Anonymous wrote:For everyone saying “separate bills” not every restaurant will allow this with large groups particularly during busy seasons. So don’t bet on that as an option.

Bring cash! I know very old school

Anonymous wrote:We split the check and call it a day! Not that hard.

Evenly or proportionately?

We generally get separate bills when possible, just venmo the person who pays the bill, and try to take turns in paying for groceries and recognize varying contributions. For example on the first night of our beach week with the family, my brother brought a bunch of groceries from home, I paid for pizza for everyone, my sister went out to the grocery store and spent about what I spent on the pizza. We figured we all chipped in about the same amount at that point. (and my parents pay for the rental house)

When people are fairly evenly matched in finances and generous with each other, it's easy to work this out. When even one in the group seems to balk at chipping in or taking turns, then you need to be much more explicit about divvying up the costs.

Anonymous wrote:In my family, we tend to trip over each other trying to get the bill and pay for it.

Same. And if someone pays and refuses to take the money then we make it up in other ways. Mainly through gifts.

Anonymous wrote:1. Each family buys own tickets
2. Each family pays for a meal in total for everyone. It rotates so you don’t have to Venmo.
3. Lay this out before the trip.
It’s not all so messy OP.

This, but 2- Would be provide a meal - so if someone has less budget for a meal they can plan to cook for the group, a much lower cost option.