Traveling with friends is a golden opportunity to create lifelong memories with your favorite people. But just because you’re the best of friends doesn’t mean you’ll travel well together! On the contrary, daily rhythms, routines, and interests can sometimes clash when spending an extended period with the same people in an unfamiliar environment. Before jetting off to your chosen paradise, and despite the excitement and anticipation taking over, you need to ask all the questions that could potentially impact the trip.
As mundane as they may seem, these questions can help you choose your travel partners wisely, establish boundaries, set expectations, and agree on the style that suits everyone. And they’ll help you avoid hindering your precious friendships!
It doesn’t matter if you’re heading to the Caribbean for some sun and sea, taking a road trip to Tadoussac, or embarking on a culinary journey through Europe – it’s important to have an open and honest conversation early on in the travel process with your travel buddies. This way, you can avoid any misunderstandings and ensure that your trip is as idyllic as you’ve imagined.
Keeping in mind, of course, that there are no wrong answers… Only different ways to embark on an adventure!
How to find the perfect destination to go with friends: Europe, the Caribbean, or elsewhere?
This is the most important question to ask in the first place, as it will help you make lots of other decisions. When it comes to destinations, there’s a big difference between going it alone in Barcelona and an all-inclusive trip in the south. Not only is there a difference in pace, but also in expectations, budget, and activities.
Hiking through spectacular landscapes at the ends of the earth, watching sunsets by the sea, hunting for vintage bargains, indulging in gourmet experiences at a vineyard… all these possibilities will help you precisely target the type of precious moments you’ll share together on your next trip.
How to split costs?
Do you prefer that each person takes turns covering a day’s expenses? Or would you rather assign a type of expense to each person (e.g., accommodation, transportation, restaurants, activities, etc.)? Do you plan to assign these roles in advance?
Luckily, there are lots of mobile apps that are designed to help you split expenses, so you don’t have to worry about any frustrations and you can be sure that everything is shared fairly. They even calculate who owes what to whom! Another handy tip is to create a Google Doc as a great way to keep track of all expenses and itineraries.
Special attention should be paid to this issue in Europe, especially in restaurants. Here, it’s one bill per table, so no need to ask for separate checks!
What type of accommodation to choose?
Depending on the type of vacation you want to have with friends, the country, the size of your group, and the budget you want to stick to, this is one of the most important questions: luxurious all-inclusive, downtown apartment, villa with a pool, cutting-edge hostel, cabin in the wilderness?
The choice of experience will depend on your needs, the purpose of the trip, and your values.
What time should we set the alarm clock?
This question may seem trivial, but if you’re an early bird and your travel partners are night owls (or vice versa), waiting to start your day or feeling rushed to begin the day can cause some frustrations.
Try to find common ground and plan different schedules to include days that will make everyone happy.
What are the expectations for evenings?
Alongside wake-up times, will every evening be reserved for partying? For watching TikToks together after a skincare routine in robes? Or a mix of both? This question will directly impact your travel budget and the organization of your days.
How to build in alone time?
Even if you adore your travel partners, it can be enjoyable and even beneficial to carve out some alone time when traveling in a group. Whether to relieve tension, pursue individual interests, or recharge your social batteries—any excuse is a good one. And that’s perfectly normal when traveling with friends.
This can manifest itself in many ways. For instance, you could have your morning coffee while listening to a podcast, visit a museum that isn’t that interesting to the others, relax by the pool instead of going on a jungle excursion, or eat a fancy dinner at a vegan restaurant while your friend is a hardcore carnivore…
You’ll reconnect afterward with energy and gratitude, with a brand-new experience to share, fully ready to embark on a new adventure together.
What means of transportation will be preferred during your trip?
Depending on the type of trip you’re planning and the country, the modes of transportation available will be very different. Taxis, public transport, car rentals, walking, you name it! Whether you’re heading to the Caribbean, Florida, or Europe, this question will be relevant.
In addition to changing the dynamics of your travels, these decisions also have financial implications, with respective prices varying widely.
How to determine the number of people to invite before going on vacation with friends?
Planning a trip varies greatly depending on the number of people involved. Even before deciding on the group size, it’s important to consider what constitutes your comfort zone based on your personality.
Will you be joined by a group of ten for a party? Going on a duo adventure with your BFF? Or planning a trip with another couple who shares similar interests? Maybe a small group of girlfriends for a relaxing week?
There’s a world of difference in planning each of these scenarios. The types of accommodation, choice of activities, meal planning, and transport from one place to another will all differ.
How to travel together and still stay friends? By addressing conflicts head on!
It’s only natural that traveling with friends can sometimes lead to tensions. With jet lag, fatigue, being out of your comfort zone in a foreign country, and different personalities and tempers to contend with, it can be challenging to keep things in perspective. In fact, at some point during the trip, no matter the duration or destination, you’re likely to encounter a misunderstanding of some sort.
Keep the lines of communication open, show respect, and be open to different perspectives to get to the heart of the issue and find a quick solution so you can get back to the main task at hand: enjoying your dream destination with your travel companions!
Would you also like to travel solo? Check out our practical guide to travelling alone.
