THERE is a particular magic in travelling with friends, a potent mix of late-night laughter, shared discoveries and bonding over blunders that become the stuff of group chat legend. We know the Instagram photos scream effortless fun but the planning often tells a messier story. Different tastes and wildly varied travel styles can quickly turn dream holidays into logistical nightmares. Here is the ultimate guide to planning a friends’ trip that keeps everyone happy and actually makes you want to do it all over again.
Start with group chat
The planning begins where all
modern friendship moments start – group chat. Set one up early, whether it is on WhatsApp or Telegram. Use it to bounce around initial ideas such as where to go, when to travel and what kind of trip everyone is in the mood for. But the key is not to let it become a black hole of indecision. Set clear deadlines for decisions and appoint a couple of people to act as the main organisers. Think of them as your “trip captains”.
Choose your destination wisely
Destination is the single biggest factor for your trip’s success. A beach break might be heaven for some but boring for others. A city break can be thrilling, but only if everyone is happy to spend hours on their feet. Aiming for balance is important – choose somewhere that offers a variety of experiences such as sun, culture, nightlife and downtime. And make sure it fits everyone’s budget. Hidden costs can kill the vibe before the first cocktail is
even poured.
