5 Things to Consider When Planning a Getaway With Family and Friends

The truth of the matter is, some friends might get along with your family while others might not. It's not necessarily a bad thing, it's just a matter of being on the same wavelength. To avoid the awkwardness, you could have a get-together like dinner or a day out before planning the trip to gauge everyone's comfort levels. Once you are certain of the chemistry, have a discussion with your family to see if they would be comfortable with your friends joining the family vacation. Only once everything is aligned with your family members can you proceed to invite your friends. If you and your friends have kids, this getaway could be an opportunity for the kids to really get to know each other.

A checklist is crucial, especially if it involves a large group of people. There are certain needs that should be taken into account, like sleeping arrangements or must-bring items. Consider opening a spreadsheet with access granted to each family member or at least 3 designated persons to list down their concerns. Having a checklist in place ensures a smooth vacation planning while avoiding the stress of worrying if you've forgotten something important.

Food is a top priority; take everyone's religious beliefs into account; avoid eating pork and drinking alcohol if you choose to invite your Muslim friends. Similarly, if anyone has food allergies, find out beforehand from the cook or waiter if the ingredients include the allergen.

Do your due diligence before the trip, especially if you are travelling abroad. Read up on recommended delicacies, celebrations, or activities. Keep in mind that if the trip is scheduled on a major holiday, expect the local tourism attractions to be crowded. Keep an open mind about changing the itinerary; the flexibility means ad hoc suggestions by locals can be a fun way to keep things spontaneous for your friends and family. However, you can avoid worrying about delicacies and activities when you choose to visit Club Med’s all-inclusive resorts. Try out Muay Thai when you visit our resort in Phuket or experience Asal Usul Pepes served on a banana leaf while staying at our resort in Bali. Leave the planning to us and spend time relaxing and rejuvenate when you visit Club Med.

As suggested in point 2, an accessible checklist for everyone invites feedback and suggestions, which could give you more time to organise other aspects of the trip. Consider opening a group in whichever messaging application is most convenient for you. This can give you peace of mind when it comes to instantly updating everyone on the status of the trip and getting everyone aligned with the planning.