The first time I went on vacation with a friend I was 15 years old, and I brought her on my family trip to Florida. We had the best time ever, and we vowed to travel together again in the future. Naturally, after that, I became obsessed with planning another vacation — with my friends, and without my parents. At the beginning of my senior year of high school, my wish finally came true when I went to Cuba for a week with three of my friends. Needless to say, it was the best week of my life, and here’s why.
- Freedom
-
This might be the most obvious reason, but it’s also the most important one so it can’t be dismissed. When you’re with your friends, no one’s setting the curfew except you. You make your own schedule and you make your own rules, because your mom isn’t there telling you what to do. You get a taste of independence, and the freedom you experience is euphoric.
- Spontaneous Activities
-
When you’re with your friends, you have the urge to do fun, impulsive things. On vacation, those things are amped up, because you feel more adventurous. You want to jump off a cliff into the water but you’re too scared? Your friends will give you the courage to do it, and they’ll probably jump with you. You want to go clubbing at the local resort at 12am? No one’s stopping you, and you’ll have your squad right by your side dancing with you.
- New Experiences
-
Visiting different countries is always a fun adventure, as you get to experience a new culture. Visiting different countries with your friends is even better, because you get to share that experience with each other. Sometimes your usual routine with your friends gets boring at home — going to the same person’s house and doing the same things. When you’re travelling with them, nothing gets boring, and you get to indulge in a new society together.
- Good Photos
-
I don’t know if it’s just me, but I can’t ask my mom to take photos of me. She always zooms in too close to my face, or the photo comes out blurry because she thought the sand in the background was a better view. If you take a trip with your friends, you don’t have to worry about any of those things. They can take amazing photos of you, you can return the favour, and you’ll get amazing group shots by the ocean that you can keep forever.
- Enjoyable Company
-
Travelling with friends automatically guarantees a good time, because you enjoy each other’s company. Since you’re friends in the first place, you obviously get along well. You have things in common; you like the same things and you understand each other. No time will be wasted arguing about what you should do, because you’ll all want to do it. You’ll be able to appreciate your vacation in peace because you’ll be surrounded by people you love being around.
- Packing Lighter
-
Packing can be difficult sometimes, especially if you’re someone like me who wants to bring their entire wardrobe. Going on a trip with friends is a great way to avoid potential luggage fees for over-packing your suitcase. If you and your friends have the same style, you’re in luck, because you’ll be swapping clothes left and right. You can cut down on the amount of things you bring and just share outfits with them instead!
- Forming Connections
-
The best part about going on vacation with your friends is the stronger bond that forms between you. After going away with my friends, I’d never felt closer to them after living with them for a week. Your friendship undergoes a deeper connection when you’re adventuring together, and the memories you make on your trip will be cherished forever.