How to Make Memories and Maintain Harmony: Your Guide to Group Vacation Etiquette
This post contains affiliate links and ads. Affiliate links and ads support my work at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your ongoing support!Summer! The season of sun-soaked adventure, laughter and cherished memories. Here in Michigan, we live for summertime and it’s not unusual to spend long weekends and extended stays along the shores of Lake Michigan or at one of the many beautiful lakes throughout the state. Of course, that’s not unique to Michigan! The summer season invites us to slow down and reconnect, and for many people, it’s a sacred time to vacation with friends and family.
As you prepare for your much-anticipated group vacation, it’s essential to remember that spending quality time together can sometimes lead to challenges. Whether it’s sharing a space with others or navigating different personalities, practicing good group vacation etiquette can ensure everyone enjoys a relaxing and enjoyable experience.
Today, I’m sharing everything you need to know so that you can make memories and maintain harmony. You may want to bookmark this one! Here’s your Guide to Group Vacation Etiquette!
Your Guide to Group Vacation Etiquette
Vacationing with a group can be a wonderful experience and the goal should always be to leave with lifelong memories and stronger relationships. However, it’s normal to come across challenges anytime a group of people are sharing a space, especially if the group doesn’t know each other well to begin with! Whether it’s a bachelorette weekend with a mix of friends, a group vacationing for the first time together, or new family members joining an established tradition, managing expectations, learning new things about each other and making sure everyone feels included is key to a successful trip.
Today, I’m sharing simple, actionable tips you can use to navigate your next group vacation with ease and grace!
Tip #1: Open and Early Communication is Key
A successful vacation depends on the preparation and planning that is put into the trip long before it even begins. From the start, establish open communication with the group. The easiest way to do that is to create a group chat so that you can discuss logistics, preferences and expectations.
From the type of accommodation to preferred activities, everyone should feel heard. Be sure to discuss dietary restrictions, sleeping arrangements, and any must-do activities or places. By addressing potential issues beforehand, you can prevent misunderstanding down the road and set a positive tone for the trip.
INCLUDE THE WHOLE GROUP: Make sure to include the whole group in discussions about plans and activities. Unless otherwise agreed upon, all adults in the group should be included in the planning phase.
SET & COMMUNICATE DEADLINES IN ADVANCE: Set clear deadlines for payment, reservations and decision-making. Make sure everyone understands what is due, when it is due, who is collecting the information and how it should be shared.
ALWAYS BE KIND AND OPEN-MINDED: Different people have different ideas of what a vacation should look and feel like. Be open to trying new things and accept suggestions with kindness. Assume positive intent and remember that the goal is for everyone to enjoy the trip, together.
Tip #2: Respect Personal Boundaries in a Shared Space
When sharing a living space, respecting personal boundaries is essential. Here are a few tips to help you create a comfortable environment:
ASSIGN SLEEPING AREAS: Discuss sleeping arrangements upfront. Whether sharing rooms or using common areas, compromise is crucial to ensuring everyone feels comfortable.
ESTABLISH ACTIVE AND DOWN TIME: If someone needs early morning or late nights for work, kids, or personal time, discuss quiet hours when everyone should keep noise to a minimum. In that vein, you may also want to discuss “active” hours as well. What’s the earliest people are willing to get up and go? Does an afternoon rest time need to be incorporated? How late are people willing to be out? Understanding the group preferences will make planning active and downtime easier.
PERSONAL SPACE: Respect everyone’s need for personal space. If someone retreats for some solitude, understand that it’s not personal; it’s just a way for them to recharge!
Tip #3: Splitting Costs — Be Fair and Square (Up)
Money matters can sometimes cause tension. In fact, it’s not uncommon for money to be the biggest challenge of any group trip. To maintain a harmonious atmosphere, consider the following suggestions to ease the stress.
CREATE A BUDGET: Before the trip, develop a budget that includes accommodation, meals, activities and transportation. Ensure everyone is on the same page about what they are comfortable spending.
USE EXPENSE-SHARING APPS: Utilize apps like Splitwise or Venmo to keep track of expenses and simplify splitting costs after outings or shared meals. This keeps things transparent and helps prevent misunderstandings. A few other things to keep in mind: be mindful of alcohol at group dinners. Do not expect those who are not drinking to split the costs of your cocktails. Keep a separate drinks tab or itemize the split bill.
PLAN GROUP MEALS: Planning a mix of meals to be cooked at “home” and enjoyed at restaurants can help to keep food costs down while ensure there is something for everyone! However you decide to plan meals, be sure to keep to the budget. Remember to include everyone’s preferences and dietary needs in the meal planning, as well!
Tip #4: Make it a Team Effort
A successful group vacation often hinges on cooperation in the kitchen and around the house. This requires everyone to pitch in and help out! It should never fall to just one person to cook, clean, do the dishes and tidy up the house. Each person should stay aware of what needs to be done, keep their belongings tidy and be the first to jump up and help as needed. If you think your group might require more organization, here are a few simple ways to promote teamwork.
COOKING CALENDAR: Creating a cooking schedule ahead of time so that everyone takes turns preparing meals. This reduces the burden on one person and encourages culinary creativity. Pair those who enjoy cooking with those who are willing to assist in prep and cleanup.
CLEANING RESPONSIBILITIES: Yes, most rentals include a cleaning fee for professional cleaners to come in after your stay, and hotels have cleaning teams as well, but day-to-day tidying is still necessary and is the responsibility of the whole group. Aside from setting the expectation that everyone should clean up after themselves, you may want to assign cleaning tasks after each meal or every couple of days. Designating different “cleaning captains” can ensure the space remains tidy while avoiding any resentment.
Tip #5: Balancing Group Activities vs. Alone Time
While traveling together provides opportunities for bonding, it’s also important to value alone time. Remember that it’s everyone’s vacations. Nuclear families may want some time on their own, individuals may want solitude, and portions of the group may want to experience a site that lies outside of the rest of the group’s interest. The most important thing to remember, is don’t take it personally! Here are some ways to achieve a balance so everyone in the group can experience the vacation in a meaningful way.
PLAN GROUP ACTIVITIES: Create a mix of group activities, such as visiting attractions or communal dinners, alongside pockets of free time. Encourage everyone to voice their ideal mix of group versus solo activities.
RESPECT ALONE TIME: If someone opts out of a group activity, don’t take it personally. Individual interests and preferences often differ, and respecting these choices can help strengthen relationships.
SCHEDULE GROUP REFLECTION TIME: At the end of each day, gather to share highlights, funny moments and experiences. This promotes connection while giving everyone a chance to unwind.
Tip #6: Show Appreciation with a Hostess Gift
While not always pertinent to a group vacation, if someone has opened their home to the group, or took the lead on the bulk of the planning, a thoughtful hostess gift is a wonderful gesture! Bringing a hostess gift, or sending a thank you gift after the fact, is a thoughtful way to show appreciation to the person or family who helped to make the vacation a reality. Here are some ideas for a hostess/thank you gift.
LOCAL DELICACIES: Bring a treat or specialty item from your hometown, or contribute some local goods from your destination to share with the group. For example, Traverse City, Michigan is known for their cherries and wine. So if I were to be staying in the area, I might gift the hostess a fresh quart of cherries and their favorite local wine. In South Haven, where blueberries reign supreme, I might bring a bag of blueberry pancake mix and Michigan made maple syrup.
PERSONALIZED GIFTS: Consider small gifts that reflect the hosts’ interests or a fun memento from the trip as a thank you for their generosity. One of my favorite gifts to give is a 8x8 photo book made with Shutterfly. It’s a great way to relive the memories of the vacation and creates a wonderful keepsake for you and your host!
Tip #7: Modern Manners to Remember in Shared Spaces
Respect for share public spaces is essential when vacationing with a group! Whether you’re in a private home, hotel, resort, campground or vacation rental, these modern manners are the ones to remember!
KEEP COMMON AREAS CLEAN: Ensure that living spaces, bathrooms, and kitchens are kept tidy. This encourages everyone to do their part in maintaining a pleasant environment.
BE MINDFUL OF NOISE LEVELS: When it comes to shared public areas and accommodations, be thoughtful of noise. Keeping voices down and music levels manageable while enjoying each other’s company demonstrates respect for other guests and the shared community.
PARTICIPATION IN GROUP DYNAMICS: Be open to new experiences and make an effort to engage with other group members. Participating gives everyone a chance to bond, create new memories and who knows!? Maybe you’ll find a new interest or hobby by being open-minded to trying something new.
REFLECT AND CONNECT: After returning home, consider sharing a group photo or a quick message of gratitude to everyone in the group. Reflecting on the trip can strengthen connections and pave the way for future outings!
Group vacations can be incredibly rewarding when approached with mindfulness and consideration. By fostering open communication, respecting boundaries and practicing gratitude, you can create an environment that embraces individual preferences and group experiences alike.
The next time you begin planning a group vacation, review and implement these tips, and you’ll not only have a wonderful time but also create cherished memories that will last well beyond the summer!
Do you often travel with groups? Share one of your favorite group vacation memories or advice you’d share with others planning their next group vacation!
