Ten tips if you plan to go across Europe with your friends

For those of us who live in the UK, trips across the culturally rich and architecturally resplendent continent that is Europe is such a treat. What better way to get away from the monotony of daily life and refresh yourself than a holiday with a group of close friends. There is no doubt that any trip is made so much more pleasurable in the company of one’s pals… or so they say. The reality is that the group you travel with has the power to make or break your precious holiday. If you are among those planning a trip across Europe with your mates, here are some vital tips to keep in mind.

Tip 1: Choose your travel group wisely

It is essential to take into account the personalities, temperaments and interests of the people you are considering travelling with. While it is easy to get along with people during parties and hangouts, travelling tests the strength of your bond with your travel buddies. If the group you choose has people who are generally calm and understanding, that will help prevent any unreasonable squabbles that may erupt under the pressures of travelling. Money is a crucial consideration in travel: people who are either more budget conscious, or more spendthrift, than you are can be challenging to travel with. It is essential to be on the same page in terms of budget so that no one feels burdened by the trip.

Tip 2: Pick your mode of travel

According to the personal preferences and budget allowances of everyone in the group, a united decision regarding the mode of transport should be reached. Whether your group prefers hiking and trekking, taking the train or flying to your desired locations, agreeing on transportation so that everyone is comfortable with will set a right tone for the rest of your journey.

Tip 3: Plan carefully

After deciding how you would like to travel, carefully pick your destinations of choice and methodically plan your trip to streamline your passage from one to another. Because it is impossible to see all of Europe in one trip, plot out which places you want to target, how long you want to stay and what every member of the group would like to do there so that you don’t waste time planning once you’ve left. At this stage, it is advisable to note down all expected expenses to prevent any unnecessary confusion or unforeseen costs. Keep in mind that effective and thorough planning is fundamental in avoiding stress and short tempers as you work your way through your vacation together.

Tip 4: Consult your weather app

Some destinations are unavailable to visitors at certain times of the year, while others, depending on the season at the time of travel, are just downright hard to enjoy. Usually, places are offseason for a reason, and it would be prudent to put some deep thought into the weather conditions of all your destinations, as well as keep an eye on the weather forecast, especially when several outdoor activities are planned.

Tip 5: Make smart accommodation choices

Saving on accommodation is a smart way to ensure you have more money to spend on actual activities and experiences in the various places you might go to. Renting a motel room or an Airbnb will really help to cut accommodation costs. Decide beforehand on how you all will be splitting these costs. It is advisable to select accommodation and hotels they are conveniently located near major public transportation routes and centrally positioned in terms of the sights each one of you would like to explore.

Tip 6: Travelling light is an option

Backpacking across Europe is a picturesque and fun-filled way to travel when you don’t have much carry on (and don’t mind a lot of walking). This will take longer but will provide a much fuller experience, not to mention bring all of you much closer together as a group. Trips like these allow travellers to not only thoroughly enjoy the views but get up close and personal when meeting the locals, imbibe the culture and leave the place with some excellent hands-on experience.

Tip 7: First aid kit

A well-stocked first aid kit is prerequisite for anyone who is planning on travelling, especially for long trips. This includes bandages, alcohol swabs or iodine, antibiotic creams and medicines for headaches, stomach upsets, flu and allergies. This is even more important in groups as infectious diseases like flu can spread quite rapidly and affect the whole party. The experts at Click Pharmacy will be able to better guide you as to which medicines you will need to keep at hand during your travels.

Tip 8: Practical packing

Aside from packing the basics necessities, snacks and of course, cameras, choose to keep outfits according to the destinations in mind, weather and mode of transport. Heavy-duty, comfortable footwear is suitable for trekking or when you’ll be getting around on foot. Pro tip: pack outfits that provide several zippered pockets for well-secured, easily accessible compartments to stow your phone, wallet, maps and other things you might need at a moment’s notice. Better yet, some clothes come with these hidden in the lining to deter pickpockets from ruining your vacation.

Tip 9: Take a break from each other

Just because all of you are travelling together, doesn’t mean you have to do everything together. An excellent way to keep the peace and incorporate the group’s diverse interests into the agenda is to make allowances for individual plans to be made at different destinations. This gives everyone some much needed personal time and makes for interesting conversations over dinner.

Tip 10: Be patient

The most important advice when travelling with your pals is, undeniably, to keep calm and be flexible. While it may be essential to take a stand to resolve dire situations, in most cases disagreements and tense conditions (which are inevitable) can be diffused by keeping your emotions in check and practically approaching the issue. Keeping the peace and going with the flow with regards to financial matters, tardiness and fussy eaters will go a long way into making your vacation truly enjoyable.

The next time you are thinking of embarking on a trip across Europe with your friends, take these tips under advisement to create a memorable experience you are bound to cherish for the rest of your lives.

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