TripMates.co.uk, a new web-widget launched today, aims to make planning group trips easier while preventing attendees from feeling pressured into taking on debt.
Developed by the global money-saving brand Hotukdeals, the tool enables trip organisers to arrange events in a way that is sensitive to everyone’s financial preferences, offering a guilt-free and anonymous way for participants to share their input.
The platform allows organisers to create multiple-choice questions for attendees, covering key areas such as maximum budget, travel preferences, and day trip ideas. Participants can even opt out or select a “deal-breaker” that would prevent them from attending if certain conditions are met. All responses are anonymised and averaged, giving organisers an overview of group preferences without outing individuals who may prefer a lower-budget option.
TripMates.co.uk comes in response to research showing that a significant number of young adults have taken on credit agreements to attend important events like weddings, hen parties, or milestone birthdays. Nearly a quarter of 18-24-year-olds surveyed admitted to taking on debt for such occasions, while a third of respondents said they would pay more than their “fair share” to avoid embarrassment.
With 26% of Brits feeling anxious about declining unaffordable invitations, TripMates.co.uk offers a solution to ease financial pressure while maintaining relationships. The tool is designed for group trips, including hen and stag parties, birthday celebrations, and golf weekends, allowing organisers to plan events in a financially responsible way that considers everyone’s situation.
Vix Leyton, consumer expert and host of the *False Economy* podcast, highlighted the importance of discussing finances openly, saying: “Talking about money has been taboo for too long. We risk falling into the trap of going into debt to keep up appearances when we would prefer to spend less, hoping someone else speaks up. Hopefully this tool takes away the stress of being honest about what you can afford and ensures any event is priced in an accessible, realistic way.”
TripMates.co.uk offers an innovative way to plan events that are inclusive and affordable, empowering groups to enjoy trips together without the financial burden that often accompanies such plans.