I enjoy traveling by myself, but its even more rewarding being able to travel to new places and create new memories with friends, family and loved ones. But, don’t be fooled, you can’t travel with just anyone, having the right travel partner is essential.
Choosing to travel with someone is just as important as choosing your life partner. The person you will spend the remainder of your earthly life with. Too much? OK. But, let’s not downplay the importance of choosing the right travel partner.
Here are a few major qualities that I, and by extension, you should look for when saying “YES, let’s go”!
- Finances: Your travel partner should have enough money to travel. If not, then they’re ineligible to be a travel partner. There is nothing worse than being on a trip with someone who is constantly pinching pennies. They’re unable to eat a nice dinner, go on a tour or worse, looking for you to pay their way or “lend” them a stack. A Major no no!
- Availability: There are many times when travel hacks force you to be spontaneous. Who can you call at the moment to hop on a plane and just go? While I do have a full-time job, I am flexible and so are my travel buddies. Let’s face it, not everyone is as flexible as we’d like them to be, people have responsibilities like strict jobs, spouses and children.
- Compatibility: I can not and will not travel with just anybody. I know myself. I know that I have severe mood swings and bouts of misery, therefore I can only be around people that understand me and know how to handle and check me. You have to know the people that you are travelling with and ensure that you are compatible and can gel. Travelling is taxing; it is also intimate and irritating and it can put a severe pressure and strain on friendships. Ensure that you know the art of compromise and conflict resolution.
- Open-Mindedness: The purpose of travel is to experiences new adventures and explore uncharted territory. If not, then why bother? I’m not saying I’m willing to go in a cage and pet a tiger, a la Khloe Kardashian, but simply be open to trying new things. Imagine going on a trip with a travel partner who doesn’t want to go to a crater of a volcano, who doesn’t appreciate the historical significance of seeing the David by Michelangelo or the pushing their way in the front of the line to take selfies with the Mona Lisa? Someone who doesn’t want to try the local cuisine or up for getting lost? Not open? I’m out.
MAJOR Bonus: A travel partner who knows how to take the perfect blog or Instagram pic! It’s so important! These pictures won’t take themselves.
But seriously, it’s never easy finding the right travel partner, but when you do you’ll know. I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to have some of the best people already in my life that understand the true meaning of travel and are always up for a good adventure.
Happy travel partner hunting!
