Winter may be over, but the cabin vacation season is only just beginning. As a leader of cabin rentals in the Smoky Mountains region of Tennessee, American Patriot Getaways says that now is the time when people start planning their group vacations for spring and summer.

While choosing the right group cabin for your friends and family is the first step, this lodging company says you’ll also want to plan out who does what—and how much it’s going to cost everyone. The following guide can help your trip stay straightforward and stress-free.

5 Steps to Balancing the Budget When You Rent a Group Cabin

1. Research Amenities

While browsing cabin rentals, you should pay attention to the amenities that are available at the location. By knowing what isn’t at the cabin, your group can figure out who’s in charge of bringing extra supplies. Packing the items you already have can help everyone avoid buying them at the destination, and thus, save money.

2. Plan Meals & Make a Shopping List

Usually, the best way to organize meal times is to just prepare and eat together as a group. Meet with your fellow vacationers ahead of time to find out what foods suit everyone and make a rough sketch of what you’ll be eating every day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Once you have recipes in hand, you can make a large list of all the ingredients you need to make the meals.

3. Divide Shopping by Person

Instead of shopping beforehand, it’s usually best to just buy fresh food when you get to the cabin. Organizing a group shopping trip can make the whole experience easier and knock out all your food, drink, and snack needs in a short amount of time. Divide up the ingredients by the section of the grocery store—such as meat, dairy, and produce—and assign those items to one or two people.

4. Collect & Add Up Receipts

Any expenses that are used for the whole of the group should be documented by collecting all the receipts and noting who paid for them. At the end of the trip, you can add up the total spent and divide it evenly by the number of people.

5. Figure Out What’s Owed

First, figure out how much people paid using the receipts. Subtract that amount from the total that each guest owes. If an individual spent more than the average total, give them cash back from the group collection.

While tracking and dividing up expenses can ensure everyone pays fairly, you can also help everyone save by choosing a cabin rental that is already low-cost. If you’re looking for a group cabin in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, TN, American Patriot Getaways lists many affordable and spacious properties. To request a reservation, call (800) 204-5169.