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

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

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

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?