There is nothing like the feeling you get when you travelling with a friend. But, group travels doesn't always go the way you would want it to. There can be many reasons for that. Differences in opinions, budget, comfort levels and what not. It is always better to have a certain idea of the likes and dislikes of your travel mates before leaving for the trip. Here are 9 questions you need to ask before traveling with friends.
1) Goals for the Trip?!
The travel goals are something you will never find on travel sites. It is something you have to decide for yourself, especially when there are two of you. Make it clear whether you are on the same page or not before planning a group trip. Learn if your friends want to explore the places and see the culture or just want it as a trip (with only major destinations on the lists!). It will give you a certain idea in what you want and help you decide the destinations mutually!
1) Goals for the Trip?!
The travel goals are something you will never find on travel sites. It is something you have to decide for yourself, especially when there are two of you. Make it clear whether you are on the same page or not before planning a group trip. Learn if your friends want to explore the places and see the culture or just want it as a trip (with only major destinations on the lists!). It will give you a certain idea in what you want and help you decide the destinations mutually!
2) Budget
Money can be a great problem if not handled properly, especially in group trips when it is usually divided among many people. Set your budget beforehand. Know the limit of expenditure, it will help everyone, especially those who wish to be frugal with money. And further, it will help in avoiding any kind of friction that may happen.
3) Level of Comfort
Make sure to include the factor in your Vacation Planner. If there are many people, there are high chances that differences may occur. The best would be understanding each other's level of comfort and come to a common point. Check if your friend is okay travelling in the bus like you do or if that has to be sorted. It will help in the smooth execution of trip.
Money can be a great problem if not handled properly, especially in group trips when it is usually divided among many people. Set your budget beforehand. Know the limit of expenditure, it will help everyone, especially those who wish to be frugal with money. And further, it will help in avoiding any kind of friction that may happen.
3) Level of Comfort
Make sure to include the factor in your Vacation Planner. If there are many people, there are high chances that differences may occur. The best would be understanding each other's level of comfort and come to a common point. Check if your friend is okay travelling in the bus like you do or if that has to be sorted. It will help in the smooth execution of trip.
4) Mutual Understanding
Just knowing each other is not enough. Efforts are needed if two people wish to finish the journey well. Anyone who is not ready to make some adjustment is not appropriate for group outings. Having an idea of that will let you pick good friends and better journey.
5) Luxury or Low Maintenance
Let's be honest, it is okay to have friends who are high maintenance but it is certainly not okay to travel with them especially if you are someone who likes to save a lot. Because then you would like to go for cheaper options. Better make things clear and see if both of you can adjust. If the answer is no, better pull off the journey places for shorter outings.
6) Nightlife or Quiet Life
Group trip planning is not easy when there is a dis balance in choices. It can be, of course, but since you are going in a group, better plan wisely and choose places that can be enjoyed by all. If your friends prefer nightlife scene, ensure that there is something else to do somewhere around for the others. Or better try both, it is always a good idea to try something different!
Just knowing each other is not enough. Efforts are needed if two people wish to finish the journey well. Anyone who is not ready to make some adjustment is not appropriate for group outings. Having an idea of that will let you pick good friends and better journey.
5) Luxury or Low Maintenance
Let's be honest, it is okay to have friends who are high maintenance but it is certainly not okay to travel with them especially if you are someone who likes to save a lot. Because then you would like to go for cheaper options. Better make things clear and see if both of you can adjust. If the answer is no, better pull off the journey places for shorter outings.
6) Nightlife or Quiet Life
Group trip planning is not easy when there is a dis balance in choices. It can be, of course, but since you are going in a group, better plan wisely and choose places that can be enjoyed by all. If your friends prefer nightlife scene, ensure that there is something else to do somewhere around for the others. Or better try both, it is always a good idea to try something different!
7) Time's Equation
There is always someone in the group who is late no matter when or where. At a time it can be inconvenient since group outings need mutual coordination. If there is someone like that, better talk it out with them. Or set the time accordingly!
8) The part contribution
If you wish to have a quiet and sound trip, an important question that must be asked is that if it is fair for everyone, or if there is someone who is doing more that what he should do. Try to avoid such situation. The part contribution of all is necessary so that all can return from the trip happily!
9) What makes all of you happy
Ultimately do things that make you all happy. If you are finding it hard to decide. Pick a place and ask every member to pick one attraction. In this way, all of you can have your fair share of happiness. Plus, what does it matter? Anywhere with friends is always fun!
There is always someone in the group who is late no matter when or where. At a time it can be inconvenient since group outings need mutual coordination. If there is someone like that, better talk it out with them. Or set the time accordingly!
8) The part contribution
If you wish to have a quiet and sound trip, an important question that must be asked is that if it is fair for everyone, or if there is someone who is doing more that what he should do. Try to avoid such situation. The part contribution of all is necessary so that all can return from the trip happily!
9) What makes all of you happy
Ultimately do things that make you all happy. If you are finding it hard to decide. Pick a place and ask every member to pick one attraction. In this way, all of you can have your fair share of happiness. Plus, what does it matter? Anywhere with friends is always fun!