Travel Tips: Traveling with Friends

It sounds like a great idea at first: starting a group chat with your closest friends with “Let’s all go somewhere this summer!”  But ‘friendcations,’ as they’re usually called can sometimes do more harm than good. In order to avoid any strained relationships, make sure to consider this advice before you start packing.

SET YOUR EXPECTATIONS BEFOREHAND
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Once you decide on a destination, figure out “What does everyone want out of this trip?” It’s important to have a general idea of what each person expects. One friend may want to explore everything a new place has to offer, one may want to stay out late partying and another may simply want to sit back and relax. Make sure you’re all expecting something similar.
These expectations include money. It may be uncomfortable, but it’s a good idea to be upfront about expenses so that everyone is on the same page. Some may have more cash to spare than others and that’s okay. Just don’t be upset if someone opts out of a particular activity because they don’t have the funds for it. Discuss your standards of accommodation, transportation, sightseeing and spending before it even becomes an issue.

OPEN COMMUNICATION

Tell everyone how you feel; nothing’s worse than realizing an argument could have been prevented if only you’d communicated properly. You have to be honest with each other. If your friend is doing something that bothers you, calmly let them know and offer up a solution. If you get into an argument or disagree about something, get over it. Laugh it off and remember: you’re on vacation!
SCHEDULE SOME FREE TIME
Although this trip is all about experiencing something new together, it’s important to set aside some time apart. Especially if it’s a small group. Too much time together and you can start to get on each other’s nerves. Even if it’s just an hour back at the hotel before dinner, spread out and savor some alone time. If you do plan to split up, set up a designated time and place to get back together, or make sure you’re available by phone or WhatsApp in case you need to get in touch.

COMPROMISE
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As the saying goes, “compromise is the key to a successful relationship.” This doesn’t stop at friendships and is especially important when traveling. If everyone wants to do different activities, you’ll have to agree on common ground. You can designate each person a specific time slot for their preferred activity and make sure you rotate who gets to make the decisions so not one single person is choosing every time.
HAVE FUNThe most important advice of them all. It’s easy to forget when you haven’t eaten or slept and have been traveling for hours that you’re on holiday with your favorite people! Take it all in and don’t forget to take lots of pictures!!