Group travel without arguments: the guide to staying friends

A group trip can be the best memory of your life or a source of tension, depending on how you handle it. The more of you there are, the more rhythms and desires differ. The key is talking about it before you leave rather than discovering disagreements on site.

Setting the ground rules

Talk about budget, pace and each person's wishes before departure. Some want to see everything, others want to laze around: the idea is to find a balance that suits all. Accept too that each person can do their own thing without offending anyone.

Handling money without headaches

Money is the number one cause of group arguments. Set up a common pot for shared expenses and keep a simple record of who paid what. Settling up regularly rather than at the end avoids nasty surprises.

At its core, good group travel relies on communication and a bit of flexibility. If everyone gives a little ground, everyone enjoys more. You'll come back with shared memories and the urge to travel together again.