Sh*t! My best friend is not my best travel companion.
“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.” —Mark Twain
While travelling solo can be a satisfying and cultivating experience, having a travel companion can also have its advantages, if for nothing more than having a wingman/woman.
But predicting who will be the perfect companion can be a tricky and delicate operation that can lead to bad blood and infection whilst on the road.
When it comes to talking travel plans, I am the first to admit I will jump into a two man boat with no paddle up sh*t creek with anyone sitting next to me without considering our compatibility.
Tina* and I had been great friends for all of ten minutes. Next thing we knew we had planned a road trip across America in a RV for 3 months. At the time is sounded like a good idea. Needless to say Tina was not quite suited for caravanning life and I dodged a bullet.
But I have also travelled with many close friends, all with varying outcomes.
Sometimes hindsight is an ironic thing and you may ultimately find yourself on the road with someone that just doesn’t work even if they happen to be your best friend at home.
So do you simply throw in the towel?
With a little patience and communication, there are ways to avoid ruining your trip entirely.
Travel is intensified situation of real life. Having a night out on the town with a friend is all fun and games when you can say your goodbyes and go your separate ways. On the road, you are left to experience everything and anything in close living quarters. I was disillusioned when I travelled with a great friend of mine from home. We both loved to go out at night and have fun, the only difference was I was the type to be up and at ‘em the next morning ready to explore the city. This formed a wedge between us when we were together mainly because I was so frustrated I had to spend most the day by myself while he slept.
Talking to him would have been the best way to clear up my frustration. Instead I let it fester inside which ultimately lead me to throwing in the towel. In all fairness I lasted 4 months.
Expectations
Travel affects individuals differently. For some it’s a time to switch off and for once not be the type A organizer or the active energetic person they are at home. Expecting the entire trip’s activities to be planned is sometimes unrealistic. Turn it around and see if you would live up to other peoples expectations of you while travelling
Communication
I am a big believer in constructive criticism. Holding in your feelings is not only going to make it worst when its time to release (or explode) but the other person has no idea about the way you are feeling. As far as they are concerned the trip is going swell.
Compromise
If you are willing to compromise, being abroad can run smoothly. While this is your time away, remember it is also your companion’s time too. Spending four days straight shopping will not make the husband’s trip as memorable as it was for you.
In the end patience is key. Travel brings out the best and worst in people. Travel may strengthen the friendship between you and your companion but don’t be surprised if you find that he or she is no longer your go to travel partner, but that’s all right. Travel is intense living and no one lives that intensely 365 days of the year.
Herstory is a weekly column on women and travel by Steph Ridhalgh. Steph is a Sydney born; New York based television producer and travel blogger. Not one for being quiet for too long she simply loves talking about travel and lifestyle.
Steph is the founder of STEP(h) ABROAD, a travel and lifestyle resource for those who love to be in the know and know how.
Connect with her on the web, Facebook and Twitter.
