Read this to ensure you guys remain friends (or friendly) after the trip. Planning a trip with a friend or partner, especially if it’s your first one away from the family can get exciting. Don’t take anything for granted though – even if you both have been friends for practically forever. Being together 24/7 and in such close quarters may reveal more than what you or your friend/s bargained for, which may in turn cause conflict. Here, ways to prevent that from happening.
1. Money talk
Know where you each stand on spending habits and the general budget for the trip. Some may prefer to spend more on food and shopping, while others would rather splurge on activities and adventure. Discuss also, how you both want to split the cost – whether you want to put a sum of money together in a common fund, or calculate everything down to the dollar.
For instance, flight tickets and accommodation can get expensive. So head to a price comparison site to suss out the best rates. By using the merewards app, you will always get the best travel deals for your hotels and flights bookings plus cashback.
2. Plan an itinerary before you go
Make a list of things you both want to do and see and work out a rough schedule for the trip. You don’t have to follow everything by the minute, but arrange one or two anchor activities per day, so you know where you’re headed to. An itinerary will also help you both understand your interests, and maximise your stay in your destination.
3. Don’t insist on sticking together at every step of the way
If you both have different things you want to do and see, spend some time apart and arrange for a time and place to meet back. This way, both parties are able to complete their individual checklists.
4. Know your daily habits
Are you an early-to-bed, early-to-rise person, or do you gravitate towards overnight parties, and coming home hungover at the break of dawn? This is something you should discuss with your travel partner, and help you plan a realistic itinerary that suits both of you.
5. Communicate
If there are issues between both of you, make sure you communicate openly and calmly. Enjoying it is key and don’t let arguments dampen the mood. Plus, if it’s a small matter, be flexible about it, and try and learn to let it go.