Live By The Group, Die By The Group
When it comes to going on a trip with your friends, the more the merrier. What’s more fun than going away with a group of your closest friends and family? That being said, more people also create the potential for more problems. These issues can be avoided if everyone remains kind and considerate. So, to help you avoid the pitfalls that could potentially ruin your trip here are 20 rude things you should avoid doing at all costs.
Photo by Tiago Rosado on Unsplash
1. Ignoring Group Decisions
Why go with a group if you’re just going to go rogue and do your own thing anyway? Sure, not every decision is set in stone and you should certainly voice your opinion, but completely ignoring the decisions of the group can quickly lead to disharmony and tension.
Photo by Tegan Mierle on Unsplash
2. Being Late Constantly
Nobody likes someone who is chronically late, which is doubly true in a group context. Groups, by their nature, are interconnected — if you’re late, then everyone is late. So do your best to be on time, particularly when it comes to pre-planned activities and reservations.
Photo by Andy Beales on Unsplash
3. Not Chipping In Financially
Travelling in a group is often accompanied by shared expenses such as food, accommodations, and transportation. Generally speaking, this helps reduce the financial strains that come with travelling. But not pulling your weight can quickly lead to anger and resentment because others will inevitably need to cover your costs.
Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash
4. Dominating Conversations
One of the best things about travelling with a group is getting the chance to catch up and bond with friends or loved ones. But that doesn’t mean you should go around making everything about yourself. Taking over conversations is a surefire way to alienate people and ruin a good time.
Photo by LinkedIn Sales Solutions on Unsplash
5. Complaining Constantly
A lot can go wrong on a trip and naturally, this can be frustrating, but constantly voicing your complaints can quickly become a major buzzkill. Persistent negativity is draining for everyone (yourself included), so always try to keep your spirits up even in the face of adversity.
Photo by Obie Fernandez on Unsplash
6. Being Inflexible with Plans
Plans are not only effective but necessary when trying to organize a group trip. That being said, sometimes things don’t go as planned. It’s important to always be adaptive and flexible to ensure a smooth experience.
Photo by Matheus Ferrero on Unsplash
7. Taking Over the Itinerary
Unless explicitly tasked with doing so, don’t take it upon yourself to plan a trip and all its activities. This can quickly come off as controlling and obnoxious, especially if people aren’t able to voice their opinions and have their own interests reflected in the plans.
Photo by John Schnobrich on Unsplash
8. Overpacking and Hogging Space
You must be mindful of the space your belongings take up, especially when you’re sharing accommodation or a car with other people. Others don’t want to feel cramped and they’ll feel resentment if you’re the cause, especially if they made the effort to be courteous and pack light.
Photo by freestocks on Unsplash
9. Neglecting Personal Hygiene
Look, nobody is ever a fan of the smelly friend — especially in confined spaces! Although this should go without saying, you must stay on top of your personal hygiene. Showering, brushing your teeth, and wearing deodorant are paramount in ensuring you don’t reek.
Photo by Diana Polekhina on Unsplash
10. Disrespecting Shared Spaces
If you’re sharing a space with others, then you must do your part to keep things clean and tidy. Accommodations like a rental house or hotel room can quickly turn into a mess if people aren’t being considerate, and this will inevitably lead to problems with tidier members of the group who feel like they have to keep cleaning up after you.
Photo by Krystal Black on Unsplash
11. Not Respecting Sleep Schedules
Not all sleep schedules are built the same, so don’t expect everyone else’s to align with yours. Whether it’s staying up late at night or getting up early in the morning, you should do your best to be considerate of others who are sleeping and not disturb them.
Photo by Yuris Alhumaydy on Unsplash
12. Overindulging in Alcohol
In most cases, drinking with friends is probably going to be an integral part of your group vacation. In light of that, it’s important that you know your limits and never let things get too out of hand. Excessive drinking is prone to cause poor decision-making, risky behaviour, and an overall bad vibe.
Photo by thom masat on Unsplash
13. Being Glued to Your Phone
What’s the point of going on a trip with your friends if you’re just going to stare at your phone the whole time? No one is suggesting that you completely get off your phone (although it’s not the worst idea), but constantly scrolling social media or texting will only highlight the fact that you aren’t engaged and that the people around you aren’t worth your attention.
Photo by Samuel Cruz on Unsplash
14. Inviting Strangers Along
The often-cited phrase “the more, the merrier” isn’t always true and it certainly doesn’t extend to random people no one’s met before. Unless explicitly stated, never take it upon yourself to bring someone without prior consent from the rest of the group. Familiarity is an integral part of group dynamics so always make sure that everyone is on the same page.
Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash
15. Not Pulling Your Weight in Chores
Whether it's cooking, cleaning, driving, or planning, everyone is expected to help facilitate the entire experience in one way or another. Those who choose to silo themselves from the necessary work of keeping things on track will only create friction and cause others to resent them.
Photo by Odiseo Castrejon on Unsplash
16. Disregarding Dietary Restrictions
Large groups will always have differences that need to be catered to, particularly diet. People’s dietary restrictions and preferences should always be taken into account when deciding on where to eat or what to cook. Not doing so is likely to make others feel excluded or unimportant.
Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash
17. Shutting Down Others
In many ways, a group trip is a collaborative experience. That means that you should always factor in the wants, needs, and opinions of all group members. Naturally, not everything will be accommodated, but it’s crucial that you at least take the time to hear others out and talk through their ideas respectfully.
Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash
18. Hogging the Best Accommodations
Unless you’re willing to put up extra money, there’s no reason why you should have full control of the ideal accommodations. Whether it’s the best seat in the car or the best room/bed, you need to be considerate of others and try to figure out a way to equally share the comfort as much as possible without hogging it all to yourself.
Photo by Duncan Shaffer on Unsplash
19. Being Unprepared
As much as a group trip is a shared effort and experience, there is also always going to be an element of self-sufficiency that is necessary to keep things running smoothly. So do your best to be prepared, well-informed and equipped with all the essentials (i.e. sunscreen, clothing, toiletries, etc).
20. Ignoring Personal Boundaries
Healthy group dynamics are built around respecting people’s personal space and ensuring that they feel safe and comfortable. Of course, group trips will thrive on socializing and communal endeavours, but you also need to respect people’s boundaries. Some people have a much smaller social battery than others, and being considerate of their need to be alone is vital.
