GROUP POLITICS

Non-ideal situations and how to best deal with them

THE STICKING POINT: Paul wants to invite his girlfriend of three weeks to a holiday that’s still three months out.

THE SOLUTION: Invite her, but have everyone cough up for the big shared expenses – such as accommodation, tours and car hire – when they first commit to the trip, even if payment isn’t due until later. Think of it as insurance against everyone having to pitch in extra to cover 11th-hour cancellations (as well as inevitable relationship breakdowns).

THE STICKING POINT: Olivia found out she was left out of the plans and wants to come.

THE SOLUTION: Tell her that while you’ve already booked and are at capacity, she’ll be the first person you call should someone drop out. Colour it with a story about a cranky owner who’s asked to confirm numbers twice and hinted she’ll be there to count heads.

THE STICKING POINT: You arrive at your accommodation to discover one of the beds is a fold-out sofa.

THE SOLUTION: Offer a freeride day for the person who volunteers to take the short straw – for a day they nominate, the rest of the group pays their way. If no-one volunteers, draw names out of a hat (but still pick up the tab for the poor soul who winds up with it).