Here are three red flags that indicate you and your friend should not go on vacation together, along with additional advice for group trips.
Planning a group trip with friends can be difficult, and the vacation itself can be just as challenging.
If you follow certain courtesies and have conversations beforehand, you can have a smooth group trip without damaging any friendships.
Here are three signs you and a friend shouldn't travel together.
1. You have different budgets
Elaine Glusac, author of The New York Times' Frugal Traveler column, emphasized that discussing smaller daily expenses, such as food and transportation, is equally important as larger costs, like accommodations and excursions, when it comes to travel planning, according to CNBC Make It.
"Would you be willing to allocate the budget differently for dining and entertainment?" she asks. "For instance, if you both want to see a Broadway show and one wants premium seats while the other is content with the back row, would you two be comfortable sitting separately?"
Travel reporter Victoria M. Walker informed CNBC Make It that food budgets are frequently overlooked until you're on the trip.
But, meal costs can quickly can add up.
""People often overlook the importance of food in their plans, resulting in surprise when they discover that a dinner is too expensive," Walker remarks."
According to a Bankrate survey, people spend an average of $58 per day on food while traveling, excluding alcohol, snacks, and tips. For a four-day trip, this amounts to a total of $232 if you don't consume cocktails, indulge in treats, or apply gratuity.
Discussing the number of expensive versus casual dinners beforehand can establish expectations and minimize conflicts.
2. One of you doesn't like solo activities
Discuss the pace at which you both like to travel.
Glusac says that if one person is always moving quickly and the other is slow, it creates a mismatch.
If both of you are comfortable doing some activities on your own, it might not be a deal breaker.
She suggests that you can agree to do things at a different rate and meet up later for a meal, but you should both be content on your own, which you should discuss beforehand.
When deciding whether or not to travel with someone, Walker considers whether they are okay with doing their own thing or if they expect to do everything together.
3. You're not interested in the same things
Ensure that your travel interests align with those of the person you plan to travel with by having open and truthful discussions about their travel motivations prior to the trip.
It's not ideal to discover that your friend doesn't enjoy museums or isn't interested in visiting the beach after you've already arrived at the destination.
"Glusac says, "I prefer traveling with friends who share my love for vacation time and exploring new cultures. Do you, too, have a thirst for adventure and a desire to see as much as possible in our limited time?""
More advice for group trips
To avoid damaging friendships when traveling be both flexible and communicative.
To ensure a smooth trip, travel experts recommend adhering to these three rules:
- If you cancel your plans last-minute, you should still pay for any pre-booked expenses, such as lodging, rental cars, and planned excursions, according to Lee Thompson, co-founder of Flash Pack.
- Establish reasonable deadlines for booking activities," Walker advises. "This ensures that everyone is aware of the commitment date and can plan accordingly.
- If you want to avoid setting unrealistic expectations, Walker advises that you should be mindful of budget constraints when planning trips. If you know someone is on a tight budget, you should not expect them to stay at a $3,000-a-night hotel. Instead, you should find a middle ground that works for both parties. If you're not willing to compromise on your preferences, consider traveling alone.
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