The good old American road trip is something most friend groups plan at least once in their lives. Other than the chance to get out and see more than your local city, it’s a chance to spend time with your buddies and simply enjoy each other’s company.
Most of us have work and college to deal with. Therefore, it’s usually the weekend that we can capitalize on.
With everyone working and busy with their schedules, they may leave planning the getaway till it’s time to leave. Therefore, we are here to help you with just that and list a few tips you can consider when heading out of the city.
These are custom-made for a group and for a short time, like a weekend getaway or long weekend trip. Therefore, please read the article till the end, so you understand what to expect on the trip and how to get the most out of it.
Here are five tips for planning the best weekend getaway with your buddies.
Book your accommodation in advance
First, make sure you’ve got your boarding and lodging sorted before heading out on a weekend getaway. Especially if you plan on heading out during travel season, finding a place to stay isn’t easy; therefore, you may want to do this well in advance.
If you find yourself heading towards the Volunteer State, Tennessee, consider visiting Gatlinburg for a truly memorable experience. Not only are they some of the most majestic mountain ranges in the country, but booking one of the best cabin rentals in Gatlinburg TN will be a welcome experience for the entire group.
Book the best ones, and make sure you do your research! There is no better way to experience the mountains with your group than by living authentically in some of the rustic cabins the place offers.
This applies to anywhere you plan on traveling. Find a place that suits you best (even if it’s over budget) and book your reservations in advance. The later you leave it, the more issues you will have, creating unnecessary stress within the group.
Do something that you all enjoy
Doing something the majority enjoys but some people don’t will create a small rift in the group. Therefore, plan your experiences in advance and decide what works best for everyone.
Leaving people out can dishearten some members, so it would be best to make everyone feel included.
Plus, there are tons of things everyone can agree on. Let’s take the example of Gatlinburg again; hiking, white water rafting, and simply being around nature are some activities everyone can enjoy.
Talk about the finances first
Another major bone of contention is the financial issue and how much each person contributes. Not only is this a major issue towards the end (if you don’t discuss it prior), but it can also cause some lasting grudges. We suggest you guys keep general costs in mind and budget accordingly even before you set out.
Please discuss money openly, try and divide things equally and create realistic reimbursement expectations for everyone. It’s entirely understandable that some members can’t pay the entire amount. Therefore, please discuss that prior and find a solution where all of you can be on one page.
Other than simply dividing the money, please keep inflation costs in mind. You don’t want to head out and get slapped with an inflated bill after lunch because the prices took you off guard. You need to have a fair idea of the average cost of goods and services wherever you are going and budget accordingly.
Workout
There is no better way to keep yourself motivated than by exercising with your friends. You may think, ‘oh, it’s just for the weekend,’ but this is a good starting point to build on something together. Once you head back to the city, you can continue working out together and make it a part of your life.
Moreover, doing so while on vacation is a great way to bond and spend time with each other.
Consider hiking, playing ball, or doing other activities that can count as a small workout.
If you wanted a weekend to relax, you might have wanted to travel with your family instead. That way, you could have rested as much as you wanted. However, if you are with a friend group, chances are they won’t let you rest and will keep you on your toes the entire time. That’s part of the charm.
Find the best travel arrangement
We all want a road trip, but that’s not always possible. If you plan to travel across the country, flying there would be wiser and more cost-effective than driving the entire length. Plus, if you only have a weekend, you will lose out on too much time In between.
It would be wise to either find a travel agent for a quick consultation or do some in-depth research and get things done yourself. Flying seems like the best option and doesn’t waste anyone’s time. Therefore, depending on what part of the country you live in, consider that.
Moreover, you may come across a few travel discounts that could favor you. Also, don’t fly first class; there really isn’t any need for that. It’s a short flight; take whatever seats you can get and look forward to the destination ahead.
Conclusion
We hope these tips help you plan a perfect weekend getaway with your buddies. These tips may not apply to everyone, but generally, these are things you can consider when traveling in a group.
It’s important to be transparent with your friends before heading out and engaging in the trip. Remember that this is a time for you all to spend together and bond. Try not to let petty disagreements get in your way because they usually do come up.
The pandemic is passing, you have a break, and your best friends are around you. Enjoy every moment!
