Let’s be honest: family trips can be tricky. Now throw in a bunch of cousins who haven’t traveled together since someone cried over shotgun privileges back in ’07, and you might be wondering what could possibly go right. But here’s the thing, traveling with your cousins as adults? It might just be one of the most fun, low-pressure, memory-packed adventures you can have.
Whether you grew up inseparable or only see each other at weddings and holiday dinners, a cousin getaway is a perfect chance to reconnect, laugh until you cry, and maybe even create a few new inside jokes. And no, you don’t have to fall back into childhood roles (unless you want to argue about Uno again).
So, how do you pull off a trip like this without someone storming off mid-itinerary? Here’s your guide to planning a cousin trip that hits all the right notes, without making you feel like you’re stuck in a family vacation flashback.
Why Cousin Trips Are Totally Worth It
You already know the best stories. You survived awkward family dinners together. You probably had a secret handshake at some point. Cousins bring a unique mix of friendship and family ties that make travel feel easy and familiar.
You don’t have to impress anyone. You don’t need to explain your weird snack habits. You can just be. That kind of comfort? Gold.
Plus, there’s something genuinely special about seeing each other outside the usual family backdrop. You get to rediscover who everyone is now—minus the casserole dishes and seating charts.
Picking the Right Destination (and the Right Vibe)
Here’s where it gets fun. The destination sets the tone. Want to go full chill mode? Think mountain cabins or coastal towns. Want adventure? Try a national park or a city with great nightlife. Looking to unwind in style? A wine tasting weekend getaway might be just the thing.
The key is finding a place that fits your crew’s collective vibe. Are you foodies? Hikers? Vintage shoppers? Beach loungers? Talk it out.
And don’t forget: budget matters. Everyone should feel comfortable with the costs, whether that means a luxe villa or a few nights in a cute Airbnb.
Get That Group Chat Going Early
Ah yes, the cousin group chat. Equal parts chaos and comedy. But it’s also your best planning tool.
Start it early. Drop ideas, vote on dates, share TikToks of places that scream “us.” Use polls, emojis, and the occasional meme to keep things light.
This isn’t a corporate board meeting. It’s trip planning with people who once watched cartoons in footie pajamas together.
Not everyone will respond promptly (we see you, silent lurker), but keeping it organized in one place makes everything easier. And honestly? The build-up chat might be half the fun.
Divide and Conquer: Roles Make Everything Smoother
Let’s face it: one person planning everything for a group of grown adults? Recipe for burnout. Split the load.
Someone handles lodging. Another finds great places to eat. One cousin becomes the logistics master (bless their Type A heart), and someone else takes charge of playlists, snacks, or Instagram-worthy photo ops.
This way, everyone contributes, and no one feels like the designated parent. And hey, you get to see who secretly thrives in trip-planning mode.
You’re Not Kids Anymore (So Travel Like It)
This might be the most important part: give each other space. Not every second has to be group time. Want to hit a yoga class while your cousin sleeps in? Do it. Need an afternoon to read by the pool? Go for it. Adult trips are about flexibility and freedom.
Book accommodations with enough space for everyone to breathe. That means real beds, multiple bathrooms, and ideally, a chill common area where you can laugh over wine at night.
And please, skip the bunk beds.
Shared Meals, Inside Jokes, and That One Cousin Who Always Orders Dessert
This is where the magic happens. You don’t need an activity-packed itinerary. Sometimes the best moments are slow ones: group brunch, wandering through a local market, playing cards in a cozy rental.
Plan one or two memorable meals—either at a local gem or cooked together. You’ll bond over chopping garlic or debating if the pasta needs more salt. These shared moments become the highlights you laugh about later.
And if someone starts a new tradition, like “cheersing” with a random quote or creating a shared photo album, lean into it.
Pack Smart, But Don’t Overthink It
Yes, you need your basics. But here’s what actually comes in handy:
- A power strip (trust me)
- Games or cards for downtime
- A mini speaker for spontaneous dance parties
- One “wow” outfit, just in case
And don’t forget: coordinate a little on luggage space, especially if you’re driving or flying together. There’s always that one cousin who brings three bags for a weekend.
Keep It Light, Keep It Real
Even the best-planned trips have hiccups. Someone will forget something. Someone might need a nap instead of a hike.
That’s okay.
You’re here to connect, not control. Let the moments happen, whether they’re perfectly posed or completely unfiltered. You might end up with a travel fail story that becomes legendary.
And who doesn’t want that?
Wrap-Up: New Memories with Old Friends (That Just Happen to Be Family)
You’re older. You’re wiser. You know how to pack snacks and not cry when you lose a card game. Traveling with cousins now isn’t about reliving the past—it’s about building something new.
So plan the trip. Book the flights. Send the meme to the group chat. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a bucket list adventure, the stories you’ll collect are worth every moment of planning.
And hey—maybe bring Uno. Just in case.