Short trip and sharing costs

[DetailMouse]

I had booked a weekend away with a small group of friends. I am the only single woman so I booked a twin room for myself. Booked a twin so it was easier if it came up that someone wanted to share.

That has happened, a friend of a friend will be coming and sharing with me. I don't know her well but she's perfectly nice, it's only 2 days and we won't actually have much time in the room, it will be fine.

The room is already booked and paid for, I don't need the cash, had expected to spend the full sum. She has offered to drive which, even with the increased cost of petrol will amount to much less than the room, but I'm am perfectly happy to say the room's already paid for, lovely that you've offered to drive let's call that quits.

Is that OK or in her shoes would you prefer to divide everything equally? I always feel a bit uncomfortable offering/calculating petrol money. For short trips with friends we generally buy a cuppa or something but this is 150 miles.

I think her covering the petrol and driving costs and you paying for the room is fair.

If I were her I'd prefer to have an equal split of costs, because it seems weird to not pay for my half of the room.

I'd be happy either way.

It's a good idea to be clear up front though. You don't want to pay for the room and then find out that she miffed that you haven't offered petrol money. It's amazing how people sometimes forget costs incurred by others!

I think how you have put it makes it rather good, and each is getting an effective bargain.

@TulipsTwoLips

I'd be happy either way.

It's a good idea to be clear up front though. You don't want to pay for the room and then find out that she miffed that you haven't offered petrol money. It's amazing how people sometimes forget costs incurred by others!

this! if shes not a close friend be upfront or she might think shes the one doing you a favour.

She's already asked me what she owes me, she's expecting to pay half. I said I couldn't remember and would need to check, which was true. But yes, I'll make sure we both understand whatever the arrangement is.

I think that’s reasonable, but make sure you have the conversation beforehand. Maybe even say that you’re happy to pay for the room, if she’s happy to cover petrol costs, unless she would prefer to split things evenly.

I'd just say "room cost x, so either we can split room and fuel costs in half, or I'm happy to cover room and you cover petrol. Let me know which you would prefer"

Sounds fine to me.

@DetailMouse

She's already asked me what she owes me, she's expecting to pay half. I said I couldn't remember and would need to check, which was true. But yes, I'll make sure we both understand whatever the arrangement is.

sounds like she would prefer to know the cost of the room so she can work out how much petrol should be split.

I would suggest offering to pay for the room and she pays for petrol as you suggested, if she feels it's not enough say she can buy you a drink

For trips like this I really like the Splitwise app. Everyone records whatever they pay for - accomodation, transport, meals, drinks etc. and then it just divvies it up between however many people are on the trip. Saves so much of the 'well you paid for this, I paid for that' stuff.