travel

Maybe you’ve mastered the art of traveling as a couple but do you know how to travel with friends? The same rules don’t apply when traveling in a foursome. The more the merrier should really be amended to the more the hairier. Here’s how to double up and travel with another couple without doubling down on the drama.

Here’s what you need to know to travel with friends and have a great time!

Itinerary Integration. The key to a stress-free co-coupling vacay is to assure that nothing is compulsory. Once you make the decision to hit a destination in tandem, there’s an expectation that group outings will be de rigueur. Proclamations like “We’re in Paris; we simply must spend at least one day touring the Louvre and soaking up the arts” can be fighting words. Resist the urge to set the agenda. Instead, seek common ground on your sightseeing wish list and split up the rest of the way.

Dining Deliberation. Deciding where to eat at home can grease the flames of debate. When you travel with friends and add another set of palates and a limited time frame to sample the local cuisine and suddenly there’s a ravenous debate raging on the trustworthiness of UrbanSpoon ratings versus Zagat restaurant reviews. Avoid a fork fight over who has got the most inspired bowls in town and achieve dining détente by allowing a third party, perhaps the concierge, to reserve a table for four.

Requisite Relaxation. Much vacation time is spent lazing by the pool, sipping pina coladas and just generally doing nada. The art of sloth increases in complexity when you travel with friends. Staking out one umbrella isn’t too difficult, but hunting for a spot to accommodate four can be tricky–especially if you are holidaying in high season. Don’t settle for sub-par snooze real estate. Decouple and reunite later once you’ve all had your fill of vitamin D.