Friends group trip

The best group trips have one obsessive planner + a shared spending kitty. Here's what to lock in.

Documents & money — never leave without

Passport valid 6+ months past your return date
Photo + digital copy of passport, stored separately from the original
Travel visa or entry permit printed + emailed to yourself
Even e-visas — bring a paper copy.
Driver's licence + International Driving Permit if renting a car
At least two payment methods (e.g. Visa + Mastercard)
Cash in the local currency for tips, taxis, markets
~US$100 equivalent is usually enough.
Travel insurance policy PDF + emergency contact number
Printed hotel reservation for immigration forms
Vaccination card if required for entry
Check your destination's current rules 2 weeks out.

One shared spending kitty app (Splitwise / similar) set up
Shared Google / iCloud album for photos
Decide which meals are group vs solo before you leave
Prevents 4pm daily hangry arguments.
A group chat with everyone's flight numbers + arrival times
One fallback meeting point if phones die
A shared Pifini trip URL with the plan locked in
Build one at /trips/new — share the link.

Share your itinerary with a trusted person at home
Register with your embassy (US: STEP; UK: FCDO; CA: ROCA) for emergency contact
Know the local emergency number (911, 112, 999, etc.)
Identify your nearest embassy / high commission + its address
Don't flash jewellery, watches, or cash publicly
Use licensed taxis or app-based rides (Uber / Bolt / local equivalent)
Avoid walking alone after dark in unfamiliar areas
Carry a dummy wallet with expired cards + small cash for worst-case muggings
Know the local scam patterns for your destination
A 5-minute search before the trip saves hours.

Prescription meds in original labelled bottles
Bring a few days extra in case you're delayed.
Basic medkit: painkillers, antihistamines, rehydration salts, plasters
Insect repellent (DEET ≥25% in tropics)
Sunscreen SPF 30+ and after-sun
Reusable water bottle (plus know if tap water is safe)
Hand sanitiser + a few disposable masks
Doctor's note for controlled substances / needles if applicable
Emergency numbers saved: local police, embassy, travel-insurance 24h line