How to travel with friends without any financial stress

How to travel with friends without any financial stress

Planning a group trip? Here's how to handle shared holiday expenses to keep everyone happy.

JULY 15, 2024

5 min read

Traveling with friends can be a rewarding experience filled with shared adventures and unforgettable memories. However, navigating the financial aspects of group travel can be tricky. From keeping track of shared expenses to accommodating different budgets, managing money on a group trip takes careful planning and clear communication. So, before you pack your bags, here’s how to manage money with your travel companions for a smooth, fun trip!

Establish your financial boundaries before you set off

Before the trip, it's important to establish some ground rules to prevent money matters from affecting any sun-soaked escapades. This begins with an honest conversation about the holiday budget. Does the group want it to be a €300 per-person road trip or a €2,000 per-person getaway? It’s essential to get everyone on the same page regarding how much they’re willing to spend, as everyone likely comes from different financial backgrounds. Once the budget is set, break down the estimated costs for food, flights, accommodation, activities, and transportation. This will provide a clear picture of what everyone needs to contribute. It’s okay if someone decides to cut their costs or opt out of certain activities‌ — ‌flexibility is your friend here. Respect each other’s financial limits and preferences, and don’t assume everyone wants to spend their money the same way. If the group has a significant gap in financial comfort levels, consider creating budget tiers. This way, friends with similar financial capabilities can pair up for activities that suit their wallets.Also, discuss room preferences before setting off on your trip, especially if you’re renting a home. Find out: Who’s okay with paying more for a better room, and who prefers to save and opt for a smaller one? Discussing details like tipping practices and how to handle exchange rates and credit card fees is also essential. While it might feel awkward to nitpick over small amounts, talking about these things upfront can prevent stress and ensure everyone is on the same page.

Choose a bill-splitting method that works for the group

There are many ways to split expenses — the key is to find the method that best matches your group. Warning: Waiting until the middle of your trip to decide how to split any bills can lead to confusion and frustration, so it’s best to establish this in advance. Here are a few cost-splitting methods to consider.

Split all costs evenly

A straightforward approach to managing shared costs is to split all expenses evenly. The benefit of this method is its simplicity. Everyone contributes equally to shared costs such as accommodation, meals, and transportation, avoiding any complicated math to determine exactly how much everyone owes. However, this might not be the right approach if there are significant differences in personal budgets or preferences within the group. For example, if you have any vegetarians or non-drinkers among you, they could end up paying significantly more than their fair share at restaurants and bars.

Pay as you go

The alternative to splitting all costs equally is the “pay as you go” approach, where each person pays for their own expenses at each location. This is particularly useful for activities and meals where there’s a wide range of preferences and spending habits. It allows each person to manage their budget individually without feeling pressured to conform to the group’s spending level.

The round-robin

For a more communal experience, consider the “round robin” method. In this system, everyone takes turns covering the cost of shared activities or meals. This can add a fun element to the trip, as everyone gets a chance to treat the group and contribute meaningfully. Just ensure that everyone is comfortable with this approach and that the expenses are roughly equal throughout the trip.

A shared group kitty

In the shared group kitty, each person contributes a set amount — say, €100 — into a communal fund managed by one trusted friend. This pool can be used for group expenses, and everyone tops it up equally when it runs out. At the end of the trip, any remaining money is divided equally among the group.

How apps can make splitting the bill a breeze

If you opt for one of these bill-splitting methods, using a specific cost-sharing app can make the experience effortless. Many apps allow you to log expenses as they happen, ensuring everyone pays their fair share. Additionally, you can specify who’s responsible for each expense, whether it’s the whole group or just a few individuals. This is particularly useful if some people skip certain activities or order separately at group meals. By streamlining the payment process, these apps help avoid the chaos of everyone trying to pay each other back at once. They provide a clear and transparent way to handle shared costs, reducing the potential for misunderstandings and ensuring that everyone can enjoy the trip.

Remember to take advantage of group discounts!

One of the biggest perks of traveling with a group is the potential for significant savings through group discounts. Whether it’s accommodation, tours, or flights, you can often pay less per person by leveraging the power of numbers. Tour operators and service providers are usually open to offering discounts for larger groups, as it guarantees them more business. However, be mindful of the local customs around negotiating prices. In some places, haggling for a significant discount is expected, while in others it’s considered rude.For accommodation, booking a whole house or an entire Airbnb can be more economical than individual hotel rooms. This reduces costs and offers the added benefit of shared amenities like a kitchen, where you can prepare meals to cater to everyone’s dietary preferences and save money on eating out. By taking advantage of group discounts, you can make your group travel experience more affordable and enjoyable, which everyone will enjoy — no matter their financial circumstances!

Exploring the world with N26

From accommodation costs to going dutch over dinner, you can easily split and manage all your holiday expenses with the Split the Bill feature at N26. The N26 You travel account also features free foreign transactions, fee-free withdrawals at foreign ATMS, and premium partner offers. Plus, all N26 You and Metal accounts come with extensive travel insurance, so that you're covered no matter where you are.