Top Tips for Planning a Vacation With Friends
There’s nothing quite like traveling with your best friends, but planning a group trip can come with its challenges. From coordinating budgets to managing different travel styles, it helps to get on the same page early to keep the experience fun and stress-free. At Pack Up + Go, we love helping groups take the guesswork out of trip planning so they can focus on the fun. If you're thinking about booking a surprise getaway with friends, here are our top five tips to make the experience even smoother:
1. Align on a Budget Early
Before you even start filling out your Pack Up + Go pre-trip survey, talk as a group about how much you’re comfortable spending. Everyone has different budgets, and it’s much easier to manage expectations when you’re aligned upfront. Whether you're dreaming of a road trip, a surprise plane trip, or a cozy outdoors getaway, our trips can be tailored to different price points, but making sure you and your crew are all on the same page will make everyone’s lives easier!
2. Complete the Pre-Trip Survey Together
Our pre-trip survey is where we learn all about your group: what you love to do, what trips you’ve taken recently, and what you’re looking to do on this trip. Filling it out together is one of the best ways to make sure everyone’s voice is heard. Does your group love trying local restaurants? Want to avoid cold weather? Need a trip that includes plenty of relaxation time? Include it all. The more information we have, the better suited to your specific interests your trip will be!
3. Get Clear on Daily Schedules + Energy Levels
Not everyone travels the same way, and that’s totally okay. Some people like to be up with the sun and get in a hike before breakfast. Others are more into sleeping in and finding the best brunch spot. Before your trip, talk openly about what kind of daily pace everyone is hoping for. Our hot take? You don’t have to do everything together! Allow for some flexibility so people can enjoy the trip at their own speed without any pressure.
4. Respect Each Other’s Travel Styles
Some people like to plan every hour, while others prefer to wander and see where the day leads. Some need downtime in the afternoon, and others thrive on nonstop adventure. There’s no “right” way to travel, but it helps to understand and respect each other’s preferences prior to taking a trip with friends. Creating a space where everyone feels seen and heard makes for a better group dynamic - and a more memorable trip for all!
5. Make a Shared Photo Album
One of the best parts of a group trip is reliving the memories afterward. Create a shared photo album (on Google Photos, a shared album on iPhones, or wherever your group likes to share pics) so everyone can contribute their favorite moments. It’s a simple way to make sure no hilarious selfie or scenic snapshot gets lost in the group text.
Group travel can be one of the best ways to reconnect with friends, and with Pack Up + Go handling the logistics, all you have to do is show up and enjoy the ride. A little communication before takeoff can go a long way in making your surprise trip smooth, joyful, and full of unforgettable memories.