Are you thinking about organizing a weekend getaway with friends?   To avoid travel mishaps and to ensure you will still be friends after the trip, follow these simple guidelines.

The Invitation List

Sit down and go through your list of friends or maybe neighbors at your Orlando apartment.  Narrow down the list taking several things into consideration:

• Age & Health
• Budget
• Interests
• Compatibility
• Availability

Invite Your Friends

Once you have a list of friends that have common interests, will all get along and are ready and available to take a group trip, send out an email, text, or call. It is best to discuss the trip individually the first time around and to discuss the primary goal of the trip for example: relaxing, hanging on the beach, catching a concert, go wine tasting, or hiking.

Set the Plans in Motion

Research accommodations and provide your friends with a few options.  Create an email group (or chat) and send them links.

Discuss Money Upfront

Once a few of the details have been worked out, you will have a rough idea on your trip’s budget.  Let the other travelers know the budget and discuss how the trip will be payed for and reimbursement and cancellation expectations.

Make the Reservations

Make your reservations well in advance to hotels, restaurants, tickets, etc.  Keep everyone informed and start to build an itinerary.

Share the Responsibility

It is a good idea to get the entire group involved when possible sharing the responsibility from everything to planning, packing, and preparing.

Let’s Talk Food

It is a good idea to have an idea about meal times before you go.  If you are staying in a place with a kitchen, divvy out meals planning for “on your own time” or create a shopping list for the whole group.

Following these friends will go along way in making sure you enjoy a weekend getaway with friends.