There’s a lot of advice out there about the joys of solo travel, but honestly, if I had the choice, I’d prefer traveling with friends. This isn’t a critique of solo travel—I’ve done plenty of it—but I simply enjoy having my friends with me on vacations.
Sharing travel experiences with friends not only brings you closer but also gives you plenty of stories to share later. Plus, having someone to rely on while exploring or encouraging you to get up early and make the most of the day is invaluable. Of course, if you’re the one in your group who gets everyone moving in the morning, thanks for making sure we catch those sunrises and connect with locals.
Organizing a trip with friends, however, can sometimes be challenging. It often feels like too many cooks in the kitchen, and coordinating everyone can be like herding cats. After organizing several group trips (and with another on the horizon), I’ve come up with a few simple travel tips to make planning vacations with friends smoother.
1.) Before reaching out to your crew, narrow down the vacation options. Since you know your friends, you probably have a good idea of what everyone likes. The key is choosing a destination for practical reasons, like affordable flights or a place everyone wants to visit. With clear reasons for a choice, it’s easier to get everyone on board.
2.) For any decisions, set up a voting system and let the top choice win. This takes the emotions out of it and keeps the process straightforward. This method works best with close friends who you can be candid and have fun with.
3.) Renting a shared property can be much cheaper than individual hotel rooms. If you prefer hotels, contact them ahead of time to see if there are discounts for group bookings—a great way to save money for everyone.
4.) When choosing rooms in shared accommodation, use a fair method like drawing numbers or flipping a coin. Avoid letting emotions decide who gets which room unless there are specific needs due to health reasons.
5.) Assign roles to everyone. One person handles flights, another manages hotels, someone else looks after activities, and someone organizes finances. This way, everyone contributes and no one feels overburdened.
6.) Set up a group fund where everyone contributes the same amount. This makes it easy to manage shared expenses like taxes or grocery budgets. If there’s any money left over, it’s simple to divide it back among the group.
7.) A general tip: always consider the feelings of your group. Some friends might be more relaxed, but that doesn’t mean they don’t want to be consulted. Keep everyone informed and involved to avoid any misunderstandings or surprises.
In summary, avoid unnecessary arguments by minimizing endless debates. Everyone should have a say in the planning, but too many options can become overwhelming. Simplify early on to prevent confusion, and ensure everyone has a fantastic holiday!
