You love your friends. You also kind of want to strangle them sometimes. Especially when you’re three days into a group trip, one person’s still “getting ready,” someone else has gone rogue with the itinerary, and no one can agree on where to eat. If you’ve ever wanted to launch yourself off a scenic cliff mid-vacation — this unstumbled guide is for you.
Group trips can be magical. Or they can turn into passive-aggressive Hunger Games. Here’s how to vacay with the gang and still stay in the group chat after.
Choose Your Travel Crew Like You Choose Your Favourite Meme Format
Just because you vibe over reels doesn’t mean you’ll vibe over a shared Airbnb. Pick people with similar travel energy: Are they “wake up at 6 AM for a sunrise trek” or “don’t talk to me until I’ve had coffee at noon”? If the whole group is on the same page (or at least in the same book), the chaos is much more bearable.
Bonus red flag: Anyone who says “Let’s just wing it” has never planned anything in their life.
Democracy Is Dead. Appoint A Benevolent Itinerary Dictator
Everyone’s got an opinion, but decision fatigue on vacation is real. Nominate one person (ideally Type A, thrives on Google Sheets) to make bookings, set timelines, and gently herd the group like well-dressed sheep.
That way, the rest can chill without having to debate every meal like it’s a UN resolution.
Group Expenses? There’s An App For That. Use It. Religiously.
Nothing ruins a friendship faster than “Wait, didn’t I pay for that cab?” vibes. Use Splitwise or Settle Up from Day 1. Make peace with the fact that everything won’t be perfectly equal — but transparency saves you from awkward post-trip Excel wars.
Pro tip: Avoid IOUs (I owe you) longer than a menu at Social. Settle as you go.
Build In Solo Time. Yes, Even On A Group Trip
Love your friends. Still need a break from them. Whether it’s a solo sunset walk, an afternoon nap, or just zoning out at a café with headphones, create little windows to recharge. No one’s judging — introvert or not, everyone needs some peace between the group banter.
Pick Your Battles. Not Every Hill Is Worth Dying On (Even If It Has A Great View)
You’ll disagree. It’s inevitable. But do you really need to fight over which waterfall to visit? Channel your inner chill and let the little things go. Save your assertiveness for the big stuff, like no, we are NOT skipping the food stop.
Hot take: “Where do you want to eat?” is a trap. Nominate one foodie to decide. Rotate if needed.
Be Real About Budgets — Not Everyone Has ‘Soft Girl Summer in Santorini’ Money
Some want boutique stays, some are chill with bunk beds. Before the trip, talk budgets like adults — what’s the max per day? What kind of food spots? Don’t make anyone feel broke or bougie.
Zillennial motto: Romanticize life, but also romanticize budgeting.
The Group Chat Never Dies. Use It Wisely.
Before the trip: Planning.
During the trip: Live coordination.
After the trip: Meme drops and “take me back” spam.
Keep all the info in one place, respect boundaries (don’t spam at 3 AM unless you’re lost), and use polls to vote. Because nothing screams mature friendship like choosing between paragliding and sleeping in via emoji.
Summing Up
Group trips can be the ultimate core memory or a fast track to the blocked list — it all depends on how you handle the chaos. The key? Choose your travel buddies wisely, plan just enough, communicate clearly, and let the small stuff slide. Not every moment will be picture-perfect, but the laughs, late-night chats, and shared “what just happened?” moments make it all worth it. With the right mindset, you’ll return home with stronger friendships — and way better stories.
