The summer is approaching and you and your mates have just booked the last flight to round out the two-week excursion you’re about to embark on. Everything has been packed, goodbyes have been said, you’ve landed in Europe, and now… the chaos commences. One third of your group says you should rent a car, another third says you should grab a taxi, a couple people think public transportation is the best option, and of course, there’s that one person who claims the hour long walk with all your luggage “isn’t that bad”. Don’t worry, traveling with a large group of your pals isn’t terrible, it can actually be the perfect recipe for an unforgettable experience. We like to consider ourselves experts when it comes to traveling with some great mates, so we’ve come together to provide some of the best tips out there that will help you chill out a bit and not want to strangle your mate.
Don’t be in charge. Everyone will end up hating you
A little guidance here and there is great, really. We all need it at some point in our lives, especially when we’ve had a bit too much to drink and your pal knows how to get you home. But, when traveling with large groups of people, you don’t want to be that person who can’t get off their high horse of knowledge and guidance. Just because your friend’s ex-boyfriend’s cousin has been to Barcelona twice in his life, doesn’t make you an expert on the city. So chill the fuck out. Listen up to what others have in mind and be open to new direction.
Don’t stick to a tight schedule
In most cases, things don’t always go as planned. Shit goes left and plans get screwed. But that’s okay, that’s the fun part of traveling. If you plan out your entire day, you’re going to constantly be stressing about reservations and times and getting all your mates to the next stop. Chances are you won’t make it to every stop on your list. Plan out the important stuff, and whatever happens in between happens. Be open-minded and get a little lost.
Don’t be afraid to branch off
You’ve come all the way to Barcelona and all you’ve ever wanted to do was see Park Güell. You’ve been dying to have your very own Cheetah Girl moment and now is your chance, it’s your time to shine. But the rest of the group thinks that’s lame and have something else planned… just leave. You can do it. You are allowed to break off from the group to do your own thing. You’re already spending most of your waking moments with these people, it will be okay to just part ways for a bit to see what you want to see. Try having a set time to meet back up with everyone again, it’ll save you hopping in and out of shops asking for the wifi password to check in with them.
You’re going to get fucken annoyed
And that’s okay. It happens to the best of us. Whether we’re traveling with our dearest friends or people we’ve only known for a few days. Just don’t let it ruin your trip. If it’s not a life or death situation, sometimes it’s best if you just go with the flow. It’ll save you a lot of side eyes, trash talking (that you obviously don’t mean), and stress. Chill the fuck out.
You’ve got to learn to laugh
A very underrated but essential part of any trip. You’re going to want to flip out at times, maybe even punch a mate in the face, but just try and laugh it off. There will be times when you’re about to miss your flight because two of your mates are too intoxicated to find their way to the airport or you’ve got to go searching for your friend in parking lots because it’s their favorite place to curl up in a corner. Just laugh it out, baby. Make the most of it.
The big takeaway from this is to just go with the flow, although easier said than done. Don’t let the little stuff get to you and learn to laugh when you’ve just about given up on everyone in your group. It’ll be a good time, we promise.
Don’t have a large group to test out our tips? Grab yourself a Stoke Travel Passport and join our group on at least four trips throughout the summer. If you’re looking for more practical information, head on over to our Backpackers’ Guide!
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