Big friend groups have major pros and cons. With a big squad, there’s always someone to lean on- but always a bit of drama too!
In this post, you’ll learn some of my best tips for getting a big friend group together and bonding through a group getaway. Plus (because we all know getting everyone on board is the hardest part of friend group travel), I’ll share a few ways you can make sure everyone in your group will show up.
Tips for Planning a Friend Group Trip
Choose a destination that has something for everyone
When choosing a destination for your big friend group trip, it’s important to pick somewhere that has something for everyone. That way, no one feels left out or like they’re not getting what they want from the trip.
For example, if you’re traveling with a group of friends, you might want to choose a destination with a mix of activities and relaxation. That way, everyone can find something to do that they enjoy.
If you’re traveling with friends and their kids, consider a place with kid-friendly activities and things for adults to do. The whole big group can enjoy the vacation without anyone getting bored.
Make sure everyone is on the same page about the budget
Before you start planning anything, have conversations with the entire friend group. Make sure everyone is on the same page about the budget.
Otherwise, friends earning less than others in the group might not be able to come.
Start by having quiet one-on-one discussions about what everyone is comfortable spending. Then, each person can decide whether they want to contribute more or less to the budget.
It may be best to follow up on these conversations 1 on 1. Some people in your friend group might not be comfortable admitting money is tight or that they don’t have enough to join the group on vacation.
Be sure to be clear about when you’ll need money for flights and hotel rooms. If someone in your big friend group needs time to save up for their portion of the trip, make sure that you know about it well before you need to make any bookings. That will help save you both some stress.
Focus on convenience over cost when booking travel arrangements
When you’re putting together a trip for a big friend group, avoid focusing on cost at first. Instead, look for convenient flights and hotels for everyone in your group.
The same goes for hotels. If you’re traveling with young children or elderly relatives, it might be worth it to pay a bit more for a hotel that’s closer to your activities.
With group travel, there’s enough stress getting everyone together- make it easy and see your bookings work out better.
Consider booking a guided group tour for adults– they’re perfect for big friend groups because you can book out an entire departure date for your group.
Make a list of activities that everyone can enjoy
Once you’ve chosen your destination, it’s time to start planning some activities! Again, it’s essential to focus on things that everyone in your group will enjoy.
If you’re traveling with adults, look for relaxing activities that still offer a bit of excitement. For example, you might consider going on a wine tour or taking a cooking class. If you’re traveling with other families with kids, look for activities that are both fun and educational. That way, they can learn something new while still having a great time.
Plan some meals together but still allow for some alone time
One of the best parts of vacation is trying out new restaurants and foods. But, when you’re traveling with a big friend group, it can be tough to agree on where to eat.
A great compromise is to plan some meals together but still allow for some alone time. For example, you might want to make reservations for a group dinner one night and then let everyone explore on their own for lunch the next day. This is especially good for friend groups that include couples. With lunches together and dinners alone, this type of friend group travel can balance the group’s needs with couples’ desires for privacy and romance on vacation.
Another option is to find a place with a buffet or build-your-own meal options. That way, everyone can find something they like, and no one has to miss out on their favorite dish.
Don’t forget about transportation.
When planning a group vacation, transportation requires planning up front. After all, you’ll need to get around whether you’re going from the airport to your hotel or from neighborhood to neighborhood.
If you’re traveling with kids, look for accessible transportation options for them to use. For example, renting a car with a GPS might be a better idea than using public transportation or taxis. They won’t have to worry about losing the group or getting confused by directions.
And don’t forget about all your group’s luggage. An uber that fits 6 people works great… until you realize 6 people + luggage need lots more room!
Don’t make your enjoyment dependent on the group
Finally, even with all of the planning involved in a big group vacation, it’s essential to enjoy yourself! Try not to worry too much about making everything perfect or staying on schedule.
Instead, focus on each moment and make sure you’re having fun. That way, everyone else will be able to relax and have a great time. When you prioritize your trip, you’ll return back home with positive memories that your bg friend group can share for years to come!
WHY A BIG GROUP VACATION IS MORE FUN
👩🏼🦰🧔🏿👨🏽👩🏻🦱 Strength in numbers
When you’re on vacation with a group, you always have someone to rely on. Whether you need help carrying your luggage or directions to the nearest restaurant, there’s always someone to help. And if you get lost, there’s always someone there to help you find your way back.
💰 Shared costs
Vacations can be expensive, but when you’re in a group, you can split the cost of things like hotels, transportation, and activities. That way, everyone saves money, and no one has to worry about going over budget.
⛱️ group fun
When you’re in a group, there’s always someone around to have fun with. Whether you’re exploring a new city or just relaxing on the beach, you’ll always have someone to enjoy the experience with.
🦑🍴 New opportunities
If you’re traveling with a big group, it’s the perfect opportunity to try new things. Whether it’s trying fresh food or going on an adventure, you’ll be able to step out of your comfort zone and explore something new together.
😊💭 Group bonding and memories
One of the best parts about taking a group vacation is coming home with unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. From shared stories to inside jokes, you’ll create bonds with the people in your group that will last long after the trip is over.
Final thoughts on planning a vacation for a big friend group
Planning a group vacation can be tricky, but it’s doable. Just focus on things that everyone in your group will enjoy, and don’t forget about transportation. And most importantly, try not to stress too much and have fun.
Lynli Roman’s unique approach to travel is informed by decades of experience on the road with a traveling family and, later, years spent as a solo international traveler. When she’s not writing about Seattle from her Pike Place Market apartment, Lynli writes on-location while conducting hands-on research in each destination she covers. Lynli’s writing has been featured by MSN, ABC Money, Buzzfeed, and Huffington Post. She is passionate about sharing information that makes travel more accessible for all bodies.