Vrbo Shares Expert Tips to Make Group Travel Easier This Spring Break

As spring break approaches, new research from Vrbo highlights the growing popularity of group vacations and offers practical strategies to make trips smoother and stress-free. The study reveals that more families and friend groups are traveling together, but disagreements over budgets, sleeping arrangements and trip planning can often create tension during group getaways.

Group travel demand continues to grow

According to recent research, group travel is steadily increasing, particularly among families and multi-generational travelers. The study found that 57% of parents plan to take a multi-generational trip in the next year, while 42% intend to travel with friends or other families.

Despite the popularity of shared vacations, one in three travelers reported having an argument during a group trip, with the number rising to 43% among Gen Z travelers.

Budget transparency is key to avoiding conflict

One of the biggest sources of conflict during group trips is how expenses are divided. Travel experts recommend discussing the budget and cost-sharing rules before booking accommodation to avoid misunderstandings.

Melanie Fish, travel expert at Vrbo, said travelers often have different views on what “splitting the cost” actually means, particularly when accommodations include different types of bedrooms and beds.

Survey findings show varied opinions on fair cost distribution:

• 50% of travelers believe guests arriving late or leaving early should pay less
• 44% think travelers sharing a room should pay less than those with private rooms
• Nearly 40% of Gen Z travelers believe people traveling from farther distances should pay less

To avoid disagreements, Vrbo recommends agreeing on a per-person budget before booking and deciding whether expenses should be split per person, per bedroom or per night.

Beds matter more than bedrooms for many travelers

Accommodation preferences also play a major role in group travel satisfaction. The study found that beds are often more important than bedrooms when groups select vacation rentals.

Key findings include:

• Nearly two-thirds of travelers are willing to share a bedroom as long as they have their own bed
• 75% of Gen Z travelers prioritise the number of beds when choosing accommodation
• 55% of respondents would rather share a bathroom than a bedroom

However, the research suggests that four people is generally the maximum number comfortable sharing a full bathroom in a vacation rental.

To help groups find suitable properties, Vrbo offers filters that allow travelers to search for minimum bed numbers and specific bed types.

Planning together helps reduce travel drama

Communication and collaborative planning are also critical to successful group travel. The survey found that 40% of respondents believe creating a group chat before the trip helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures everyone’s expectations are aligned.

The Vrbo platform provides tools such as Trip Planner, which allows travelers to save potential vacation rentals and invite friends or family members to review and comment on options before booking.

Travelers can also look for the “Loved by Guests” badge, which identifies top-rated vacation rentals based on cleanliness, location accuracy and ease of check-in. Another helpful feature is the Premier Host filter, which highlights properties managed by experienced hosts with high ratings and reliable booking records.

Common group travel pet peeves

The study also identified several behaviors that frequently irritate travelers during shared vacations:

• Being late or delaying group plans
• Not helping with chores or cleaning during the stay
• Spending too much time on phones instead of engaging with the group

Although these issues cannot always be avoided, travel experts say that clear expectations and shared responsibilities can significantly reduce tensions during group trips.

Growing role of vacation rentals in group travel

Founded in 1995, Vrbo has grown into a major global marketplace for vacation rentals, connecting travelers with a wide range of accommodation options such as beach houses, cabins, city apartments and large villas designed for group stays. The platform is part of Expedia Group and benefits from the company’s extensive global travel network.

With demand for group trips continuing to grow, industry experts expect vacation rentals to remain a preferred option for families and friends seeking flexible and spacious accommodation for shared travel experiences.