The Ultimate Guide to Keeping the Peace (and the Piña Coladas)
There’s nothing quite like the idea of a group getaway – sunshine, surf and your favourite people all under one roof. But while shared holiday houses can be the recipe for unforgettable memories, they can just as easily stir up tension if you’re not prepared.
So how do you enjoy the good vibes without ruffling feathers – or secretly Googling “nearest solo accommodation”? Here’s your go-to guide for sharing a holiday house without losing friends.
1. Choose Your Crew Wisely
Not everyone is built to holiday together – and that’s okay. Think about how people relax, what their daily rhythms are like and how they handle mess, meals or minor mishaps.
Is someone likely to insist on early-morning hikes while others want to sleep in until brunch? Is there a neat freak in the mix, or someone who treats “cleaning up” as a philosophical debate? A bit of pre-trip honesty can go a long way. Have a casual chat beforehand about rhythms, routines and deal-breakers. It might feel awkward upfront, but it saves a lot of eye rolls later.
2. Talk Money Early
Before anyone packs their swimmers, have the chat. Discuss not just how you’ll split the accommodation cost, but also the less glamorous stuff – groceries, shared meals, day trip costs, even firewood or fuel.
Consider using apps like Splitwise or Settle Up to track expenses in real time so no one gets stuck with the bill (or starts quietly resenting the person who brought five bottles of champagne “for the group” and drank them all).
And when it comes to dining, some friends might be planning seafood platters and champagne picnics, while others are budgeting for sausages and coleslaw. Avoid awkward dinner standoffs by setting expectations early: will you cook together, rotate meal duties or do your own thing?
3. Plan Just Enough Structure
Group trips are best with a sprinkle of structure and a generous dollop of freedom. One or two planned activities—like a coastal walk or dinner at the local pub – give everyone a shared highlight to look forward to. But over-planning every moment can turn a relaxing getaway into a school camp itinerary.
Leave space for naps, novels, beachcombing or simply doing nothing in the sun. Some of the best moments come from unplanned adventures: an impromptu backyard cricket match, stumbling upon a hidden gelato shop or finding a ukulele in the cupboard and attempting group karaoke.
4. Create Zones and Assign Roles
Even paradise needs a little planning. Whether it’s setting up sleeping arrangements or creating a simple cleaning roster, a bit of structure avoids friction. Think of the house as a mini ecosystem – if someone’s doing all the cooking, someone else should be doing the dishes or running the coffee station.
If someone scores the only room with a view and a king bed, consider asking them to chip in a little more or take the morning coffee run. It doesn’t have to be a strict tally, just a shared sense of fairness. Even assigning someone as “Playlist Captain” or “Sunset Aperitivo Chief” can help spread the fun and give everyone a little niche to own.
5. Respect the Need for Downtime
Not everyone is wired to be “on” all day. After hours of chatter, beach games and shared meals, it’s natural to crave a moment of calm. Whether it’s a post-lunch siesta, a solo beach stroll or someone quietly listening to a podcast with their headphones in, honour the unspoken agreement that downtime is essential – not antisocial.
A closed door doesn’t mean someone’s sulking or feeling left out. It just means they’re taking a breather in their own way. Everyone recharges differently and respecting that rhythm makes the whole trip more enjoyable. Set the tone early by making space for quiet: a comfy reading nook by the window, a shaded hammock spot in the garden, or even a tea-and-journal corner can do wonders for the group vibe. Sometimes, the best way to reconnect is by disconnecting for a little while.
6. Communicate (Without the Passive-Aggressive Post-Its)
It’s usually not the big issues that cause friction – it’s the little ones that simmer. Dirty dishes left again, the coffee machine mysteriously never refilled, the hammock always “reserved”. These things feel small until they don’t.
Instead of bottling things up or reaching for the passive-aggressive sticky notes, create a culture where it’s okay to raise stuff kindly. A simple “Hey, do you mind giving the sink a quick rinse after you use it?” goes a lot further than a late-night rant to your partner.
A group WhatsApp is great not just for practicalities (“Who’s got the car keys?”) but for sharing info or inside jokes. Just remember tone doesn’t always translate well by text – emojis help 😉.
7. Celebrate the Little Moments
Sure, you’ll snap the group photo at sunset and film the beach day reel – but don’t miss the quieter magic. The pre-dinner laughter in the kitchen, the late-night card games where rules go out the window, the group toast after a day of doing absolutely nothing.
Bring a deck of cards, a silly board game or that old speaker someone always travels with. These spontaneous moments – the shared stories, the burnt toast, the badly sung songs – are the ones that become cherished memories long after the bags are unpacked.
So, pour another piña colada, say yes to the impromptu dance party, and remember: good holidays come and go, but great friendships are worth their weight in sandy shoes and shared laundry.
The Bottom Line (And a Bonus Cheat Sheet)
Holiday homes are about shared joy, not shared resentment. With a bit of planning, some open communication, and a sprinkle of humour, you can turn a group getaway into something legendary.
Stick to the basics. Respect the space. Be kind. Laugh often. And when in doubt? Offer to do the dishes.
I you want the full rundown in one handy guide, we’ve wrapped up 12 Little Etiquette Rules in a fun, easy-to-share download – your secret weapon to keeping the holiday vibes high and the group chats drama-free.
