Traveling with friends? These simple etiquette rules can help you all stay on good terms.
12 Etiquette Rules You Must Follow When Traveling with Friends
Updated on May 29, 2025
Traveling with a group of friends can be a fantastic experience where you make lifelong memories—or it could end in disaster if the group doesn’t see eye-to-eye. Whether you’re headed out of town to a bachelor(ette) party, a one-on-one trip with a BFF or a birthday blowout, traveling with friends can test the boundaries of relationships if you’re not prepared.
It might not sound fun to have a serious vacation conversation about money, food, accommodations or sightseeing, but it’s essential that everyone’s on the same page before you head out. (Nothing puts a damper on a trip like a fight at the airport.) To avoid unnecessary conflict, it’s wise to brush up on a few key etiquette rules before you go.
Reader’s Digest brings you essential tips from five etiquette and travel experts, so your next friends’ trip goes as smoothly—and memorably—as possible.
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Include at least one activity for everyone
Sure, you and your friends probably have some shared interests, but that’s not always the case. Balancing different priorities is key to a smooth trip. To keep everyone happy, have each person categorize activities, restaurants, and attractions into “must-see,” “want to see” and “would go if we have time” buckets, and start planning. Ensure everyone gets to experience at least a few of their top picks—it’s a simple way to keep things fair and avoid hurt feelings.
Be upfront about personal requirements and preferences
Everyone has personal preferences when traveling—from getting the bed closest to the bathroom or sitting in the airplane’s window seat. But some things aren’t optional, they’re requirements. If you need an accommodation due to medical issues, or you just need time away from the group from time to time, share that truth in an “unvarnished fashion,” says Toni Dupree, an etiquette expert and author of Whose Fork Is It Anyway? Have conversations about everything from allergies to hygiene to considerations of time and space.
“Everyone should be able to have an enjoyable time,” Dupree says.
Don’t overschedule your trip
As tempting as it might be to have a jam-packed itinerary, it’s helpful to leave some open slots on your schedule when you’re traveling with a group. “You need to leave gaps for others to enjoy, visit places that you may not want to go to and vice versa,” says Will Hatton, owner of the travel sites Hotel Jules and The Broke Backpacker. “Mainly, you can compromise and go with them somewhere, and then they go with you.”
Listen and be respectful
These are your friends, so treat them like it. When disagreements arise, and they might, listen to their concerns and be respectful of them. “Communication is key,” Dupree says. “Remember [that] consideration and respect go a long way.” End the trip being as close—if not closer—with your friends than when you started, not upset with each other.
Keep track of expenses
Money can be one of the most stressful parts of traveling with a group, so make sure you stay on top of who pays for what. One way to do this is by using budget apps like Splitwise, which easily let groups split the check or take turns picking up the tab. It’ll even tell everyone exactly what they owe to settle up. Not only does it take care of the math on your vacation, but it also takes the awkwardness out of asking for money or deciding who’s going to pay for something.
Don’t disappear
When traveling with friends you may want (or need) some alone time. That’s completely fine, but make sure your friends know where you are and have a way of contacting you. “Communicating your whereabouts saves your travel companions from having to play detective in the event no one can find you,” Dupree says. It’s not just about safety, either. “Communication helps the group bond, which helps build the foundation for that epic trip.”
Get on the same page about finances
Yes, keeping track of your expenses is important, but it’s also crucial that you and your friends are on the same page when it comes to exactly what kind of trip you’re taking. You may all have different financial situations, so while one person may be up for a no-expenses-spared getaway, another member of the group may prefer traveling on a budget. Dupree says your best bet is having conversations about money before the trip. Come to an agreement on things like the price of accommodations and excursions, talk through options and set expectations—so there’s no conflict later.
Get off your phone
Your friends will understand if you take a call from a family member, or in the event of a work emergency, but other than that, try to stay off your phone. It’s just good cellphone etiquette, and isn’t the point of a trip like this to be present with your friends?
Everyone should also turn down (or off) phone notifications, says Sarah Chetrit, founder of the travel blog Lust ’till Dawn who’s also a frequent group traveler. “Not everyone wants to hear your incoming texts.”
Talk about travel types
What kind of traveler are you? “Some people like a full schedule, waking up to exercise before a full day of touring, while others want to ignore the alarm clock and sleep in before beginning to think about how to spend their day,” says Jodi RR Smith, president of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting. “There are those who want to party all night and those who want to rest and read. Knowing these details before you travel will help to smooth the frictions differences can cause.” Try to find a pace and itinerary that works for everyone.
Be flexible
Try to be as flexible as possible, and roll with unexpected situations and challenges. “Don’t let mountains turn into molehills,” says etiquette expert Lisa Grotts, who’s known as the Golden Rules Gal. “Even with besties, we are all created differently. Be mindful of that.” This is especially important to remember when tensions are already high—such as during holiday travel or busy summer weekends.
Give each other some space
Whether there are two or ten of you, spending so much time traveling with friends—especially in close quarters—can get pretty intense, pretty quickly. To manage this, give your traveling companions some space, even if you don’t think you need it. Take a walk, schedule a solitary spa treatment or take your book to the pool to rest and recharge. You’ll feel refreshed and ready for anything when you rejoin your traveling companions.
Swallow your pride
You can’t win every argument, or always get your way when you’re traveling with a group. Traveling can bring out the best and the worst in people, so try to reduce the tension when you can. If you get outvoted on a restaurant choice, or the group decides to go on an all-day boat ride when you had your heart set on shopping in town, try to take it in stride. If things get snippy, remember why you’re on the trip: friendship. If you’re at fault, apologize. Be gracious, make up and move on.
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Sources:
- Toni Dupree, etiquette expert and author of Whose Fork Is It Anyway?
- Will Hatton, owner of the travel sites Hotel Jules and The Broke Backpacker
- Sarah Chetrit, content creator and founder of the blog Lust ’till Dawn
- Jodi RR Smith, president of Mannersmith and author of
- From Clueless to Class Act: Manners for the Modern Woman
- Lisa Grotts, etiquette expert and author of
