I have been on MANY trips with friends and have compiled best advice to keep your adventure on track and friendships in tact!
Everyone has heard a horror story about a girls trip, spring break, or vacation with friends gone wrong. These experiences can lead to a falling out among friends, but also, a waste of vacation time and money. Follow these tips, and your trip will be better for it!
Discuss Everyone’s Expectations
If you ask a group of people what their dream vacation is, you will get a lot of different answers. This comes down to each individual’s travel style. For some, they may be the most happy parking themselves in a beach chair, gazing at the ocean for a week, soaking in the sunshine. Another may prefer a trip filled with exploring historic sites and taking tours of local landmarks. Before you book your trip, have a real discussion about what you want to get out of the trip. Forming realistic expectations will help to curb arguments later on!
Strangers vs. Friends
This point is especially prevalent when vacationing with single friends or staying in hostels, and was not something I foresaw when travelling. Lets say you are out to dinner or out at the bar and another group asks to join you. Would you say yes, in the hopes of making new friends or meeting a potential fling, or politely decline so you can bond with your inner circle? The viewpoint of strangers vs. new friends has been known to cause some friction. I have heard of trips going awry especially on spring break or at bachelor/ bachelorette parties. Figure out the vibe of the trip beforehand, you don’t want to be the person to leave the group for a one night stand when your group was looking forward to having quality time together.
Type A vs. Wanderlust
This sort of plays into expectations for the trip but goes a little deeper. Some people are planners. They research the best restaurants and sites to see, make reservations and book tickets months ahead of time, and secure a hotel within walking distance. Others have a wanderlust mentality. They are fine strolling the streets and finding a hidden gem by chance. I would highly discourage travelling with you polar opposite in this regard. Someone always ends up feeling like they missed out, on things they didn’t hit on their checklist or the feeling of exploring somewhere new without a schedule.
Assign Responsibilities
Delegate specific responsibilities among the group to lighten the load on one person. For example, one person can handle accommodation bookings, another can research and plan activities, and someone else can take charge of transportation arrangements. Assigning tasks avoids overwhelming a single individual and fosters a sense of shared responsibility within the group.
Money
Money can cause fights in many different situations and travel is no exception. Before planning, have an open discussion regarding your budget. Sometimes it can be uncomfortable to talk about money, but this talk will spare so much tension later on! I’ve seen people even make online quizzes to keep budgets anonymous. No one should go into debt for a girls trip. If the trip is out of budget for some, consider finding lower cost alternatives. Walking more instead of taxis and ubers, cheaper hotels, less expensive sites, and affordable meals. If your travel mates won’t budge on their out of reach budget, consider skipping some activities. Bring a few breakfast bars to save on meals and maybe do a pool day at the hotel while they go off to the spa!
Meals and Food Requirements
The first point to this tip is related to the number of meals people expect to eat. I’ve travelled with a spectrum of friends, ranging from those who like to graze throughout the day and skip meals like a lunch or breakfast, as well as those who need to have three square sit down meals a day. If you need more food than others, make sure you pack some snacks!
The second point to this tip is related to food allergies and tastes. Travelling with a picky eater is hard! It also is hard to travel with those who have food allergies (like me!) or those who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet. Be accommodating and understanding of each individual’s food choices, allergies, or restrictions. Research restaurants and dining options in advance to ensure there are suitable options for everyone.
Communication is Key
Open and effective communication is vital in any relationship, and travelling with friends is no exception. Encourage open dialogue, where everyone feels comfortable expressing their opinions, concerns, and preferences. If conflicts arise, address them calmly and find compromises that satisfy everyone. Remember, good communication keeps the friendship intact during and after the trip.
Respect Personal Space and Time
Spending every waking moment with friends can sometimes be overwhelming, so it’s important to respect each other’s personal space and downtime. Understand that everyone needs moments of solitude or the freedom to pursue individual interests. Balancing group activities with alone time will ensure that everyone feels refreshed and energized throughout the trip.
By following these vacation tips, you can foster a positive and enjoyable travel experience with your friends. Remember, the key is to maintain open communication, respect individual preferences, and create lasting memories together. Happy travels!