How to be a Great (or at least tolerable) Travel Companion

Traveling with a friend may (or may not) make a trip more pleasurable. Here are a few tips to try and keep things on the pleasurable side.

1. Try to choose a companion that is similar to you in some respects; age? health? energy levels?

If you want to lie in bed in the morning and they are the "Let's get going!" type that could be an issue. If they consider hiking a good time and you find walking around the block a struggle perhaps you should choose another friend to travel with.

2. Savor some alone time, maybe let them go on that hike alone.  Do you want to shop and they want to lay by the pool? You can each go your separate ways and then when you get together at dinner time you will have stories to regale each other with.

3. Be flexible. You want to see THIS show and they would prefer to see THAT one?  Does it really matter in the giant scheme of things? Be agreeable. Compromise. 

4. Be the "researcher". If you are interested in a certain attraction research all the details about it (cost, hours, location, why this is a fabulous idea etc) so that when you present the idea to your companion you are armed with knowledge.

5. Decide on a budget.  This is a "no brainer". If you friend wants to stay and dine at all the best places and you have a modest budget your trip will be a disaster.

6. Don't be judgmental. Everyone does things differently. Just because you do things in one way and your friend does them another does not make their way wrong or bad. Respect your companion. Unless they are in some way jeopardizing your health or safety, keep your criticism to yourself.

Talk things out with your travel companion before you ever leave home.  Try to discuss all aspects of the trip so that there will be no surprises. (Or as few as possible) Relax and have a peaceful, enjoyable vacation together!

(Image by faze)