25 April 2012

Common problems when travelling with friends – and how to avoid them

Travelling in a big group of friends could be either a dream or a nightmare. It all depends on how carefully you plan for your travel needs. This includes findi

Travelling in a big group of friends could be either a dream or a nightmare. It all depends on how carefully you plan for your travel needs. This includes finding the best way of moving around once you arrive at your destination – hire a holiday van could be the best option to accommodate your travel party.

Budgets – It's important to bear in mind that levels of disposable income and budgets will vary between individuals within the group. Not only this, but every person has different priorities when it comes to the way they want to spend their money. While you might want to pay for a pricey traditional meal, your friend may be more inclined to spurge on a comfortable hotel room.

As a result it is essential to discuss relevant decisions such as booking accommodation or flights as a group and reach a middle ground. The ability to be both flexible and considerate of the needs of others is crucial when travelling in big groups.

**Travelling priorities **–naturally a holiday is a time to enjoy yourself and do exactly what you want. While some holidaymakers are happy just soaking up the sun on the beach, others delight in being cultural vultures, while the remainder see holidays as one continual shopping spree.

Yet it is advisable to plan certain key activities together – this is why you are doing the trip in the first place – it is also important to have room for individual freedom. You can split the day and agree some personal "free time” so everyone has a chance to do what they want. This autonomy will avoid conflicts.

Moving around – when you are travelling in a large group of people, finding adequate transport might be a problem. You could opt for renting more than one car or, even better; hire a holiday van so the whole group can travel together. Find the cheapest van hire online and avoid any confusion on foreign roads.

Hiring a van will also be a safe way of travelling. If you find following your friend's car can be complicated at times in UK traffic, imagine having to do so in unknown roads with maps and signs written in foreign languages.