5 things to agree on before going on holiday with friends
By Cynthia Lodite, September 24, 2026Going on holiday with friends can be a great way to relax, explore new places and create memories together. However, travelling as a group can also expose differences in spending habits, interests and expectations.
What one person considers an affordable getaway may feel expensive to another. Similarly, one friend may want a packed itinerary while another simply wants to sleep in and relax.
Discussing a few important things before the trip can help prevent unnecessary disagreements.
1. Agree on the budget
Money is one of the biggest things friends should discuss before travelling together.
Talk about how much everyone is comfortable spending on transport, accommodation, food, activities and other expenses. It is also important to agree on how shared costs will be divided.
Being clear about the budget early can prevent situations where one person feels pressured to spend more than they can afford.
2. Decide where you will stay
Friends may have different expectations when it comes to accommodation.
Some may prefer a hotel, while others may be comfortable with an Airbnb, hostel or guesthouse. Discuss the location, number of people sharing rooms and the type of accommodation everyone is comfortable with.
It is also worth agreeing on whether everyone will contribute equally or whether the cost will depend on the rooms or arrangements chosen.
3. Discuss the activities
Not everyone travels for the same reason. One person may want to visit tourist attractions, another may be interested in nightlife, while someone else may prefer a quiet day at the beach.
Before leaving, agree on the main activities and their costs. You do not necessarily have to do everything together. Friends can also give each other space to pursue different interests during the trip.
4. Set expectations about time
Some people like starting their day early, while others enjoy sleeping late when on holiday.
Discuss the general schedule before the trip, especially if you have planned activities that require everyone to arrive at a certain time. This can help avoid frustrations when one person repeatedly keeps others waiting.
At the same time, leave some room for flexibility because holidays do not always go exactly as planned.
5. Agree on how you will handle disagreements
Even close friends can disagree when travelling together.
Talk about how you will handle unexpected expenses, changes to plans or differences in opinion. Everyone should feel comfortable expressing their concerns without turning a small disagreement into a bigger conflict.
A good holiday is not necessarily one where everyone agrees on everything. It is one where friends can communicate, respect each other’s boundaries and make decisions that work for the group.
Discussing these issues before travelling can make the trip more enjoyable and help protect the friendships involved.