15 Dos and Don'ts for Group Travel in Maharashtra — Expert Guide from Jaingiri Travels
After 33 years and 25,000+ trips, Jaingiri Travels has seen every group travel situation. Here are the most important tips — from choosing the right vehicle to handling last-minute changes.
✅ DOs
- DO count your group carefully — Add 1–2 seats as buffer. A 13-seater with 14 people is uncomfortable and unsafe.
- DO book 2–4 weeks ahead for weekends — Popular vehicles fill fast, especially for festival weekends.
- DO share a written schedule with the driver — Venue names, addresses, and contact numbers for one group coordinator.
- DO confirm 48 hours before departure — Reconfirm driver name, vehicle number, and pickup time.
- DO carry enough cash for tolls, parking, and tips — Not all toll booths take UPI.
- DO appoint one transport coordinator in the group — Prevents conflicting instructions to the driver.
- DO check vehicle cleanliness on arrival — A clean vehicle reflects the agency's standards.
- DO tip the driver for exceptional service — Drivers who know the best darshan timings, clean dhabas, and shortcuts are invaluable.
❌ DON'Ts
- DON'T overload the vehicle — Every seat must have a seatbelt. Overloading is both dangerous and illegal.
- DON'T ignore driver night allowance — On outstation trips, budget ₹500–₹800 per night for driver accommodation and food.
- DON'T book last-minute for festival trips — Mahashivratri, Wari, Ganesh Chaturthi — vehicles book up 2–3 months ahead.
- DON'T change destinations without notifying the agency — Affects fuel, driver planning, and return timing.
- DON'T assume tolls are included — They are always extra. Budget ₹200–₹800 each way depending on the route.
- DON'T delay returning the vehicle without communication — The vehicle may have another booking. WhatsApp the agency if you're running late.
- DON'T book without a written confirmation — Always get the vehicle type, rate, driver name, and date confirmed in writing (WhatsApp suffices).