picking the right travel partner
"We SO have to go on a trip together to [fill in the blank]!"
As a frequent traveler, who all has heard this? *raises hand* Choosing travel partners is a delicate business. You've got to strike up a very fine line of what you want as opposed to the "group think" method. As a person who has traveled in various situations, I have a few tips on striking the right balance.
“i have found out that there ain’t no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them.”
stick with your style
I'm not talking fashion. If you're going to go on trips with friends and family, it's important to find someone who shares a similar travel style...or find a location that has something for everyone.
I prefer to travel more locally, in a sense that I would rather avoid big tourist attractions and find a place to interact with locals. I find that it give me a more authentic feel. I don't want to see the same thing everyone else does. In fact, I consider it a successful trip if we find a hidden gem of a restaurant or a fun dive bar off the beaten path.
However, I've been asked repeatedly to go on cruises. While I will probably/maybe/perhaps not go on one someday, I don't feel like a cruise would necessarily be my cup of tea. It's too many people in one place trying to see the same thing in a limited amount of time. However, I'm not going to rule it out completely. It's just not at the top of my list.
opposites don't necessarily attract
There are various ways that people can mix. Oil and vinegar, when mixed together, make an amazing vinaigrette. However, to get that vinaigrette, there has to be a whole lot of turbulence to get things to blend. Traveling with someone who is your complete opposite can take some adjustment. A few combinations of how some traveler opposites can create friction:
- Planners and spontaneous travelers
- Relaxers and go-go-go's
- Budget travelers and splurgers
- Backpackers and the amenity-driven
- Adventurous eaters and meat & potatoes
While I'm not in any way saying that these personality types can't travel together, you should go into the trip knowing and understanding people's quirks ahead of time.
There are various ways that travels (and travel partners) can go wrong. However, let's look at ways to get around your differences and make the best of a new situation.
look for common (but not too common) ground
One of the best things about traveling with someone is getting out of your comfort zone. Seriously. There's nothing better than stepping outside of the box and trying something new. When you travel with someone who is a little different than you, you open yourself up to experiences that you might not have tried otherwise.
For instance, I would never in a million years have ever gone on a booze cruise catamaran tour. However, my mama-in-law's birthday "surprise party" from the group was on just such a boat. We had so much fun...and got oh so buzzed! It was a blast.
booze cruise crew - costa rica | 2016
schedule time on your own
My friend, Ashley, and I have traveled together for years. That being said, we are complete opposites in many ways. The biggest of those differences is that she like to cram every minute full of something new, while I prefer to balance sleep with my adventures. We've learned through years of traveling that it's important to schedule time on your own.
If you have a group full of people who enjoy different things, have everyone manage their own itinerary. However, to keep in the spirit of "group vacations," be sure to schedule a few activities with each other. It's also helpful to plan meals together (usually breakfast or dinner). That allows everyone the flexibility to do whatever they would like during the day.
strike a balance
No one said traveling together was simple. That's why it's so great when you do find someone to travel with! Just remember that trivial frustrations aren't worth wrecking a relationship over (romantic or otherwise).
If you find yourself getting angry with your travel partner, here are a few tips to prevent a major meltdown:
- take a break - go for a walk, have a meal alone, or just browse some shops.
- don't be an angry drunk - a lot of friendships are wrecked because one (or all) of the parties ended up drinking too much.
- don't lash out - when things get a little hairy (like missed connections), don't lose your cool...it's (generally) not the other person's fault.
- be a self-manager - [self-help section ahead] you are only responsible for yourself; though it's important to look out for your travel partners, you cannot make their decisions for them.
And above all else, remember that it will all be over soon!
