Summer’s over, so that means it’s time to start planning those winter getaways right? I mean that’s what I’m doing! And what’s better than traveling with your best friends? Traveling with friends is amazing, but you also need to set yourself up for success. I mean, you want to make sure you’re still friends when you come home, right? Here are my tips on how to master the art of traveling with friends.

Step 1: Take Charge

Whether you are planning a weekend on the Vineyard or a month’s journey across Europe, someone needs to take charge and be the leader of the group. Like it or not, someone needs to be the central contact person for everyone else. Think of it like this, Google Drive lets multiple people contribute to a single document, but only one person can be the owner.

Step 2: Get Organized

As you could probably tell by my Google Drive analogy above, I’m an organizer. And when it comes to trips, there is no better tool to get organized with than Google Drive. It’s free, it lets everyone see the live updates in the docs and it will ensure you leave no stone unturned.

Step 3: Figure Out Who’s Paying for What

I know talking about money with friends is unpleasant, but if you are going on a trip with them, you need to discuss the budget at some point and make sure everyone’s on the same page. If one person wants to stay at the Four Seasons and someone else wants to backpack, there is going to be a problem. A great way to get over this awkwardness is to just split everything right down the middle. And my new favorite way of splitting the bill is Square Cash.

Square Cash is the easiest way to send or receive money from friends and family. All you have to do is download the Square Cash app, signup and link your debit card. And you can immediately start sending and receiving cash so you can plan that dream getaway with your besties!

I like this app better than the other options out there because you can buy things online straight from your cash account. And you can even get INSTANT deposits for a 1% fee. And when you are planning a big trip this is really helpful! Oh and you don’t have to worry that the friend you left out is going to find you you are going to London with her nemesis, Square Cash doesn’t share anything to social media.

Step 4: Don’t Over Plan

Now I know that I said that I am a planner and that I like to map everything out in Google Drive, but remember this is supposed to be a vacation not a forced march. So resist the urge to map out every hour of the trip. Leave some free time and flexibility so you can go where the wind takes you once in a while (those are often the best moments of the trip!).

Step 5: Have Fun!

Traveling with your friends is such a different experience than traveling with your significant other or your family. So enjoy your time away, be silly and remember to have fun!

This post is brought to you by Square Cash and Her Campus Media.