Think you know your friend like the back of your hand? Not so fast! Sometimes your closest pals are your least compatible travel buddies – and that’s perfectly fine. Before researching flights and accommodations, find out if you’re on the same page. If it helps, pretend you’re on a blind date and ask lots of questions. Are you a morning person? Do you plan on partying every night? What’s your daily budget? The goal is to put everything out on the table, so there are a few surprises as possible during the trip itself.

Read more: 15 Great Getaways for Groups on a Budget
 

Compromise is key to any lasting relationship, and the same goes for platonic friendships, too. Setting realistic expectations is a great defense against spoiled plans, which again will almost certainly happen. Before hitting the road, sit down with your friends and come up with a “bucket-list” of activities each member of the group wants to have before leaving. It could be as simple as sampling street food or as extravagant as bungee jumping from a skyscraper. Use this list as the starting point of crafting your group’s itinerary, then remember to account for all travelers' interest, so that everyone is happy.

Read more: 9 Spring Break Destinations Your Whole Family Will Love
 

Don’t underestimate the power of some alone time, especially if you typically travel solo or if it’s been years since your last foreign jaunt. Depending on how much of an introvert or extrovert you are, your “me” time could be as little as 15 minutes or as long as an entire day. Don’t wait until you’ve reached your breaking point. Rather, take a look at that bucket list you’ve drawn up and figured out which activities you might want to duck out of – or make sure your companion(s) have something lined up for the times you want to try something by yourself. Your caffeine-loving bestie could hit up that trendy café, for example, while you join a neighborhood walking tour.

Read more: The Best Cities for Solo Travel in the U.S.

While travel is the perfect opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone, it doesn’t mean you have to throw caution to the wind. As we referenced at the beginning, money can become a touchy subject, so it’s best to get that out of the way from the get-go. If you're on a budget, make sure your friends know how much you feel comfortable spending on meals, accommodations, and excursions. And don’t be upset if your friend decides to splurge on a helicopter ride or indulges in a 5-star restaurant without you. On the flip side, be considerate and respectful if wallet-watching friends decline to join in on more costly parts of the itinerary. Again, it’s all about compromise – and knowing and respecting each other’s limits.

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We'll say it again: As detailed as your travel plans are, there are still going to be a few roadblocks along the way. Delayed trains and canceled flights – along with smaller wrinkles that may pop up – are completely out of your control, and the sooner you accept that, the better. Plus, having an open mind may lead to even more adventures, ones you’d never think to plan. After all, your trip should be all about having fun with your friends and making memories so don’t sweat the small stuff. And remember that a positive attitude can do wonders in creating and maintaining a better group dynamic, too.

Read more: 10 Ways to Creatively Save All Your Vacation Memories