How to survive a Friend-cation

Perhaps survived isn’t the right word. It wasn’t at all traumatic. In fact, like Katy Perry, I liked it. I do have one guilty confession to make – but I will leave that for the end of the story.

A friend-cation, according to the world of marketing, is when a group of friends goes on holiday together.

A love of food, and the Noosa International Food & Wine Festival, was the impetus for bringing Cath, Marty, Chris, DK, Jaala and the Crisps together under one roof.

The six and a quarter of us (Jaala is a baby) stayed in a 300sq m apartment at the Outrigger Little Hastings Street Resort and Spa at Noosa, Queensland, for two nights.

It’s a great way to save money

Sharing an apartment is a great way to save money. Booking three separate double rooms is much more expensive than booking a three-bedroom penthouse that sleeps the same number of people and has a massive lounge, kitchen, dining room and balcony to share.

It was the perfect base for our weekend as there was plenty of common space, while the bedrooms were private sanctuaries.

You also save money on other things, such as splitting the cost of late-night pizzas.

There are certain rules you need to follow when planning a friend-cation.

First, and most important, is choose your friends wisely. You will be spending a lot of time with them.

The second is that, despite being on holiday together, you don’t have to spend all your time together. Staying at the Outrigger, there are plenty of options for “me time” and my favourite is Stephanies Ocean Spa.

Make sure everyone is on the same page

Communication among your friends is also the key. Make sure everyone knows what kind of holiday they are getting themselves into. There’s no point one couple thinking the trip is a chance to chill out and read, while the other couples think they’re heading to party central.

DK says she made sure we were all aware she was bringing the baby.

“To be honest, there were a few moments of hesitation before committing to go because I come along as a 2.25 package, which comprises a husband and a very active and loud 15-month-old. But my mind was put at ease once I received the all-clear from our holidaying housemates,” she says.

“Upon arriving at the Outrigger, I realised that I shouldn’t have worried. To say our villa was big was an understatement. It was vast. The bedrooms were more like three separate living spaces and thankfully our room was politely situated at the other end of the villa so our beloved 5am alarm in the form of a toddler impatiently wanting breakfast didn’t intrude on the slumber of our friends.

“In fact, we were able to feed her, shower and leave the villa for a morning of beachcombing before anyone else even woke. Relief.”

Leave your problems at the door

Rule No.4: Don’t bring your problems with you. Make sure all the work stuff is out of the way and try to play nicely with everyone.

DK adds another one: “If you do the crime, do the time. In other words, clean up after yourself.”

Marty’s rule is simple: Make sure there’s enough to drink.

Colin Bowman, from Flight Centre, says he’s seen a lot of interest from groups of friends wanting a short break or extended weekend together.

“Close-to-home breaks are popular because they are easy to arrange and often a lot cheaper,” Bowman says.

“These breaks are often planned around food and wine, such as escapes in the Hunter Valley, Yarra Valley and Margaret River, as well as shopping, attending events or participating in favourite sports, like golf,” he says.

“New Zealand is also increasingly popular. The country serves up a mix of culture and adventure to suit travellers of any age – and the flights are very affordable at the moment.”

Here’s the confession

So now it is confession time. When we arrived, Jaala’s cot was in the room next to me. I know I’m bad but I moved it to the other end of the villa. Truthfully, I didn’t want to keep her up with my snoring. That’s what friends are for.

Outrigger

Popular for travelling couples and friend-cations, Outrigger Little Hastings Street Resort and Spa offers packages a myriad of deals in a three-bedroom penthouse for up to six guests, subject to availability (minimum two-night stay). See outrigger.com.au or ph (07) 5455 2277.

NOOSA AND SUNSHINE COAST FAST FACTS

 Located at the northern end of the Sunshine Coast, Noosa is serviced by Sunshine Coast Airport with regular connections from Sydney and Melbourne.

 The Sunshine Coast spans 211 kilometres of coastline.

 Noosa’s Laguna Bay or Main Beach is a sheltered and safe swimming beach framed by Noosa National Park sweeping up a crest of open beach to Double Island Point and the gateway to Fraser Island.

 The area is home to many prestigious food, cultural and sporting events including.

 Noosa National Park beside Outrigger Little Hastings Street is perennially nominated in Australia’s Top 10 bushwalks. The park is home to over 1100 different species of native flora and fauna.

 Guided cruises and kayaking tours through the Noosa Everglades is a must for everyone. Dolphin tours, whale watching, stand up paddle boarding and even Harley Davidson tours through the Sunshine Coast hinterland are very popular pastimes among visitors.

 Noosa has been recognised by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve – one of only two regions in Queensland to receive this special recognition.