Last Updated on July 16, 2021 by Tina
If you have been following my blog, you must have read countless times that I prefer solo travel over travel with a companion although I travel with friends occasionally. It’s not that I’m a loner. I just love the flexibility of solo traveling. You can do whatever you want at your own pace. When you are traveling with someone, you have to consider your companion’s preferences when making decisions.
Travel with friends is an amazing experience. But it’s not always rainbows and butterflies. Sometimes you might get into a situation where it’s just a little thing but might cause annoyances, and may even lead to a fight. You and your friends might have different personalities and different preferences and it isn’t an issue when you meet for lunch or go on a day trip. But things are different when you are together day and night for a few days. I have read stories of people who traveled with their friends and are not friends anymore after the trip. Instances like this may make you wish you just traveled alone.
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
The good news is there are things you can do so you can travel with friends and still be friends after the trip. I have traveled many times with friends, and I am happy to say they are still my friends. My best friends and I have different personalities but we managed to travel together without any drama. Here are some useful tips on how to avoid a stressful experience when you go on a getaway with your friends:
Travel with friends Tip # 1: Compromise.
I think that this is the most important thing you need to do when you travel with anyone, whether it is with a friend, a relative or your significant other. It is all about give and take. There might be places that your friends want to visit but you’re not really into it. And maybe they don’t want the things you want to do. The best thing you can do is to keep an open mind and learn how to compromise. You can agree to do what your friends want to do and they will do the same. But if you’re really not into it, then be prepared to do your thing on your own.
This is what we did during our trip to Bali. My friends wanted to avail a package trip to Bali but I prefer do-it-yourself because it is more flexible. So we agreed that they will go with the package and I will plan my own trip. Then we agreed to have one night and a full day together, and it worked great for the three of us.
Travel with friends tip # 2: Communication is key.
The key to a stress-free trip with friends is communication. If an issue arises during your travel, it is best to discuss them immediately. You are friends anyway so you should be comfortable opening up about it. Better speak about it than keep it all to yourself, otherwise, it can lead to resentment.
Travel with friends tip # 3: Prepare a basic itinerary.
Having a basic itinerary helps in keeping things smooth sailing. You don’t necessarily have to follow it completely but at least you have a guide on what to do and visit. It can help maximize your time during your trip. Don’t go to a place without any plans. Ask each one what is their must-see/must-do on that trip and allow time for everyone’s top activities.
Travel with friends tip # 4. Agree on a budget.
Money can be a sensitive issue so it is best to discuss this prior to your trip. Ask each one how much is their budget for accommodation, transportation, food, etc. Things you need to agree on are whether you want to stay in a luxury hotel, budget accommodation, or something in between and if you are you going to take a cab, or try public transport.
Travel with friends tip # 5. Agree on how you will go about the expenses.
Normally when we eat out with friends, when it’s time to pay the bill one would pay and then he/she would collect the payment of each one. If you do this during the trip it could be time-consuming. What you could do is ask one from the group who is willing to be in charge of all the expenses for the day. Then at night while resting, he/she collects payment from each one of you.
Travel with friends tip # 6. Be mindful.
Be neat when you are sharing the room with your friends. Don’t be a pain in the ass. Also, be sensitive to your friends’ mood. Don’t do something that will annoy them.
Travel with friends tip # 7. Have alone time.
Being together all the time may put a strain on your trip. You don’t need to do everything together every second of the day. You can agree to have one day where you will split up and do your own thing, then reunite for dinner.
Travel with friends tip # 8. When things are starting to heat up, try to lighten the mood by making a joke out of it.
This I can assure you, is very effective. I remember when we were in Iloilo and were talking about either going to Kalibo or Carabao Island, the conversation started to heat up. I don’t remember who made a joke out of it, and instead of arguing, we ended up laughing together. I guess that’s the secret to our friendship, we don’t take things very seriously. Instead of fighting, we just laugh things off.
With these basic tips, conflicts during travel with friends can be avoided. If you have tips that might be helpful while traveling with your friends, please let me know in the comments below. Happy travels!
