Etiquette experts reveal the ULTIMATE list of dos and don’ts for traveling with friends

The politics of a group vacation are always difficult to navigate.

Despite the excitement of going on a trip, there may be a small amount of anxiety lurking in the back of your mind.

Dozens of questions can pop up: does everyone get along, does that one stingy friend pay his fair share, or does someone’s partner clean up after themselves?

To avoid this group travel friction, FEMAIL enlisted the help of two etiquette experts Elaine Swann And Jackie Vernon Thompson to make your vacation as smooth as possible – without the risk of losing friends.

Is this the right trip for you? Questions to ask before agreeing to go on a group vacation

Before you even leave, Elaine, who is CEO of The Swann School of Protocoladvises people to consider a few things during the planning phase and the first is the budget.

“It’s important to consider the demographics and budget of the people you’ve invited,” she told DailyMail.com.

“My recommendation is to make sure that if you invite people of different incomes, you find something that is more of a happy medium. For example, try to avoid too many luxury experiences if you have people with a more modest budget.”

The second piece of advice Elaine has is to give people different options for each part of the vacation.

“You might say, ‘We’re going on this particular sightseeing excursion, this is it, but what would you all like – do you want the three hours or the four hours?’ This is where you have some control over it, but then give people options so that it feels like a collaborative effort.”

Other things to discuss include dietary preferences, how much activity is happening during the holidays, and who else is invited?

Jackie, CEO of From the Inside-Out School of Etiquettealso recommends finding out what’s expected of you money-wise and “fully understanding what’s required for the trip” when it comes to the dress code and what activities will be taking place.

She reminded people to have proper travel documents before starting your trip to avoid fear or disappointment on your part and that of the group.

“I remember traveling with a group from Florida to England and then to Paris. We arrived quickly in England. However, after a few days it was time to travel to Paris. One of our dear friends didn’t have the proper documents to continue the journey with us,’ Jackie explained.

She was forced to return to the United States alone. Some were in tears and just disappointed. She was definitely in tears. That reality left the group a bit dejected and confused about the whole ordeal.”

Keeping the Peace: Be a considerate roommate if you share a vacation home or room

Remember proper decorum, Elaine warns, and that includes “everything from what we hang out in the house to making love.”

Cleaning up after yourself is also “of the utmost importance,” she added, and making sure you leave a “small footprint” in shared spaces.

She said if you share the living room or the bathroom, keep your things together and clean up after yourself.

“Don’t be afraid to pick up something that needs to be done. Part of it is not only picking ourselves up, but being proud of where you live.

So if there’s someone who isn’t as tidy as you, don’t take a stand and create a silent war by saying I’m not running after that person, but instead provide a peaceful and pleasant environment.

“If you have to go the extra mile because someone doesn’t have to, then so be it.”

As for who gets to the bathroom first thing in the morning, Elaine advises people to “try to get into harmony with the household.”

For example, if everyone tends to get up at a certain time for breakfast, integrate it into your routine during the holidays, she said.

Another habit to avoid is “not taking up the time in the bathroom or the television.”

“Keep in mind you’re sharing this space, so the time needs to be shared as well,” Elaine added.

As for sharing the household expenses, “everyone should certainly bear his weight and pay his share.”

‘Find out in advance what is required of you. If nothing is set in stone, make some sort of sacrifice to participate equitably in the house,” Elaine said.

“For example, you could say, ‘You know what? We’ll arrange breakfast today… or lunch or dinner…’ Find out what kind of area you can contribute to if there’s nothing specific that’s been set aside. .

“You can contribute to the groceries or you can contribute by paying the cost of everyone’s meal for a certain portion of the stay.”

As for sharing a room, Jackie suggests discussing some ground rules with your intended roommate beforehand.

“Do they prefer the bed closest to the door or the window? Are they a night owl and someone who watches TV late into the night? Find out if they prefer to shower first or last? And don’t be shy about sharing your preferences, too,” she told DailyMail.com.

And if you happen to be staying with a stranger, the etiquette expert recommends reaching out to that person ahead of time and “building some kind of rapport prior to the event.”

“That way you’re not complete strangers to each other once you’re in the room,” Jackie said.

Also, be respectful of people’s time, Jackie added.

It’s not good etiquette to be late for a meeting or event while traveling with a group. It’s rude to keep everyone waiting for you over and over,” she said.

‘This situation [can leave] the group agitated, frustrated and sometimes disrespectful that you take their time for granted. Respect for each other’s time is very important.’

It’s a group holiday, but can you spend time alone? Yes, but it’s about balance

When you go on a group vacation, there is an expectation that you will be spending time with the people you are traveling with.

But it’s “acceptable” to get away or do something on your own, “every now and then, within reason,” Elaine said.

“You don’t want to go on this group vacation, say hello when you get there and then they won’t see you again until you get together to leave because that defeats the whole purpose of it.” So find a balance,” she added.

“For example, the group might decide they want to go on an ATV ride or an elephant ride, or something like that, and you just don’t have the desire to do that.

“If there’s something you either can’t afford or don’t want to do or maybe even too tired to do, stop doing it, but make sure you do your very best to reconnect with them in no time.” the group. short period of time.’

If you want to eat a few meals alone, always communicate this with your group, Jackie added.

“Discuss with the host if they expect you to dine with them for breakfast, lunch and dinner,” she said.

“If you like, share with the host that you can occasionally dine elsewhere a few times.”

“You don’t want to be a no-show leaving the host and other guests wondering where you are.” Informing the host prior to the experience is always proper etiquette.”

As for splitting the bill at meals, Jackie said if people are concerned, you need to have a meaningful conversation and voice your concerns.

And when it comes to a mix of singles and couples on vacation, Elaine reminds planners to make sure the activities they select can be done by both parties.

If the activity requires people to form pairs, make sure there are enough in the group to do so, she added.