Whether you’re embarking on a planned trip with your best friend, or a spontaneous vacation
with your colleague, companion travel has its own set of challenges and joys. The key to a
harmonious and memorable journey lies in understanding each other, aligning your values, and ensuring your trip is as stress free as possible.
With these seven essential tips you are about to read you can turn your companion travel
experience into one for the books!
- Travel Personality
Are you the spontaneous explorer who loves to wing it, or are you the meticulous planner who
wants every detail nailed down? You might want to put into consideration your travel personality
and your companion’s. Finding common ground or a compromise will make your trip much
smoother. The best people to travel with are the simultaneous go-with-the-flow types; they’re
always down for all the vibes you bring. - Value Match
Traveling can be expensive, and people have different spending habits. Ensure you and your
companion share similar values when it comes to budgeting and splurging. Discuss your
expectations for accommodation, dining, and activities to ensure you’re on the same page and
avoid any awkward money-related discussions during the trip.
- Financial Alignment Match
Are you suggesting a travel destination that your partner cannot afford? Don’t forget that the
financial commitment for each country varies; what you’d spend on a trip to Mexico is nothing
compared to what you will spend on a trip to the Maldives. If you just want to look around a little,
find a destination that you can both comfortably afford. If you must visit a particular country,
consider a travel partner who can comfortably afford to pair with you. “Comfortably” is a strong
word in this case, so you don’t end up gifting the trip against your wish. - Set Deadlines
Set a date and stick to it for purchasing tickets, booking accommodations, and finalizing your
itinerary to avoid stress and missed opportunities. This proactive approach will help you avoid
last-minute rushes and ensure availability. On my Asia trip, I went with a friend, Dupe. We had
set a deadline for booking our train tickets between cities. We managed to secure affordable
fares and avoid the stress of sold-out tickets. Waiting for another train could have ultimately
ruined our planned experience. - Track Owings
Money can cause arguments, and arguments can derail the vibes. To prevent potential
misunderstandings, keep a record of expenses, who paid for what, and when. Consider using
apps like Splitwise or a simple spreadsheet to record shared expenses. This way, settlements
can be done early and fairly.
- Communicate
This is the ultimate tip you need to prevent a friendship fallout after companion travel. Open and
honest communication is key. Speak up and discuss issues calmly and respectfully to find
solutions together. If an opinion doesn’t sit well with you, politely decline. If your partner didn’t
take a good picture, you can politely ask them to retake it. If you share a bathroom and she’s not
as neat as you’d expect, let her know calmly. - Personality Match
Your personality just has to click. Why travel together when you can’t even catch all the fun
together? Tola and I had a swell time in Cuba; she enjoys taking pictures and loves to explore.
Despite all the “shege” we saw, she steadily kept our moods up with her jokes. Travel can be
intense, and you’ll be spending a lot of time together. Make sure you genuinely enjoy each
other’s company before committing to a trip.
Remember, it’s not about avoiding conflicts altogether but about managing them effectively and
turning them into growth opportunities.
