Behind all the creative group photos and fun Instagram stories in every barkada trip are internal disasters that happened in between. From splitting the bill to waking up at a specific time, miscommunications are inevitable, and they’re generally okay… until they start to ruin the trip. And friendships.
While traveling is not all about IG-worthy selfies or perfect Instagram shots, it’s not supposed to be a disaster either. Before you plan for your next trip with the squad, save your friendship by knowing these:
Tip # 1: Choose your travel friends wisely
Rule number one: not all your friends are good travel mates. Yup, compatibility is a huge factor even in travel. Make sure your companions are compatible with your travel style, or at least know how to compromise. Pick people who you can be yourself with, because when things go south, you know you’ll be able to handle them.
Tip # 2: Not everything needs to be a group activity
We don’t all have the same interests. When going to the beach for example, one wants to go surfing, while the other one just wants to read a book by the beach. It’s important to give each other room to breathe, and you can always reunite for a drink in the evening, or a group breakfast the morning after.
Tip # 3: Patience, patience, patience
Misunderstandings are inevitable during travel, from paying the hotel fee to deciding on the next activity. With this, it’s important to remember that patience is key, and miscommunications can actually ruin your vacation.
Tip # 4: Take lots of photos, but remember to live in the moment
Group photos are always a must for a barkada trip, and they have to be very creative for the ‘gram. But there are some people who find taking too much photos annoying, or even tiring. Remember: not all activities need to be documented, and by the end of the trip, the stories worth telling are the ones that you didn’t catch in the camera.
Tip # 5: Set a budget limit for everything
Money talks are big factors in travel decisions, so it’s essential that you settle this first after deciding on where to go. Agree on a budget for everything—from food to hotel—and split them equally among everyone. When ordering food, make sure to set a limit that the whole group can afford, unless you’re buying separate meals per individual.
Tip # 6: Give everyone assignments
While this may sound like a school project set-up, you’ll be surprised how smooth things will go when everyone is in-charge of something. One person cannot be assigned for handling the expenses and cooking the food at the same time; equal distribution of work also applies in travel!
Tip # 7: Create an itinerary, but it’s okay if it doesn’t get followed all the time
So you guys agreed on a detailed itinerary for the trip. Chances are, some of these won’t happen exactly the way you planned them, or even completely at all. That restaurant you’ve been wanting to try may be closed, or the weather isn’t being cooperative. In times like these, remember to have a back-up plan or be open to changes. Remember, being cranky doesn’t help.
Tip # 8: Set ground rules
Ever experienced having a friend bring someone he just met to your room, and others are not up for it? Make sure you set ground rules before even hitting the road! Just like other relationships, be open about what you want and make compromises with your travel mates. You might not agree to all, but at least no friendships are sacrificed.
What are your rules when traveling with friends? Sound off in the comments section below!
