Traveling with friends may seem like a great idea, but if you’ve ever done it before, you know that it can quickly turn ugly. One minute you’re looking at a beautiful sunset over the colorful river houses, enjoying the sound of the wind, and the ripples, and the next minute, your friend asks, “When are we going to the shoe store on the corner?”
Trips with friends can end in fights, but they don’t have to. Here are some tips for traveling together with your friends and remaining friends way after the trip is over.
To begin with, everyone should understand exactly where they are going so that there are no problems or false expectations. For example, if you flew to an old city center where all the hotels are in classic restored buildings with wooden windows and limited public space, but one of your friends fantasized about a hotel with a huge space and a water park, you can avoid this situation altogether by letting them know your plans ahead of time.
Compare physical fitness abilities. Not everyone can or wants to walk eight hours a day, on the streets of a big city or mountain trails. The larger the group, the greater the variability in physical fitness. Make sure you plan stops for adequate rest, preferably off course at points with a local restaurant or cafe.