Who benefits from this idea that travel companions absolutely determine our destination? Honestly, it seems to ignore the reality of unexpected opportunities.
For a student, money and available time are much more important factors than the desires of a group of friends.
If a promotion comes out for a $200 flight to Jamaica during my reading week, the motivation behind my decision is not group consensus, but the chance to go at a low price.
The idea that friends decide everything is a luxury few can afford when every dollar counts and we have to juggle class schedules and work.