Budapest 2012-2013 was probably the worst experience I had so far traveling with a group of friends. And even worse, it brakes my heart that Alex felt even worse. The travel writer in me , though, has found a way to turn it into something constructive: write some ideas / tips for traveling with a group a friends..or acquaintances.

1. More than one person needs to be involved in finding places to stay and keeping tab on how reservations are made, etc.

While I didn’t – at least not yet – hear anyone complain about the place we stayed at, I did most of the research myself. Indeed, one of the guys found couple of places but they were expensive and we decided on a place I stayed before. From there on, I felt like a travel agent for them. And without any thanks.

2. Make sure that your travel styles match or at least know before hand if there is any way you’d be spending time together or apart.

Alex and I are budget travelers by definition and although we’ve been to several pubs in London, a taverna and a cafe in Athena, a pizzeria in Vieste…we certainly didn’t travel anywhere to bar hop each night. We’ve been to Hard Rock Cafe before, we’ve also been to Starbucks in London…but never been to more than one place during a night…

Not to mention that we actually like to visit places…thought we seldom make any plans in advance. Sure, there is nothing wrong with bar hopping – if you are into that – but let others know what you want to do, because chances are, they won’t want to do the same thing. Plus, it’s only fair and not to mention decent to ask about others preferences , too.

3. If you make plans, ask the others, don’t expect they should abide.

They made plans to go to Starbucks which turned into Hard Rock Cafe– a place I love. But they never said anything about bar hopping afterwards.

Likewise, we though it was set to go to a concert on New Year’s Eve, see the fireworks and then go back to the hostel to play some games. But they changed it to fireworks and an ice bar…without even asking! With Alex just getting rid of a cold and one terribly close to me, I didn’t even think to set foot in an…ice bar.

4. Walls have ears

If you want to badmouth those in the other room, you should remember the walls are thin and people can hear you. Especially since you woke them up when you came back to the hostel wasted.

5. Learn from your previous mistakes

Back in 2007 I had a somewhat similar experience, although looking back that feels just like someone’s bad PMS … But Vienna 2008 was even worse. I wasn’t backed up by anyone in my choices then so I had to abide but I didn’t learn much. Looks like I am the kind to travel only with my significant other…and not with a group of acquaintances.

Although there are some close friends of ours who have never acted childish when we traveled. Plus, all plans were made together. Guess we’d be sticking to spending time with them.