'I just got back from my first holiday with friends. These are the 6 rules I followed.'

Listen to this story being read by Charlotte Begg, here.

I just returned from my first overseas trip with friends - my boyfriend and I were invited to Bali and we jumped at the chance (it's Bali!)

There were 10 of us in a villa, and some were close friends, while others were people we got to know over the holiday.

And it was great - there were no arguments, no ended friendships, just epic memories that'll last forever (corny I know, but it's true).

As someone who's only ever travelled with family, I learned very quickly that going away with friends is quite different - and there's an unofficial list of rules to follow if you want it to be smooth and drama-free.

Here are 6 pointers I'd recommend.

1. Can't afford it? Don't go.

I can't take credit for this rule - I heard Mamamia Out Loud producer Emma Gillespie mention it in a bonus episode of the podcast, but I couldn't agree more.

As you might've guessed from photo above, there was a lot of booze on this trip - we were in Bali to celebrate a friend's milestone birthday, so celebrate we did. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Charlotte Begg (@charliebegg)

Yes, it cost us, but we knew that going in and saved accordingly.

If you can't afford it, pass on the holiday - you don't want to make things awkward or dampen the mood if the group does want to be a bit YOLO.

Do a dinner with them when they return or make sure you have the savings before saying yes.

2. Download 'Splitwise'.

Ok - now that's out of the way, if you've gone ahead and committed to a group trip, make sure you download the app 'Splitwise'.

This free app allows you to track shared expenses with friends or family so that everyone gets paid back.

No more awkward conversations about "who owes who", or chasing anyone for money again.

Here's an example of how it works: say I paid for lunch one day, including food and alcohol, and one friend decided not to drink. I would then create two bills for that lunch in Splitwise - one for food, and one for drinks - and I wouldn't include that person in the drinks bill.

At the end of the trip, the app will tell you what you owe for all the meals, activities, etc, and who you owe it to. Then you send them the money.

Easy as that.

3. Remember to share.

On the flip side, be a little generous with things that don't cost all that much. It's nice to share and your friends will appreciate it.

With this rule, I'm talking about a bottle of wine to drink by the pool, snacks or things like sunscreen.

We chucked all of that stuff on the table or in the fridge and it was free rein for everyone - worked a treat.

Are you a Mamamia subscriber? Listen to the full bonus Mamamia Out Loud episode here. 

4. Plans and reservations are important.

Don't forget the importance of the Nicole in your group. 

ICYMI, Nicole is your organised friend who makes the plans, books the reservations and tells you to show up at a time and place.

I'm sure you're imagining that friend right now - or maybe it's you.

Without a Nicole, your group will be running around like headless chickens. Without plans and reservations, you'll waste precious time deciding what to do on your holiday, and that's not what a holiday should be spent doing.

I'm usually the Nicole with most friend groups, but on this trip, I wasn't - my good friend organised everything, from the villa to the restaurant recommendations. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Charlotte Begg (@charliebegg)

It made every day easy, and we could decide what activities we wanted to join in on. 

That leads to my next rule...

5. It's your holiday, so enjoy it how you like.

YOU DON'T NEED TO SAY YES TO EVERYTHING.

Remember and repeat after me: it's your holiday.

Want to get a coffee before the crew gets up? Do it.

Want to sleep in until 10am? Do that instead.

Prefer to go shopping one day instead of going to lunch like planned? Go shopping instead!

Good friends won't mind because although it's a group holiday, it's yours too.

6. Use the 'Find My Friends' app.

If you have an iPhone, there's a free app from Apple called 'Find My Friends'. Once you've downloaded it, you can and share your location with your friends by entering their phone number or email. They'll be able to see where you are and share their location back.

Although not something I would always recommend because trust is obviously important, it's worth considering if you'll be in a new place where you and your friends don't know the area or people well.

Say, for example, your girlfriend wants to go for a drink with a guy she just met in a bar. She can go for her life, but if you get worried, you can check where she might be.

It just gives everyone peace of mind.

Have you travelled with friends? Share any additional tips with me below!

Charlie Begg is Mamamia's lifestyle writer. For more beauty, fashion and homewares recommendations, read her articles here and follow her on  Instagram.

Feature image: Supplied.

Calling-on everyone aged 35 to 59 with kids! Take this short Mamamia survey now to go in the running to win a $50 gift voucher.

TAKE SURVEY ➤