When I chronicled the failed 50th birthday trip six women tried to plan in a group chat gone wild , you all had thoughts.

I heard from many people who found the situation all too relatable (and yes, a small few who wondered why the piece was even in The Wall Street Journal). Dozens of women shared their own stories of texting drama. Even more men chimed in, saying they, too, faced challenges organizing guys’ trips due to the unwieldy nature of the group chat.

“It’s not just a girl thing,” wrote Clark Spencer of Ridgeland, Miss. “Can’t even guess how many trip aborts I’ve lived through. The more you have in the group, the worse it gets. But, on the bright side, I’ve almost gone to a lot of cool places.”

“Herding cats with a smattering of drama. Exhausting,” wrote Eric Toledo , of Albuquerque, N.M. He’s been organizing trips with his high-school buddies for decades. “I felt every part of your article.”

It’s not all futility and failed adventures, however. Many people asked me if there’s a solution to group-chat paralysis. There is! While plenty of women shared great suggestions for getting things done, I’ll use this column to give equal time to the men. Here’s their advice on planning trips:

Appoint team captains.

Planning usually doesn’t work by consensus. One or two people should come up with a few choices to present to the group, while other members can focus on certain logistics. (The following reader quotes have been edited for length and style.)

I’ve been doing an annual ski trip with friends for the past 35 years and counting. Myself and another friend have been the organizers, and we decide where the trip will be each year. Everyone is invited to attend, and if that destination doesn’t work for someone, they are welcome to skip the trip. We’ve never had anyone skip the trip. —Larry Gregerson, Bend, Ore.

In my group they call me the DIC (Director In Charge)—and yes, they playfully insult me when they pronounce the moniker—because I generally herd the cats toward the consensus destination and do most of the heavy lifting on logistics. —John Busby, Santa Barbara, Calif.

Lead with an activity.

It’s easier to narrow down locations based on the group’s shared interests. Some men have chosen places because they enjoy skiing, golfing, fishing or biking.

I love to plan trips. Always in the U.S. and a lot of national parks. I email the itinerary to all my friends. Have been very successful with this. —Warren Gross, Miami

Ditch the group chat.

It’s fine for the initial trip discussion to originate in a group chat, but the actual decision-making must move elsewhere. Use Zoom or FaceTime calls to solidify dates and a place. Some men said they create spreadsheets to keep track of ideas; others use Google Docs. There are also numerous trip-planning apps.

Hold a conclave.

Once a list of places has been narrowed down to two or three by the captains in charge, take it to a vote.

I’ve been planning a golf trip with 20 to 30 guys from back home for 20-plus years. It’s a challenge for sure, so the only hope is to have a system where one guy leads, has a support group of a few more for helping with logistics and being a sounding board, then lets everyone vote. Seniority breaks ties. If anyone bails last-minute or has a history of waffling, they lose their vote. Someone is always unfortunately left out, but everyone understands the drill and it’s kept the core group intact for 27 years. —Mike Rock, Durham, N.C.

Set a deadline.

Most things in life don’t happen without time pressure—it’s the only way I get columns written! Several readers suggested planning six months out, but not much longer or the planning momentum fades.

Require participants to book their own airfare by X date (that’s commitment). Those that don’t are presumed to have decided not to join. —John Busby

Get your priorities straight.

You can always do what Kevin Baughman , of Santa Rosa, Calif., and his friends did, and revolve all decision-making around one simple detail.

The seven men, who share an interest in hiking and Europe, hiked the Swiss Alps in 2021. For their next trip, coming up in September, the gang took just 15 minutes to decide on a destination.

England, Italy and Austria were mentioned. Then someone pointed out that beer is colder in Austria.

They all agreed to go to Austria.

Write to Julie Jargon at Julie.Jargon@wsj.com