There’s nothing more disruptive and draining than a couple of friends squabbling over every aspect of their group trip. But that can happen when you don’t plan properly and set realistic expectations with your friends. According to statistics, 40% of people travel with friends, and some of these trips don’t always go well. However, that doesn’t mean travelling with friends is a bad idea. With these tips, you can plan a stress-free vacation where you can relax and form deeper bonds with your friends.

Choose the right travel friends

You might have a lot of friends, but that doesn’t mean all of them would be great travel partners. Your friendship can end after travelling together. Choosing your travel partners wisely before planning a trip would be best. It might be a little difficult to know who might make a good travel buddy, especially if you haven’t vacationed together. However, it is not impossible. Make a list of your closest friends and consider interests like your personality and hobbies. You don’t have to have everything in common, but you’re less likely to run into any disagreements. Sometimes, the nature of your trip will also determine who you would prefer to go with. For example, you would want another set of friends who love outdoor activities to join you on a wilderness trip. Or if you’re into art, you’d appreciate the company of another friend with the same interest. 

Discuss your finances

The most common cause of conflict between friends is money, especially when you all have different financial expectations concerning your trip. If you’re in a situation where you might not be able to afford something, it’s best to be honest with your friends. There’s no need to put yourself in debt to keep up appearances. From the start, you must all declare how much you want to spend on important things like accommodation and activities. Other things like meals and shopping are personal, so you don’t have to worry about including that in your main group budget. In situations where you might not be on the same wavelength budget-wise, it would be best to reach a compromise. 

Plan your activities

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One of the most difficult things about group travel is that you’ll be with several people with varying interests. There’s nothing wrong with that, and it’s encouraged to also find time to do the things you love. However, it can get cumbersome, especially if someone wants to bail out a planned group activity. And keeping track of everyone can get tiring. You can use a group travel planner before going on your trip, so you can plan with your friends and know everyone’s schedules. You can plan your itinerary together and make time for your activities. 

Planning a trip with friends can be very tiring, especially when you all have different ideas and expectations of your trip. However, it doesn’t mean you should miss out on an opportunity to bond and experience new things with your closest buddies. Keeping these tips in mind will help make your trip worthwhile.