Travelling near or far with friends can be incredible, whether you have a small friend group or a large one – there are always cherished memories made when holidaying with friends. Here’s a checklist that might help plan you plan your travels a bit more efficiently.
Online bookings: a little Russian roulette with the internet
While booking hotels and flights, most of us will use websites that compare fares for us. This works better than logging onto the airline or hotel’s website directly because comparing prices, checking out customer reviews and photographs is always reassuring and lets you know that you are getting the most for your money.
However even if you have a conformation number from the booking website, it always helps to call the airline/hotel directly and double-check the reservation with them. Nothing like a last minute fine print policy fiasco to dampen plans on a holiday that took many days and many whatsapp group conversations to plan.
Look up Ola/Uber fares in advance
Before you get to your destination, punch in the travel trip between your point of arrival to the accommodation address you have reserved. Depending on how many people you are travelling with, you can use Limo Find, to decide how many cars you need and how much the trips might cost, and you can even reserve an Ola pick up in advance. Additionally, having a screenshot of an estimated Uber route on your phone might also prevent you from getting stiffed by a local taxi should you have wifi/ data troubles and are unable to book an Uber/Ola.
Outfits: always bring one more than necessary
Ever had a flight or train delay? Whether you have or haven’t faced that cruel reality yet, chances are you could be stuck in an airport or in a transit city at the start or end of your trip. No one wants to be disheveled especially when travelling with friends who are likely to snapchat the entire trip. Throw in an extra outfit in the carry on, might come in handy.
Money: have an emergency stash on your phone
We live in a time where human interaction can be as limited as desired and you can buy most things right on your cell phone, god forbid someone in the group loses their wallet absent-mindedly or perhaps maxes out their credit card- you never know. It might help to download an e-wallet app (there are so many to choose from), top up some balance on other useful apps that you could use to get a taxi or order a meal. Should you and your friends find yourself without your wallets- at least you have something to get you by, or get you home.
Chargers: someone will borrow yours
If there is one thing that is as important as underwear to pack in a suitcase, it is a phone charger. Travelling without a phone is a bit like travelling without a passport and you need to charge that phone as often as possible so you have enough juice to get you through a day of Google mapping, instagramming, and coordinating. Most hotel rooms will have only one universal socket to plug a phone charger into, and there is a chance that you are likely sharing a room with at least one other friend, so each available socket will be utilized for speakers, straightners, shavers etc. and then everyone has to charge their phones as well.
It might be a good investment to buy one of these universal chargers that lets multiple phones charge at once, and can be used almost anywhere.
Cameras
No holiday in the 2010’s is complete without social media content, and while iPhones do take some double tap worthy photos, every once in a while you have to up the ante. Polaroid cameras, disposable cameras, DSLR’s whatever your aesthetic might be, you need the right filter and film to capture your adventures. And who knows maybe years from now, you might find a Polaroid in an old suitcase and remember your holiday fondly. That would make a great #TBT.
Reading Material
Even if you are travelling with your squad and have something planned for every minute of the day, there might be some time in the car/plane/van when you are exhausted and just want to plug your headphones in and watch the traffic go by. There might also be a chance that you have listened to every song on your playlist. Or maybe you break your headphones. It always helps to have a book, magazine or maybe a bunch of articles bookmarked to read when you just want some alone time.
Pre game games
Before you head out for the night, have a few fun games to get everyone involved. Whether it is Cards for Humanity, Russian roulette, or Taboo almost any game can be turned into a drinking game. This is a great activity for the start or the end of the night, or even for the day.
Food
Travelling with friends is great because it allows you to influence each other to make bad decisions. If your friends don’t eat leftover pizza or cake with you for breakfast, are they even your friends? If you don’t have a bag full of Lays and M&M’s before heading out on a road trip or a flight, are you even going on a holiday?
Meds: Sunglasses and Advil
I mean, a holiday with friends… just bring the Advil, band-aids and antacids. Maybe even Gatorade.
