So you’ve booked that dream holiday with your friends, and you can’t wait for a bit of sun, sea and relaxation, or a bit of culture spotting. You’ve known each other for years, been to countless parties with them, and stayed at each other’s houses. What could possibly go wrong?

1. The Close Proximity

Note, you will be spending a LOT of time with your friends. SImple? Perhaps not. Even though you may have spent hours and hours and hours, maybe even days, together, it’s quite plausible that nothing will prepare you for being with people 24/7. There’ll be no privacy or breathing space. You’ll be staying in the same room as them, eating with them, partying with them, and travelling with them. Take it from me, all is not lost, don’t go canceling your holiday on my account. If you go to a museum or cultural attraction, just take a few steps back and go round by yourself, if it’s safe to do so. The few minutes of alone-time will be good for everyone and keep arguments at bay.

2. Money

Money always has, and always will be a possible trigger for arguments between even the closest of friends. Perhaps you want to spend money on the banana boat at the beach, whereas your friend wants to pay to get into a museum. You don’t have enough money to do both. Dilemma. The best way to combat this is to try and have a calm discussion and give reasons for your choices- obvious, but rarely stated in a heated argument. If your friend is completely refusing to back down, and there aren’t enough people to split up and do both things in separate groups, then sometimes, although it may be hard, it is best to just keep the stubborn person quiet and do their activity. Therefore, later on in the holiday, they will have to partake in an activity of your choice. Although it may be absolutely infuriating, it’s best to keep the peace rather than ending up in a huge feud and losing your friends.

3. The People You’ll Meet

Set some ground rules. It’s inevitable you’ll meet some amazing people whilst travelling, but bear in mind that they’re still strangers and you don’t know a lot about them yet, don’t be fooled. No personal details should be disclosed (just think about Taken, bad idea) and be extra vigilant with your belongings, even if your friends are being reckless. If they are hanging round with someone who you don’t feel entirely comfortable about, go with your gut instinct. Don’t make it openly obvious that you can’t wait to run once they’ve turned their back, but don’t start swapping numbers. If your friends respect your opinion then it should be fairly easy to remove yourselves from the situation. However, if they don’t agree, then don’t put yourself at risk, just go.

4. Alcohol

Alcohol has a different effect on everyone, and if you’re unsure about what your friends are going to be like, then establish a few ground rules. I’m speaking from experience, after going away with a friend who quickly turned into a chain smoker, drug taker and abusive yob after a few drinks. Yet, he had always been fine whenever we went out previously. If they’re going to ruin your trip of a lifetime then leave them.

Hopefully none of these will be a serious issue for you or the people you decide to travel with, just remember that sometimes your friends can become difficult people in difficult situations…