One of you is tired. The other wants to party. You’ve both spent a gazillion dollars already, but it’s still not enough. One is hankering to explore, adventure, break comfort zones. The other is after the resort escape, cocktails by the pool, staying safe, suntanned.
Travelling with a friend can be a melting pot of opposing needs and desires. Not to mention unsaid (or too loudly voiced) concerns and opinions. Here’s how to make sure you have the right travelling companion; the person who will have your back when you are determined to stay out partying till 2am, and someone who will be down to chill while you’re napping off the tequila the next day.
(In return, of course, you have to show the same diplomacy.)
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You need to have the same planning style.
Go with someone who has a similar approach to problem solving and planning as you do. This means you’ll likely have the same travelling style as well. – Kate, 27.
If you like to ‘take things as they come’, don’t go with someone who wants to plan every last detail. It’s a recipe for disaster. – Heidi, 24.
You need to feel comfortable discussing everything – from finances to stomach problems – with your travel companion. Make sure you have equal and open communication and understanding. – Anna, 25.
Your idea of ‘fun’ should align.
It’s important to travel with someone who has a similar view to you on what’s fun… It’s no good going away with someone who goes to bed at 10pm if you want to rage until all hours. – Jess, 29.
Someone FUN, but also similar to you in terms ofthe things you enjoy doing. – Carla, 31.
If you’re idea of a good time is hiking and jumping off cliffs, and their’s is culture and art, then it’s not going to work out. – Amy, 28.
Keeping safe is obviously so important while travelling. And your travel companion should have the same balance of ‘fun’ and ‘safety’ as you do. Pushing comfort zones can be great, but not when you’re putting yourselves at risk. – – Caroline, 26.
Same spending habits are essential.
You’ve got to be on a similar wavelength when it comes to spending money on food, drink, sight-seeing, etc. – Sam, 32.
If you have different budgets, discuss this before hand, and be happy to go your separate ways at times. – Bek, 26.
Do you like the same food?
You don’t have to have the exact same taste, but you don’t want it to be completely different – otherwise you’re going to be spending ages trying to find places to eat. – Claire, 34.
There is nothing worse than being somewhere exotic and lively, when one of you wants to immerse yourself in the culture and try the street food, and the other is after a western five-course meal. – Jess, 27.
You both will need your space… be prepared for it.
You need someone who understands that it’s okay to do things separately sometimes. – Amy, 27.
Someone who won’t shame you if sometimes you just want to have a nap (guilty…). – Jacqui, 24.
Just because you’re holidaying together, doesn’t mean you have to be in each other’s back pockets all the time. – Camille, 32.
Do you have the same attitudes to different cultures?
Don’t travel with someone who’s going to be a knob in other countries, by patronising locals or disrespecting customs, etc. – Kylie, 22.
You want someone who’s open to new cultures and experiences. – Sarah, 26.
Top Comments
I am so glad to see this article! Simply because it celebrates what women can do together without making a point that it doesn't involve men. Get out there and explore the world, girls!