FINDING A GREAT TRAVEL PARTNER A holiday trip can end up being the trip of a lifetime or the worst nightmare of your life depending on people you are travelling with. So it is crucial that you pay as much attention to who you plan to invite on your trip, as much as planning the details of your trips. Here are some tips that I would recommend based on personal experience. 1. Take a look at yourself Have an honest assessment of yourself and ask what you want to get out of the trip. Different travellers may have different objective and make sure you and your TravelMate can accommodate each other’s goals, if any. It helps to lay this out to potential TravelMates too and find out what if your objectives are similar, and if not, can you find common ground and rooms for tolerance. 2. Have similar interests Goes without saying but it helps tremendously if you’re travelling with people who share similar interests. You can generally get a feel of this when you communicate with your TravelMates. If you’re the type who like to take a long time to explore a place, make sure your TravelMates are on similar pace. Or if you’d prefer to party till late while they choose to go to bed early, or vice versa, there’s an understanding that there’s room for personal choice of activity and not everyone has to do everything together all the time. 3. Match your energy levels People travel differently, that’s a given and we all have different energy levels, regardless of age. On my recent trip a TravelMate who’s nearly 70 years old trekked up the mountain much faster than a younger group that I was with, and that’s fine as long as we have an understanding. What would be frustrating is going on a trek of your dream only to find out that your TravelMate doesn’t like to hike, or take their own sweet time trek when there’s a time constraint to the journey. It simply will not work and will cause frustrations throughout the trip. 4. Well travelled mates That’s not to say never partner up with first time traveller but the general rule is that a well travelled person, especially, backpackers, can be a great companion. And if you’re the first time traveller, however unlikely that may be, it would be a good idea to let your TravelMates know about your concerns and expectations and that you are willing to ‘learn the rope’ when it comes to travelling with more seasoned travelbugs. 5. Comfortable everywhere, under most circumstances As with the point above, make sure your TravelMates know the kind trip you are planning: types of accommodation and budget you intend to spend. Those factors dictate the comfort level of the trip and level of tolerance that is expected from the TravelMates going on this trip. And if it’s a budget trip, do let your TravelMates know what they are expected to endure. 6. Understand each other’s taste Finding out earlier about your TravelMates’ eating preference can avoid a lot of unnecesary headaches when it comes to meals. While different countries may offer various delicacies for the adventurous type to try, some may opt for a strict vegan diet or other dietary preference. 7. Be clear about money and budgeting Akways the important issue: money. If you are planning a budget trip, be sure to let your TravelMates know what are the limits of speding to avoid getting into debate over which is the cheaper place to stay and eat. No point in getting a group of TravelMates together only to find out later that they refuse to stay in anything less than a 5 star hotel while you have hostels in mind. 8. Tolerance is important Above all else, tolerance is most important and I see it lacking in some trips that I have been on. There’ll always be unexpected things happening and it is important to take every encounter, expected or otherwise, with a huge dash of humour. Being tolerant about your TravelMates’ beliefs, preference and general attitude could lead to better understanding of each other, and in return makes a more meaningful travel experience. All it takes is one sourpuss to ruin the whole experience. Keeping an open mind about everything is a great way to start. What is your tip on choosing the right partners or friends to go on a trip with you? Share with us in the comment section. — by Sean Liew
Posted on: Thu, 04 Dec 2014 04:36:41 +0000
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