If you plan to set out on that trip you’ve dreamt of, but are reluctant to try solo traveling, there are countless opportunities to find a travel companion available for you today. With internet, you’re no longer consigned to fishing for buddies to accompany you in your vicinity. Your perfect partner for your journeys may be a thousand miles away – but the same rule should apply nevertheless. Get to know each other better before you set out to climb the Himalayas or whatever it is that you plan… don’t fall for internet strangers easily! Here are some things you should keep in mind to make sure you and your mate get on well. We’re going to discuss:
- Common interests
- Why not be afraid of difference
- Setting expectations
- Budget
- Health
- Reliability
- The need for “me time”
Find a travel companion with whom you share common interests
That’s not saying that you have to be clones of each other, but there should be at least somehow matching expectations as far as your trip is concerned.Vacation arguing is a common thing – but don’t let it plague yours!If you wish to go diving, but your buddy can’t swim, if you wish to go sightseeing, but your buddy would rather go mountain biking, it’s fine to a degree.But constantly having a completely different outlook and opinions as to what should be done next should make you reconsider whether to team up together at all.
Still – it’s fine to be a bit different
Things could be more enjoyable if you’re both a bit dissimilar to each other! Make sure you get each other out of your respective comfort zones, since that is what makes travelling so damn interesting! An extrovert – introvert combination, if balanced correctly, can be perfect. You can get your friend to see the beauty of museums, while he or she introduces you to skydiving!
Plan together and set your expectations
While jumping right into it unprepared might yield interesting results, it could also turn out to be a nightmare. It’s always advisable to lay out an itinerary and list the thing you definitely wish to see or do beforehand. Don’t get too overconfident in packing your schedule, however, and always leave some spare time to relax properly before hopping on to the next thing!
Money, money, money…
Financial matters are often a contested territory, and you’d better settle this down in advance to avoid arguing in the future. Set a common budget for daily accommodation and other necessities, establish which price range are you comfortable in and also keep your separate budgets for individual spending.
What about health issues?
Is any of you a diabetic? Do you have any allergies or health conditions that could prevent you from taking part in some activities? What about dietary preferences?You should definitely let each other know about it in advance about it! Also, if you’re venturing into the more exotic parts of the world, travel vaccinations are a must. You don’t want to contract malaria, trust us…
Are you both reliable?
If you say 12 o’clock, will you both be there at that time? Can you trust your mate to guard your wallet or other belongings? Can you trust him not to panic if you collapse or the situation gets dangerous in any way (and vice versa)? If you can answer “yes” all instances, you’re definitely on the right track!
Can you sometimes part ways and have a bit of time for yourself
Being too clingy can wear the other person down. You don’t have to follow each other everywhere, bathroom included. Everyone needs a bit of respite sometimes during long trips together. Take a break, do a bit of exploring by yourselves before re-joining later!
Of course, there are myriads of other qualities to look out for in your travel buddy. Perhaps you’d like to broaden the list? Let us know in the comments how does your ideal co-traveller look like!