Top Tips for a Great Vacation with Friends

I have vacationed with friends, I have lived with friends. Sometimes it turns out great. Sometimes you never speak to each other again. We went to summer camp inseparable, we came back..well...separated. Here are somethings I have learned along the way.

Tip #1:

Leave Your House

My house in the snow.

Staying at home may save you money, especially if you live in a fun area. But! Being in your home makes it too tempting to deal with real life issues, like that HOA letter that demands you have a green lawn when the city has asked you to only water twice per week- what do you want me to do HOA, spray paint my lawn green?! No, no, best to leave it all behind and allow yourself to take a vacation from life. Don't worry the issues will be waiting for you when you get back.

Tip #2

Have Separate Rooms

Monte Vista hotel, loved this cozy room for a quiet get away.

Again, sharing a room may save you money, but unless you have vacationed or lived with them before you do not want to do this. You do not know your friend's habits or how they deal with stress, it is entirely possible and in fact likely that there will be times when you get on each others nerves or just need your own space. Staying in one small hotel room with the person who woke up on the wrong side of the bed, or got annoyed by something you did, or even annoyed with something that you didn't have anything to do with, will exacerbate the problem and make for a looooong "vacation."

Tip #3

Small Steps

Quiet possibly the best weekend vacation ever! 
We are roasting marshmallows and hot dogs at the lake house with Ashley and Andrew.

Before you go on a week long vacation with someone, try to go on a short weekender. The weekend doesn't have to be expensive or far away, just away from home and just with the group of people that will be together for seven days. Get to know how your friend like to spend their vacation. Being friends in real life is very different from being vacation buddies. Some people want to fill their vacation schedule with activities they would never get to do at home, others want to lounge around and relax, some just want to see what events come up and are super laid back..almost to the point of being asleep. 

Tip #4

Do It Anyway

Fitz wanted to play, Hugh had other appointments.

There will be times when you don't want to do what your friend wants to, do it anyway. If they are really excited about a tour or seeing a site, join them. There will inevitably be something that you want to do that they don't and they can return the favor. It's always more fun to do things together, so even if you hate beer and touring another brewery is last thing on earth you want to do, go anyway because its the time you spend with your friend that will make it fun. 

Tip #5

Just Have Fun

Okay, so this has little to do with this blog, 
but I love this picture from our engagement session. 

Try with all your might to not get overly upset with something that happens. It could be someone losing their temper or an airline losing your luggage that has the bridesmaid's dress in it. Try to remember that you all came together to have a good time, so no one is looking for a fight or came along to start disagreements. You came as friends, leave as friends.

I hope y'all have a great summer full of amazing memories and developing inside jokes with your awesome friends!