How to Handle That One Friend Who’s Always Late (On a Trip)

Every travel group has that one friend—the one who’s always running late. Whether it’s missing a tour, delaying dinner, or making everyone sprint to the airport gate, their lateness can throw off your whole trip. But instead of letting frustration take over, use these smart strategies to keep things moving without drama. Here’s how to handle a friend who’s always late—without letting them ruin your trip.

1. Set Fake Meeting Times (Build in a Buffer)

If your friend is always 30 minutes late, tell them to meet at 7:00 when the real time is 7:30. This gives them the illusion of running late while actually keeping them on schedule. Bonus tip:

• Adjust the buffer based on how late they usually are.
• Tell them the time in their own "timezone,” so they don’t realize you’re tricking them.
• Use alarms or calendar invites to reinforce the fake time.

They’ll think they’re late, but in reality, they’re right on time.

2. Give Them Responsibilities That Require Being On Time

Some people are more punctual when they feel needed. Assign them tasks that force them to be on time, like:

• Booking the tour (so they can’t be late, or everyone loses their reservation).
• Choosing the restaurant (so they have to be there for the reservation).
• Being the navigator (so they don’t get left behind).

Giving them a role makes their lateness their own problem, not yours.

3. Set a “No Waiting” Rule

Make it clear: If someone is late, the group doesn’t wait. Instead of standing around frustrated:

• Agree to leave on time no matter what.
• Tell them where to meet you later if they miss the departure.
• Stick to it—once they see you’re serious, they’ll adjust.

Not waiting takes the pressure off everyone else and teaches them to be on time.

4. Plan a “Meet You There” Strategy

If your friend is a chronic last-minute runner, stop expecting them to show up on time. Instead:

• Pick a central meeting place where they can catch up.
• Give them clear directions so they can find you.
• Go ahead with your plans and let them join when they’re ready.

This removes the group’s frustration while keeping them responsible for their own schedule.

5. Use the “Early Start” Trick

Tell your late friend, “Let’s leave at 8:00,” but plan to actually leave at 8:30. This method works because:

• They feel less rushed, which can reduce lateness.
• Everyone else is ready, so when they finally arrive, you can go immediately.
• It prevents stress and the constant nagging.

It’s a simple way to reduce delays without arguing.

6. Set Hard Deadlines for Big Events

For time-sensitive plans like flights, trains, or reservations, make it clear there’s no flexibility. Say:

• “Doors close at 9:00. We’re leaving at 8:45 sharp.”
• “If you’re not here, we’ll see you at the next stop.”
• “I’ll text you the details in case you need to catch up.”

Setting hard deadlines keeps the trip moving on schedule.

7. Let Them Face the Consequences

Sometimes, people don’t change unless they experience the real impact of their actions. If they:

• Miss a train → They buy their own ticket for the next one.
• Arrive late to dinner → They wait for the next available table.
• Miss an activity → They skip it or pay for a separate tour.

Letting them deal with the consequences teaches them to respect the schedule.

8. Accept That They Won’t Change (And Work Around It)

If they’ve been late their whole life, chances are they won’t suddenly become punctual on your trip. Instead of fighting it:

• Plan activities where lateness doesn’t matter.
• Schedule flexible meet-up times so the group isn’t held up.
• Let them do their own thing and catch up when they can.

Sometimes, it’s easier to work around their lateness than to try to change them.

The Verdict: Keep the Trip Moving, No Drama Needed

Dealing with a late friend doesn’t have to ruin your trip. By setting clear expectations, using smart tricks, and not letting their lateness affect the group, you can keep the adventure stress-free. Ready to stop waiting? Put these strategies in place and enjoy your trip—on time.