How to Plan a Trip Using Only Friends’ Suggestions

With endless travel blogs, AI-generated itineraries, and review websites at your fingertips, planning a trip has never been easier—but also never more overwhelming. So what if you skipped all of that and relied entirely on one source: your friends? Whether it’s their favorite hidden gems, best food spots, or must-do activities, trusting personal recommendations can lead to a more authentic and memorable adventure. But is it a good idea? Let’s find out.

Step 1: Choose Your Destination Based on Who You Trust

Instead of scrolling through travel lists or AI suggestions, start by asking your most well-traveled friends where they think you should go. The key is picking friends who actually know your style—if you love laid-back beach trips, don’t take advice from your friend who only does city-hopping. The best part? You might end up in a place you never would have considered on your own.

Step 2: Crowdsource Your Itinerary

Once you have a destination, put your trust in your social circle. Ask different friends for their favorite must-see spots, restaurants, and experiences. Instead of looking at generic “top 10” lists, you’re getting real advice from people who’ve actually been there. Bonus: friends often give you insider tips that tourists miss, like the best time to visit a landmark or how to get into a secret speakeasy.

A great way to do this is through social media—post a question like, "Heading to Mexico City! What are your must-visit spots?" You’ll be surprised at how many responses you get.

Step 3: Trust the Food Recommendations

Restaurants with the highest ratings on review sites aren’t always the best or most authentic. But your foodie friends? They know what’s up. Whether they swear by a hole-in-the-wall ramen shop in Tokyo or the best street tacos in Mexico City, trusting their picks can lead you to meals that aren’t just good—but unforgettable.

If you’re traveling somewhere none of your friends have been, ask them to connect you with someone who lives there. Locals are the ultimate food guides.

Step 4: Let Friends Decide Your Activities

Instead of planning your days down to the minute, let your friends’ suggestions shape your schedule. If someone tells you about an off-the-beaten-path hike, an underground art scene, or a day trip worth taking, go for it—even if it wasn’t what you originally had in mind.

This is where flexibility matters. Unlike AI-generated itineraries, human recommendations often come with personal stories and enthusiasm. If your friend says, “You HAVE to check out this sunset spot,” there’s probably a good reason.

Step 5: Embrace the Unexpected

One of the best parts about following friends’ advice is that it adds an element of surprise to your trip. Maybe you’ll end up at a local festival you didn’t even know was happening. Maybe you’ll meet someone through a friend-of-a-friend and get an invite to a private event. When you ditch rigid plans and let personal recommendations guide you, travel starts to feel more spontaneous—and often, way more fun.

Planning a trip using only friends’ suggestions is a great way to discover new places, avoid tourist traps, and have a more personal travel experience. While it requires a little trust and flexibility, it often leads to the most unexpected and memorable adventures. So next time you’re planning a trip, skip the guidebooks—just ask your friends.