If you’re planning a group holiday, you might be thinking about the adventures you’ll have, the exciting days out you’ll spend together and the experiences you’ll share.

You might not be thinking about the unwritten rules that make sure everyone has memories that make them smile, not cringe or roll their eyes.

Follow these 10 commandments of group holidays to keep your relationships intact on the next big group holiday, whether it’s with family or friends.

Christmas is a fantastic and exciting time of year for a family get together. As a traditional season of meeting up and getting festive in large groups, what better way to really push the boat out than to rent a beautiful holiday house?

Hosting your very own group party in a holiday home over New Year doesn’t need to be an expensive occasion. In fact we’ve thought of 3 reasons why it could save you money. Plus you get full control over the choice of venue, guests, decor and food!

Cooking for large groups on holiday can be a challenge – do you cook what you normally do but double the quantities? Or maybe you just bake a few regular dishes and give people a small portion of each…?

Let’s face it: group holidays are more popular than ever. If we’re not dreaming of a once-in-a lifetime holiday with all our favourite people, we’re planning a surprise party for a loved-one and with everyone there. Or we’re thinking of getting all our nearest and dearest together for the ultimate family reunion. But lots of people in one space can be a recipe for disaster. Plus there’s plenty of potential for real group holiday problems. So, if you’re thinking of a grand get-together read this first.

Going on holiday is about recharging your batteries, relaxing, catching up with friends and family and spending your days doing what you enjoy.

There’s nothing like opening the large heavy front door to your very own Scottish castle for the first time, letting the sights, sounds and smells of history excite your senses as you explore every room, snug, secret passageway and staircase.

You have the same conversations every year – where shall we go away this year? What shall we do? When shall we pay the deposit? Have you booked the time off work yet? How do we get there? Have you packed your shaver?

By the time you finally arrive at your destination, after a long drive with multiple wrong turns and confusing directions given through gritted teeth, you’re barely speaking to each other.

You’ve been planning it for months: time off work is sorted, the accommodation is booked, the agenda is finalised and everyone is looking forward to their first ever large group holiday together.

But bringing together lots of families and personalities for one single holiday can present challenges. You’ve not lived together before, you all have different agendas, and the annoying habits that seem faintly amusing at Christmas can suddenly become unbearable, making arguments a distinct possibility.

Travelling in late October, I was lucky enough to get one of those days in the Highlands of Scotland, when everything is crisp and clear, and the horizon goes on for miles.