What if someone refuses to pay?

This is why you don't 'loan' large amounts. If a big bill is coming up (like a hotel), pay it on a card that allows you to request money through an app immediately. If they don't pay their portion before the room is confirmed, don't confirm the booking.

How do we handle different currencies?

Use an app like Splitwise which automatically converts expenses based on the exchange rate of the day the transaction occurred. Always input the amount in the currency you paid in.

How to split group travel expenses without awkwardness

Use a shared digital ledger like Splitwise from the moment the first dollar is spent. Agree on a 'no-loan' policy where everyone pays their share of individual meals or activities immediately, leaving only shared expenses like housing and transportation for the final reconciliation.

Set the ground rules before you depart. Have a frank conversation about budgets. If one person wants 5-star hotels and another wants hostels, set a fixed amount that everyone agrees to contribute to a 'house pot' for shared costs, and keep luxury preferences as individual expenses.
Choose one primary app. Download Splitwise or Tricount. Do not use spreadsheets or notes apps; these lead to manual errors and forgotten charges. Set the currency to match the destination.
Log expenses in real-time. Make it a habit to input every shared expense within 10 minutes of payment. If you're walking out of a restaurant, input the bill amount while standing on the sidewalk. Do not wait until the end of the day.
Define 'shared' vs 'personal'. Only add shared costs (taxis, groceries, Airbnb, shared tours) to the app. Personal coffees, souvenirs, or solo shopping trips should stay off the group balance to prevent auditing fatigue.
Settle up 24 hours before departure. Finalize all debts the night before you leave. This avoids the stress of managing math while navigating airports or trains, and ensures no one is 'chasing' payments once everyone has returned home.

What if someone refuses to pay?: This is why you don't 'loan' large amounts. If a big bill is coming up (like a hotel), pay it on a card that allows you to request money through an app immediately. If they don't pay their portion before the room is confirmed, don't confirm the booking.
How do we handle different currencies?: Use an app like Splitwise which automatically converts expenses based on the exchange rate of the day the transaction occurred. Always input the amount in the currency you paid in.