When you travel on your own, you are the only person responsible for all decisions. You get to decide where to go, what to do, the places to visit and the kinds of meals you want to try out. However, all these changes when friends are involved in the process, especially when there is more than one friend.
Everyone has various opinions, making the entire process harder since travel destinations, food choices, preferences, and interests differ. While some friends might have visited many places before, others might not have left the countryside before.
As a result, one needs optimum planning to come to a decision that works for everyone. With this, you reduce the tendency of argument, minimize stress and preserve your friendship.
Traveling with friends allows you to see other sides of others. Such a joint trip will enable you to discover things about each other since you are in each other’s company for most of the day. Besides, navigating unfamiliar territory can expose the unknown side of people.
Ultimately, a foolproof plan can take care of significant uncertainties and set you on the path to success. This article explores five tips to plan a stress-free journey with friends.
1. Plan Well in Advance
Even if you are traveling solo, you must have started planning way before your trip. However, with many people involved, it is essential to commence planning as soon as you can. The more the team members, the longer or slower it takes to prepare. The good news is that if you want a cheap flight, you need to act fast. Look for flights as early as possible, and if you can, book as early as six months in advance for the best fare. This is helpful for people traveling over peak seasons.
You might not necessarily travel by flight. Make sure to plan for the vehicle well in advance, be it a van or an RV. Get a customizable roof rack to fit your kayak, canoe, and other oversized items you might need on the trip.
2. Have a Leader
Make sure to select someone that is organized, and familiar with the territory you are navigating in terms of routes and language. Such a person should be articulate and responsible. You can have two leaders based on the size of the group.
While all decisions are a joint responsibility of the entire group, the leader seals it while considering everyone’s interest. Such a person should also assign a task that matches everyone’s strengths. For instance, who brings what, who will be in charge of heavy lifting, who makes hotel reservations, and many other essential decisions.
The group should select the leader well before the journey, as the responsibility starts even before you head out.
3. Have a Budget
The entire crew members need to be on the same page concerning the budget. Chances are everyone has a different budget, and all members have what they are willing to spend. As a result, having a total budget structured for the trip is a good idea.
This process will guide all further planning stages as a budget of $2000 will make your trip fun compared to a budget of $1000. However, you can be smart, take advantage of deals, coupons, and discounts, and even enjoy low-budget travel.
In preparing your budget as well, make sure to leave a chance for excesses. In other words, there could be a possibility of going above your budget by a few hundred dollars. Factor this into your preparation to avoid surprises down the line.
4. Take Advantage of Group Discounts
Group trips and vacations can be incredibly cheaper than traveling solo. The opportunity to split the bill across the team and take advantage of group discounts can significantly cut costs.
You will likely pay less when you book movies, restaurants, theatres, etc., in a group as there could be special incentives and discounts for groups. Some eateries might have a free meal for every five people. Some might offer discounts after spending up to a particular amount.
Booking in advance also allows you to enjoy a discount, especially for groups, after the people onboard get to a particular number.
5. Pick Your Destination
Besides finance, deciding on a destination that works for everyone might be another hurdle to cross. You need to choose a destination that everyone is happy with without overshooting your budget.
Simply get everyone to write their top destination on paper. Compare everyone’s request and look for common grounds. When there is none, consider the common factors. Did the majority choose a beachy destination or places full of mountains? With such, you can narrow your choices down.
Another option is to consider the flight ticket and wherever leads you to get the best deal. The team might have Hawaii in might, but a nonstop flight to the Caribbean could pop up for a better deal.
For friends coming from various locations, make sure to consider a realistic destination for everyone. The number of days you will spend on the trip should also guide your choice. Shop online to find the best price on anything you might need for the destination you choose, whether you’re looking for a new suitcase or the best one-piece swimsuits, it helps to save on the small stuff.
Conclusion
Going on a trip can be tedious, especially when it involves more than one person. However, you can do away with the stress by making adequate plans. This article explores five methods by which one can have a stress-free journey on a group trip.