Be clear about your must-haves. If you want to stay right on the beach, but your friends want to stay a few blocks away to save money, perhaps you rent two places. Everyone should get what they want out of the trip to prevent resentment, while still respecting everyone’s budgets.
Book experiences and excursions in advance. Chances are a group your size may not get to do everything you want without having your spots reserved, and this allows you to plan around nap times, meals, and anything else the kids may need. Plus, booking ahead usually saves money.
Jade Albert Studio, Inc./Stone/Getty Images
Ask the other parents about their routines and rules. When do their kids go to bed? How do they handle screen time? And how can you all handle any differences in those things while your kids are together? Talking out potential hurdles upfront: always a good thing.
Plan which meals you’ll prepare at home (and who will do the cooking and cleaning) versus when you’ll dine out. This helps everyone know their role, and will keep duties evenly split during the trip. It’s also nice to know your food delivery options at your rental, just in case.
Discuss room arrangements in detail. Most rental homes have one primary bedroom. Will you draw straws? Have one couple pay more for the bigger bedroom? Or swap rooms halfway through the trip? Try and predict any differences like this and get ahead of them to prevent conflict.
Come to a consensus on discipline. If you’re making a meal and your friends are supervising the kids, are you comfortable with them disciplining your child? What for, and how? Chances are you know their parenting style already; just dive in a little deeper before the trip.
Alexander Spatari/Moment/Getty Images
Don’t take anything personally. Everyone has their own needs, preferences, habits, and things they want out of their vacay. If someone gets a little snappy while stressed or chooses to do an activity alone, don’t think it’s your fault or hold it against them after the trip.