It’s that time of year when the weather’s perfect and you have a ton of free time to do whatever you want. Yes, we are talking about summer break. And what better way to make the most of it than planning an epic getaway with your friends?
Whether you’re dreaming of beach days or city adventures, a trip with your favorite people is hands-down one of the best ways to soak up the season.
However, group trips can go from fun to frustrating quickly if no one’s on the same page. That is why a little planning is a must. You don’t need to micromanage every second. But getting the basics down can seriously save you from the group chat chaos.
Here are a few tips to help you plan a getaway that is fun, chill, and full of memories.
#1 Settle on a Vibe
Before you even think about destinations or start throwing out Airbnb links, pause. What’s the vibe of this trip—decide that first. This guides every other decision.
What does your ultimate escape look like: beach relaxation, city exploration, mountain hikes, or a road trip? Everyone might have a different idea, so it’s important to talk about it early.
Hop on a quick group call or throw a poll in the chat. Make sure everyone’s expectations line up.
Picking a destination like New Orleans isn’t enough. You need to agree on the focus. Is it history tours and museums? Or hitting Bourbon Street for nightlife? Deciding the vibe clarifies these priorities.
Lock in the general vibe first, and choosing a location becomes a whole lot easier. You don’t need to agree on every single detail. But being aligned on the overall feel makes it way easier to plan stuff everyone will enjoy.
Compromise is key here. Maybe one person wants the beach, but another dreams of hiking. Could you combine elements of both? Perhaps a coastal town with nearby trails?
#2 Book Early, Stress Less
Summer is the prime time for travel.
Last summer, in particular, was a busy travel season for Americans. As many as 95% of respondents in a survey planned to travel, despite concerns about economic headwinds.
That trend hasn’t slowed. Flights, hotels, and cool rentals disappear fast. Waiting usually means paying more for fewer choices. Don’t risk missing out.
For domestic travel, book flights around 28 days before departure. Expedia’s 2024 Air Travel Hacks Report states that this hack can save you up to 24% more than booking at the last minute. Conversely, book your flight around 60 days in advance for international flights.
Hotels and rental cars are trickier. Use comparison websites, for they can help you compare options and find the best rates.
Choose options with free cancellations. This guarantees you have reservations. If prices drop significantly later, cancel and rebook the cheaper rate.
Managing group bookings needs a system. Designate one organized friend to handle the main bookings.
#3 Plan Out Some Activities Ahead of Time
Spontaneity can be fun on vacation. But winging everything with a group can lead to chaos. For a group trip, a basic plan is important.
You don’t need a minute-by-minute itinerary. But having a loose plan keeps things smooth.
Try to lock in a few key activities that everyone’s excited about—especially ones that need booking. Popular tours often sell out weeks or months ahead.
Let’s suppose you’re heading to San Diego. U.S. News & World Report states that the Californian city offers some of the best tours, including boat tours.
While whale watching is a must, you definitely won’t want to miss out on a booze cruise in San Diego. You get ocean views, great music, drinks, and solid vibes all in one.
But don’t assume you can just show up and grab tickets. Those cruises book out, especially in summer. It would be wise to book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Tickets on weekends are slightly pricier than on weekdays. But Tiki Time Bay Tours notes that you can get coveted group rates if your group consists of 10 or more people.
#4 Pack Smart, Not Like You’re Moving
The urge to bring your entire closet just in case is real. But dragging heavy suitcases around takes the fun out of travel. So, pack light.
Lay out what you think you’ll need—then cut it by, like, a third. You don’t need seven pairs of shoes for a five-day trip. Pick versatile stuff you can mix and match. Bonus points if it doesn’t wrinkle.
Pack for the destination, not your fantasy version of it. If you’re hitting the beach, you probably don’t need heels. Going to the mountains? Maybe skip the crop tops and pack a hoodie.
Shoes are space hogs! Limit yourself to two or three pairs max. Wear the bulkiest pair on the plane to save room.
For toiletries, use travel-sized containers. Remember, most hotels provide shampoo, conditioner, and soap. Coordinate with your friends. Can you share toothpaste or sunscreen? And don’t forget the essentials: chargers, meds, sunscreen, and your ID.
Go Make Some Memories!
Group trips aren’t always perfect—someone will be late, something will go sideways, and you’ll probably forget something minor. But if you go in with the right mindset and just a little planning, it will be the kind of trip you will all talk about for years.
So, rally the crew, settle the vibe, and get to planning. Summer won’t wait forever and neither will that perfect Airbnb with the hot tub.
