Which Friends to Vacation With… And Which to Leave Home

Sometimes there’s nothing more fun than vacationing with a group of your closest friends, whether you’re catching some sun or hitting the slopes. It can be an excellent bonding experience and a great way to celebrate major life events. Sometimes, though, what you thought was a great idea turns into a nightmare where everyone just wants to go home. Before you put together your next group getaway, take a moment to consider who you really want at the party.

DON’T take the person who always needs to be taken care of at all times. They’ve lost their luggage, they don’t like the restaurant that everyone agreed upon, they left their cash in the hotel room, they drank too much and are causing a scene. This person will test your patience, leaving you little time to relax.

DO take that one friend who is always parenting everyone else in the group — they bring the snacks, lend you whatever you forgot to pack and offer to be the designated driver. If you ever need someone while you’re far from home, they’ll have your back.

DON’T take the person who doesn’t want to leave the hotel, subsisting on room service and cable television while the rest of you are out seeing the local sights. This person is okay occasionally, but they’ll make you feel guilty about them being alone for a week while you’re living it up, even though they decline your every invitation to go out.

DO take the fun one from the group. Keep in mind “fun” does not mean “crazy.” They know the best people everywhere they go, get into the best restaurants and bars and push you outside of your comfort zone with fantastic results. Whether they’re dragging everyone onto the dance floor or to go zip lining in the middle of the rainforest, they’re guaranteed to have fun.

DO take your best friend’s significant other. Even if you’ve always hated them, unless it’s a designated girls- or guys-only getaway, you have to suck it up no matter how much you dislike your best friend’s other half. Your best friend will thank you for it and do the same for you down the line.

DON’T take the one who will inevitably begin the spiral of negativity during the trip. Sooner rather than later, they’ll find a reason to unjustly snap at someone in your group, and suddenly everyone will be pointing fingers and taking sides, no matter how big or small the issue.

Everyone has a mixed bag of friends and acquaintances that have their shortcomings, but you shouldn’t allow that to ruin your well-deserved vacation. If you know someone’s presence will more negatively than positively affect the trip, either don’t invite them or decline an invitation to go with them. Of course, it never hurts to take a look in the mirror to consider ways that you can be a more agreeable travel companion as well. Traveling with friends is supposed to be fun, so make sure it is.