We all know that traveling solo is no easy feat, let alone traveling with your friends. It’s hard enough to gather everyone for a simple dinner, what more if you’re planning to go on a 3-day beach trip with the whole gang? Just thinking about it makes you want to rip your hair out.
Since there are many of you, there will be a lot of things to consider when planning a big group trip. Deciding on your destination or budget could turn into a full-blown disaster when not properly accounted for. To give you an idea, here are some factors that we usually overlook when it comes to traveling with your buddies. Here’s to hoping that you’ll be able to avoid them on your next getaway.
1. Not setting a fixed date
We wish that all members of the clique will be able to come to the trip. But since we’re all busy with our own jobs and families, it’s hard to commit knowing that our schedule isn’t always certain. It’s best to have everyone agree on a fixed date for your vacation so you can finalize the list of your friends who’ll be able to attend. If there’s already a specific date for your trip, then all other arrangements should come smoothly.
2. Only one person is planning for the whole group
We all have than one friend considered as the “Mom” or the “Dad” of the group who acts as the decision-maker since we’re all too lazy to convene amongst each other. While this works with quick decisions like choosing the restaurant for a get-together dinner or picking the film for a movie night, planning a trip is a totally different thing. Everyone has varied likes and expectations, and your designated decision-maker would probably be out of his wits while trying to figure out every single one of them. So spare him the headache and do your planning as a group. That way, everyone will have a say when it comes to deciding.
3. Arranging for transportation and accommodation at the last minute
The long weekend is just around the corner, and everyone’s already excited about the trip since they’re banking on it as a reward after weeks of doing nothing but work. You already have an itinerary ready, but what about the transportation and lodging? You figured you could do it at the last minute since there are a lot of options available out there, and you thought booking late will save you money. Alas, other groups had the same idea as yours because everything has been fully booked on the day of your trip. Remember to always consider and finalize transportation and accommodation first when planning trips: competition can be really tight for last-minute deals.
4. Not setting a flexible itinerary
So your itinerary has been set. On the first day of your trip to the beach, you’ll go island hopping. But that morning, it began to rain and the boatmen told you and your group that it’s dangerous to sail with that kind of weather. Doing research about your destination would work wonders for your trip. Before you hop on your flight, make sure you always have a Plan B ready in case unavoidable events like weather changes mess up your schedule. We’re sure the last thing you want to happen is to get stuck inside your rooms and play UNO cards all day.
5. Not setting a flexible budget
With many of you chipping in for the expenses, a trip with your friends can undoubtedly become cheaper. But prices of commodities don’t always stay the same so don’t bring just the right amount of moolah, especially during the peak season. Like with all kinds of trips, always bring extra money in case you suddenly find yourself short.
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