peak booking dates. There are also black-out dates when rates are at their highest and it is better to avoid travel during those times. Black-out dates in a particular location can occur around a specific event, such as home college football games in the fall as an example. What is the truth? Of course you can travel whenever you want; but you must be aware that you could pay more for that peak date or black-out date than you would at another less-traveled time.

Myth #4: Seasons don’t affect discounts one way or the other.

In the travel industry, the seasons of the year certainly affect the occupancy rates that hotels and resorts experience as well as the airlines that carry passengers to such places. Fall in New England; winter in Florida or the Bahamas; winter in Aspen or Telluride are just some of the examples when travel to these destinations is based upon the season of the year and will keep hotels and resorts in these areas adequately booked enough to not require discount offerings to keep occupancy rates elevated. The truth is that to save on group rates, try to avoid these seasons or at least prepare for them by booking well in advance of that location in that season of the year.

Myth #5: Deposits are always refundable.

Many people are under the misconception that deposits are always refundable from hotels and airlines if someone is unable to show up that had previously booked and given a deposit on the total price. What is the truth here? If you don’t travel with the numbers you had guaranteed, you may very well lose any deposits that were given for that missing traveler, especially if the total number traveling falls below 90% of the original number booked. The hotel or airlines has to re-book that reservation at the last minute and may need to discount the original price to get that reservation sold, thereby losing money. Don’t expect a refund at all under those circumstances.

Myth #6: Discounts initially given will never be taken away.

A discount that is offered at the time of booking is based upon the specific number of people who have deposited money for a particular travel event. If the number in your group changes, both lower and higher, any discounts offered may be lowered or negated because it changes the dollar amounts upon which the discount was based. The truth? Discounts are always subject to change and all travelers in your group must understand that a last-minute back-out or change could affect the entire group discount, leaving all travelers paying a much different amount than planned.

Myth #7: It is more expensive to stay on weekends than on week days.

This is a very common myth and affects a lot of traveling plans. Knowing that most working people only have weekends to ‘get away’ and enjoy other locations, we automatically assume that it will cost more for that pleasure. Well, this couldn’t be further from the truth! What is the truth? Hotels and even resorts rely on the steady bookings of corporations – and when do they usually travel and spend the night? During the week is the most common, prevalent time! Therefore, hotels and resorts often have to work harder to stay as full on the weekends due to the lack of business travelers. Discounts are many times available on the weekends to help keep their occupancy rate at a desirable level. The truth here will allow you to more readily enjoy that weekend ‘getaway’ and still save some money!

Understanding the myths listed above will help you to look for and find the best travel deals, set the best travel dates and choose the best travel locations for your planned group travels. You can save money and still have a wonderful travel experience. So, remember the above and know before you go the real truth about group discounts!