Travel Buddies…

Ever travelled OS with your mum?

Neither have I…

Not that I don’t think it would be a great chance to share experiences and plenty of people do it. My mother and I have a fantastic relationship, but when people go on holiday 9 times out of 10 they don’t mention their Mum or Dad as their travelling partner.

So I put the question out there…

“Who do you think the best people to travel with are? And why?”

I received a mixed bag of responses fired back to me, so here’s a wee little list of pros and cons utilising the most popular responses…

Friends

We had a fantastic trip!

This one I’ve done a couple of times. The first time was for a few months around Europe with a long time friend. Everyone said we’d kill each other within 3 days as we had a very volatile relationship at home…

We had the time of our lives, I think we fought once over the fact that I flushed the toilet in her face while she was spewing (sorry mum) but that was about it! We couldn’t have been more congenial to each other on that trip…

PROS:

  • You have someone to share your experiences with
  • You don’t have to share a bed… or sexual activity (unless you want to!)
  • There is less risk of “breaking up” and not being able to look at photos again
  • You can share the cost of accommodation with them
  • Safety in numbers!

CONS:

  • Your friend might snore and you didn’t know it
  • They may not always want to do what you want to do
  • Their annoying little habits may be hard to ignore
  • You may have to listen to their “night noises” if they bring someone back to the room :/

Partners

The romantic places are best for partners…

Since I’ve only done this once, I’m no expert! Though I must admit its fun to share the experience with someone you’re romantically linked to!

In Thailand I kept proposing to my travel friend at romantic locations (see pic). She kept saying no… I wonder why? 🙂

PROS:

  • You can forgive the little things (hopefully!)
  • Romantic experiences can be shared and reflected upon
  • It may solidify your relationship
  • It gives you a chance to see how your partner handles themself in a tricky situation (also a con!)
  • They will look after you if you get sick

CONS:

  • It could highlight reasons why you shouldn’t be together
  • Relationship tension can happen if you don’t give each other any space
  • You could realise you don’t enjoy the same activities (not necessarily a con)
  • You could break up and have the memories turn sour afterwards

Alone

Please look after this bear…

This one is one of my favourites, though it can be difficult if you aren’t a confident traveller or an outgoing personality.

I’ll never forget the arrogant man who tried to tell me “A woman shouldn’t eat dinner alone” when I took myself to dinner on a solo holiday to Noosa… apparently I shouldn’t have come down from my hotel room and shown my face if I was unaccompanied!

PROS:

  • You can do whatever the hell you want, when you want
  • A fight can’t be started with someone who isn’t there…
  • New friends are super easy to make if you’re willing!
  • It’s easier to get onto packed transport when you only need 1 ticket

CONS:

  • You can get lonely and homesick
  • It can cost you more, especially if you aren’t sharing accommodation
  • You have to carry EVERYTHING yourself!
  • It may not be as safe

I have left family out for a few reasons… A: I have little experience in this area and B: Hi Mum!!! (I’m only kidding!) 🙂

There are about a billion other things you could add to each list and a bunch of other scenarios I haven’t mentioned so…

Who do you travel with?