A new web-based widget, TripMates, has been launched by global money-saving brand Hotukdeals.com to simplify group trip planning and help prevent attendees from incurring unwanted debt.
The tool allows event planners to create simple, multiple-choice questionnaires covering key areas such as maximum budget, preferred activities, flight duration, and whether participants prefer to stay in the UK or travel abroad.
Participants can anonymously submit their preferences, including opting out of attending or indicating deal-breakers that would prevent them from joining the trip. The aggregated and anonymized results provide planners with an overview of the group’s preferences without singling out individuals who may prefer lower budgets or less expensive options.
The launch follows research by Hotukdeals.com revealing that nearly a quarter of 18-24-year-olds have taken out credit agreements to attend important events like weddings, hen parties, or birthday celebrations. Additionally, almost one-third of people admitted they would pay more than their fair share to avoid appearing rude or acknowledging that they cannot afford it.
TripMates.co.uk aims to alleviate the social anxiety associated with declining unaffordable events, a concern shared by 26% of Brits who fear damaging relationships by saying no. Another quarter of respondents feel stressed about how to decline invitations or suggest more affordable alternatives.
Designed for organizing events such as hen and stag parties, milestone birthdays, golf trips, and other group outings, the tool promotes financially responsible planning by considering everyone’s financial situation.
Vix Leyton, consumer expert and host of the False Economy podcast, commented: “Talking about money has been taboo for too long. Social media pressures organizers to create picture-perfect experiences, risking the exclusion of those who can’t afford it or pushing them into debt. This tool helps remove the stress of being honest about affordability, ensuring events are accessible and enjoyable for all without financial strain.”