How to plan a trip with friends
A cottage weekend, a ski trip or a birthday getaway all need the same early decisions. Work through these in order, and avoid booking something the group hasn’t agreed to.
1. Agree on dates before booking
Start with two or three weekends, not an open-ended question. In assmbl, friends mark each date yes, maybe or no. Give everyone a deadline, then lock the winning dates before anyone pays for a booking.
2. Set a budget people can actually manage
Decide whether your budget covers accommodation only or the whole weekend, including travel, food and activities. assmbl’s private budget poll lets friends answer quietly, while the organizer sees what works for most. Use that result to narrow down realistic options.
3. Choose a destination and a place to stay
Compare a short list with a booking link and an approximate cost for each option. assmbl’s destination poll lets everyone pick a favorite. Check the provider’s availability and cancellation terms before committing; a winning vote is not a reservation.
4. Pick activities without filling every minute
Collect a few ideas and leave room for downtime. Friends can upvote activities in assmbl, and the organizer can put the agreed plans into an itinerary. Add the address, check-in details and packing list to the plan so the essentials stay together.
5. Share the jobs
Name one person for each job: booking the cottage, buying groceries or arranging transport. assmbl’s tasks have an assignee and can be marked done. For bookings, choose whether one person books for everyone or friends book separately through a shared link.
6. Record expenses as you go
Agree on how costs will be shared before someone pays. Log shared expenses in assmbl to split costs and see balances. Friends settle up separately using the payment details in the plan; assmbl tracks the amounts, rather than moving money between friends.
One shared link. No guest accounts.
The organizer creates an assmbl account and sets up the plan. Once it’s open, share the link in your existing group chat. Friends join with a first name, vote and take part without downloading an app or creating an account.
Your first plan is free. After that, the organizer pays once per plan, not a subscription. Friends always join free. See the pricing packages.
Make a plan with friends