Make the most of a 'Friendcation'

Whether you are in high school, university or reuniting after years, a “friendcation” is the perfect way to unwind and reconnect.

According to Siphesihle Penny Ndlela, the owner of travel company Soul Traveller, many people take a friendcation to spend quality time with friends and to have fun.

“Friends are looking for great places, great food, music and fun. They plan these types of holidays to enjoy shared moments that are intimate and special. Therefore, it’s important for them to plan their experiences accordingly,” she said.

The most popular days for friendcation escapes are between Thursday and Monday.

“Friends usually leave for their trip on Thursday afternoon and are back at work by Monday morning. Despite it being just one day off, the weekend allows just enough time for the group to spend time with each other and have a chance to rejuvenate from a hard work-week,” said Penny. 

Here are some tips to plan a successful friendcation:

There is always that one friend who is organised enough to plan a friendcation. Nominate someone to do all the planning and join in to help them with whatever they need to get done. But if you want to relax and not worry about planning, Penny suggested using the services of an agent or host. This can be arranged through a travel agency.

“The host will be able to keep the mood up, motivate the group and energise them. They can also help plan an itinerary and ensure that everyone is on time for tours and dinner appointments,” she said.

Set a Date.

Finding time to get together can be quite a challenge, more so when you are an adult. Discuss possible dates that suit everyone. Once the date is set, you are one step closer to enjoying that well-deserved friendcation.

Book Early.

Once the date is set, go ahead with plans to book flights, accommodation and tours. Try not to leave everything to the last minute.

Friends that explore together, stay together.

Make it a priority to do some activities and tours during the trip. As much as the idea of lounging near the pool seems enticing, going out to explore a place is not only fun, but a great bonding experience.

Drink Responsibly.

While it’s fine to indulge in some alcohol, try not to overdo it. No one wants to wake up the next morning unsure of what happened the night before.

Take Time to Connect.

One of the reasons why people plan a friendcation trip is to get to know their friends better. Trips like these can help strengthen the bond friends have.