Vacation by the numbers

Traveling with a group can be more fun, less expensive

Hawthorn Bank Elite Advantage Club members pose for a photo on the steps of their Alaskan cruise ship before enjoying a private group cocktail party in September.
Hawthorn Bank Elite Advantage Club members pose for a photo on the steps of their Alaskan cruise ship before enjoying a private group cocktail party in September.

If the thought of planning a vacation sounds daunting, consider traveling with a group where all of the arrangements are made for you. You simply show up with some comfortable walking shoes and a camera, or your beachwear and a good book.

Two banks in town offer travel clubs to their customers age "50 or better," and local travel agencies arrange group rates for the public.

We spoke with these banks and agencies, as well as longtime Jefferson City residents Ken and Sandy Walls, to learn about the logistics and the benefits of traveling with a group.

Our experts agreed the safety and security of group travel are a big plus for most people.