One in five people (21%) are planning a getaway with friends this year, according to a new survey from Multitrip.com. The travel insurance provider asked more than 2,500 people* who they would be holidaying with in 2026, as the summer season approaches.
The results also show:
- 60% of holidaymakers will take a break with a partner / spouse
- 33% will travel with kids up to the age of 17
- 19% will bring their adult children over the age of 18 on holiday
- 9% of people will travel solo this year
Getting a gang together for a trip can be a fantastic experience, but the team at Multitrip.com has compiled five top tips to help ensure it’s a holiday to remember:
-
Be clear about expectations
Take time to discuss the type of holiday the group would like - will it be mostly active or relaxing? Is it built around a certain activity like a concert, or is it all about catching up?
-
Decide on finances
Taking this step can help avoid after-dinner arguments where everyone is insisting they can ‘get this one’. One option is to have a central fund for contributions, or a schedule that means one person covers agreed costs on a set day.
-
Factor in ‘alone time’
However close your friendship, being with the same people 24/7 can be demanding. Taking time out to relax and recharge can be valuable for everyone.
-
Room allocation
Avoid conflicting body clocks - early birds may not appreciate bunking in with the night owls.
-
Be flexible
If you have a plan in place from the start, it gives you the freedom to roll with any changes that need to be made. Whether bad weather disrupts a planned harbour cruise or someone doesn’t feel up to an early morning hike anymore, being flexible will help everyone to relax and make the most of the friends’ trip experience.
MD of Multitrip.com Jason Whelan says as with any holiday, preparation is a really important part of a friends trip:
“No matter who you travel with, be that your friends, your partner, or your kids, the one thing you should never forget is your travel insurance. With medical costs rising globally, travel insurance is an essential addition as soon as you book your trips.
“We can see from this survey that lots of people will be travelling with their partners and kids this year. Our Family & Couple Annual policies provide coverage for multiple trips as well as individual travel plans throughout the year and offer valuable savings. There is no excess and kids go free with our Family Annual Premier Plus policies, meaning there’s no additional cost to insure your dependent children.’’
