How to Find the Best Travel Companion

Traveling solo has its obvious benefits: Your schedule is your own, your wish list of sights faces no opposition and you’re free to roam and wander as you please. However, if you’ve circled the solo travel circuit and are ready to take a trip with a friend, new partner or family member, there are a few ways to weed out the headaches and choose your best travel buddy.

First, get together and plan your proposed itinerary. What do you definitely want to see? What do you think you want to see? Do your wish lists match? If they don’t, it’s best to know ahead of time so you can plan accordingly and make sure each person is able to see and do what they want. Just because you are traveling together does not mean you cannot leave each other’s sides. In fact, it may be wise to take time apart regardless, especially if your trip lasts more than a few days. Use your private time to relax and focus on your needs and wants.

Once you’re on your way, continue to communicate. If something makes you uncomfortable or you’re not getting what you want out of the trip, speak up. You’ve probably taken precious vacation time from work and maybe even dipped into your savings account for this vacation, so make it count and convey those needs to your travel companion. Because you both want the most out of the holiday, you’ll find yourself more amenable to meeting each other’s needs.

Don’t forget to have fun! This is a vacation, after all. The photos may be deleted from your computer someday, but the memories you make with your travel buddy will last forever.