Hedo with Everybody Swing or book on our own?

**eastcoastcpl** · 03-08-2017, 10:21 AM

Has anyone done both a group and solo? What are the differences? The price is a bit lower to book on our own so I'm just wondering what the pros and cons are. This is our first lifestyle vacation and we're looking to have a phenomenal experience with lots of fun and play time! We were considering going the week before Everybody Swing but can easily flex our dates to maximize fun!

Thanks in advance for helping out a newbie

**toohorny** · 03-08-2017, 11:52 AM

We have done both. When we booked solo, we did save money....however we were also flexible on our dates and looked for a "great deal". We have also talked to people that booked solo that paid a lot more...

With groups, there is a week that they are there, so that is when you go. We have booked with a number of groups over the years, some are great, others not so much. The good groups that we have went with include:

Easy check in,
Group activites planned...cat cruise, pub crawl, meet and greet, play room, DJ parties, shopping trips, theme nights, etc. Not everything every trip but you get the idea.
If you have issues, you have a contact (group leader) to help you with. One trip, we found out we had a burst pipe at home...group leader gave us her cell phone so we could try to coordinate the fixes...well not fixes....cleanup.
They are also a great way to meet others

Cons:
Some groups can be clicky...(others invite new people in and will even allow non group members to join in their private parties....great way for people to book with then the following year)
Some group leaders are never around. They will sit at their table for an hour, but then you never see them.
Some groups do not really do any other activities.
Some groups are not cheaper.....they plan groups to make money. When we go, there are a number of groups, we have booked with them all. Toms Trips, DreamPleasure, Kama Sutra ....and another group. The first 3 the price for the rooms are about the same...I think this year it was 2 bucks different for GVP (a day), the other group was a lot more per night. A lot. That is why we do not book with them. However, the group leader for them is a great person and she does work hard...so sometimes you get what you pay for.

Also, keep in mind, many times people will just mingle at the resort, and if you book with a group you may not hang with them or you might start hanging with another group. After a number of trips the same week of the year, we have a number of couples that we are friends with. Most of us book with the same group, but not all...it does not matter.

**eastcoastcpl** · 03-08-2017, 12:00 PM

That's amazing info, thanks. The trip we're considering is through Tom's Trips and it sounds like they have lots of fun extras! I'm leaning on booking that way for the added benefits that you mentioned. I think sometimes I wonder, although we're super open minded about sex, we'll be into the extra stuff like game shows, contests, and extras. I guess I'll have to be easygoing and see how I feel once the boobs are out!

**wylieboater** · 03-08-2017, 01:54 PM

Dirty Pervs always include everybody in everything. Try checking them out and see if any of their times meet your times to travel. They travel in April (We will be there with them April 8-15 in a few weeks and they have a couple of rooms left. Let me know if you want one), June, and November.

**Riandsu** · 03-08-2017, 02:31 PM

I find it cheaper to book through a group and there is no need to be part of what they're up to.

**Ontario** · 03-08-2017, 03:29 PM

Being Canadian it is cheaper to book through one of your home travel agents.... You have to keep in mine the Canadian vs American $$$. There are always pros and cons on any trip... We have never booked with an actual group but have been adopted in with the Kitten and Angels Spring Fling, and speaking from experience, the 4 group leaders are seen everywhere.. From sitting with people both group members and non group members at breakfast right up to the piano bar, and every where in between. They welcome everyone.... They have cruises, games, contests and events but state "it's your vacation, do as much or as little as you want".

You just have to ask yourself what it is exactly you want and go for it..... Some book with a group and have an amazing time, while others book with certain groups and ask themselves what they got themselves into..

**we2are469** · 03-09-2017, 12:45 AM

Originally Posted by Ontario

Being Canadian it is cheaper to book through one of your home travel agents.... You have to keep in mine the Canadian vs American $$$. Some book with a group and have an amazing time, while others book with certain groups and ask themselves what they got themselves into..

Good advice. This year, and last, we booked through a Canadian TA, and got better rates than any group rate we could find. Years before that we booked with the standard H2 TA's, and got better deals. It's all about the exchange rate, and whether deals can be had for non Americans. We are part of two different groups, and will be back home in 34 days, but book our own rooms and air as mentioned, through our local TA (a frequent visitor to H2). You definitly need to check out the vibe of any group you join. While you will never beforced to partake in any of their events, it sure is fun when your with a bunch of like minded people.
R