How To Travel With A Friend Without Killing Each Other

You’re going away with your bestie, but are you compatible travel partners? Try these tips to make it home with wonderful memories — and your friendship intact.

1. Hash it out beforehand.

If you hope to sip cocktails on the beach and your friend is looking forward to museum hopping, someone will return home unsatisfied. Go over your travel goals together before leaving. Getting on the same page about what type of experiences and activities each wants will guide your planning and make sure everyone has a great time.

2. Figure Out Finances Ahead of Time

How much are you each comfortable spending daily on accommodation and food? What sorts of adventures are you willing to pay more for — and what’s okay to skip? Chatting about these preferences will ease stress on the road. A foodie friend might be willing to stay at a cheaper hotel if it means putting the savings toward a five-course dinner, while you might prefer camping and put the extra cash toward that diving course.

3. Compromise and Take Chances

A little give and take will make things more fun and push you out of your comfort zone. Give staying in that funky part of town your friend heard was so cool a go; if it’s terrible, you can always go somewhere else. Open yourself up to trying new things.

4. Be in It Together

Traveling with someone means making decisions as a team, not assigning blame. So if one of you chooses a bar that turns out to be more tacky than trendy or that hike with the awesome view at the top is less than impressive, chalk it up as a lesson learned and move on to your next adventure.

5. Make New Friends

A built-in buddy doesn’t mean you can’t interact and learn from new people. Chat up strangers or fellow travelers. They might have a great local tip or simply provide some fresh perspective within your group.

6. Have Some Alone Time

Taking a few hours for yourselves will make the time you spend together that much sweeter. Use the alone time to explore something different, reflect and recharge.

7. Make Memories

Take photos, try new foods and join in local festivals — this is a time with someone special you’ll want to remember. Make the most of it!