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We love traveling with friends and family, and have learned a few important rules to live by. If you’re thinking of traveling with a group, read up!

1. Communication is muy importante.

Clear and consistent communication can stop arguments before they begin. Do you have opinions? Speak up! Is there something you actively dislike? Say it sooner rather than later.

Be bold about things that are close to your stomach and your heart.

Travel is fleeting, so it’s better for everyone if it’s enjoyable!

For example, Britton has a pretty strict meal-time schedule to ward off migraines. It’s easy to agree that Britton-Without-A-Migrane is much preferred to Britton-With-A-Migrane. As long as he’s up front about it, we can all plan for it. The flip side is, if the entire group is going in a direction which might conflict with this schedule — Britton needs to be responsible for Britton and plan ahead.

Similarly, if your satisfaction with entire trip revolves around a very specific activity or meal (or anything!), YOU need to make plans for it. Speak up and offer to plan it so you won’t miss it.

2. Plan some alone time.

What if no one else wants to do your favourite thing? Go anyway. Nothing helps keep conversations fresh like a bit of time away from each other! You should feel comfortable saying to the group that you’re going off on your own. Heck, you can even specify if you’d prefer to go alone!

Especially if the trip is long – I’d say more than a long weekend – it’s important to communicate if you’re going to need some time without the rest of the group. Introverts need to recharge, and extroverts need something to talk about when the group comes together again! A bit of time apart is a great way to reinvigorate the group (and possibly put out any tiny fires that may have started).

3. Set expectations

Is this trip about food for you? Do you prefer to stroll boulevards or power-walk through museums? What’s the goal of this trip anyway? So long as everyone is on the same page, no one should be too surprised when you’ve only planned your reading list for a beach vacay, or when you’ve shared a 30-minute increment Google spreadsheet for a city break.

And if they aren’t cool with it — they should read rule #1, and speak up!

Similarly, if you’re a person who’s happy to go with the flow it’s important to voice that, too, and to what degree. If there’s a serious planner among you, they’re going to lose their shit if you suddenly pop up with opinions and ideas after they’ve done hours of research. (Not that I would know about that … from either side … 🙄)

4. Ask the host about hot water. I’m serious.

I’ve had some rough mornings because the hot water didn’t last through multiple showers. And, on occasion, just through Britton’s shower. If it’s sounding like you’ve got a small hot water tank on your hands, it’s time to discuss who can shower at night, and who needs to have a timer set. Everyone will be easier to live with if they’re comfortable in the skin they’re in.

What has helped you on trips? This post will be updated as we travel and learn!