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?