-
Overview
Girls walking towards beach image by Sujit Mahapatra from
Whether traveling with friends or strangers, communication is the key to success
5226fdfb-50b6-a198-9dbf-78849946ed90300400
Singles trips run the gamut from "girls only" weekends to tours organized by a professional company. Whether you are traveling with friends or strangers, navigating the etiquette challenges can be tricky. Communication is the key to successfully traveling with other singles.
-
Planning
When planning a trip with your romantic partner or close relatives, you already know each other's desires and preferences. Making assumptions can be risky when traveling with people that you don't know extremely well, leading to arguments and hurt feelings. Make people feel important by involving everyone in the group in planning the trip.
Discuss finances frankly and openly. A $200 per night hotel room or $40 per person dinner may seem inexpensive to one person but be a budget-buster to the next. According to the She Knows website, it is important to make major decisions together, such as the type of accommodations and method of transportation you will use.
-
Rooming Together
Sharing a room can be awkward, particularly if the roommates are on opposite schedules. Try to pair night owls together and early risers together rather than mixing the two. Discuss such topics as shower schedules and inviting new friends to the room well in advance. Decide how you will handle incidentals that are charged to the room, such as room service or items in the mini bar. Independent Traveler website notes that some roommate-matching travel services consider personalities when assigning travel partners, while others do not.
-
Scheduled Activities
Most groups are eager to spend time together, but according to the She Knows website, it is important to avoid over-scheduling your trip. Choose one or two activities per day, such as a sightseeing tour or dinner, for everyone to do together. Leave the rest of the schedule loose, so that those who share a particular interest can explore it together while others do something else. Midway through the trip, discuss what is and is not working and adjust your schedule accordingly.
-
Private Time
Everyone needs time alone, and some people need more than others. Allow each person time in the day to go out, nap in the shade or simply relax alone in the hotel room. If someone does not want to participate in a scheduled activity, do not try to urge or cajole. Respect each person's privacy. Encourage everyone in the group to speak up if he or she is feeling overwhelmed.
-
Meeting Others
Some people are social butterflies, easily befriending those that they meet. In addition, vacation romances are a real possibility. Discuss in advance some possible scenarios, such as whether a new friend should be invited to dinner with the group. Set ground rules based on group consensus.
Trave
ling W
ith Sing
les
