Journeys Within group tour coordinator, Kate Tyler, finds out first hand what it takes to travel with friends …

I’ve had many guests book tours with friends over the years. Some have traveled together for years, while others were putting their friendship to the travel test for the first time. As a tour consultant I was able to offer advice and set up tours that allowed them to enjoy the experience with each other, but also focus on their own interests. Until recently I had not actually experienced traveling with friends, not necessarily by choice, but more by circumstance.

Finally, on my most recent trip to Laos and Cambodia, I had the opportunity to travel with one of my closest friends.

Now, having very sparse experience traveling with others and having heard nightmare stories of incompatible travel partners, I was a little uncertain of how the experience would play out. However, Krissy and I had lived together previously so I was confident that we could weather any storms.

While there is no magic formula to traveling well with friends there are some basics to keep in mind.

1. Discuss expectations early on: one of the simplest ways to ensure a good time is to know if you have similar travel rhythm and budget. Before booking the flights don’t be shy about discussing particulars. How much time you’d like on your own, your activity level, interests, and budget.  Krissy is an intensely Tahoe local who loves to be super active while traveling – hiking, biking, and CrossFit can easily work into her perfect day. For me, not so much.

2. Choose someone you know that you can get into a fight with and it won’t damage your relationship: Travel can be stressful. You are in a new place, often with new cultural mores and different language. If you are sharing a room with someone you are not used to then the stress can add up. Make sure to travel with someone with whom you can get irritated/they can get irritated with you, but that you know it will blow over. No need to ruin a vacation and a friendship!

3. Take space to relax or adventure on your own: Although the shared experience is amazing, make time for yourself and your friend. They may want time to relax or explore. You never know what kind of adventures you’ll have when on your own. Plus having a little downtime to read, journal, or just space out is something we all need.

4. Have a schedule: While you need to have room for spontaneity, a set schedule helps you avoid the, “Well what do you want to do?”, “I don’t know, what do you want to do?” moments. Planning your time in advance allows you to relax and enjoy the ride.

5. Have fun!! Remember to enjoy the moment! Each trip is unique and you are sharing a very special moment in time with this one person and when you return home it will be that one friend who you turn to and say, “remember when…”.

I was lucky to have a phenomenal first experience traveling with a friend.

What I’d like to know for next time is – what are your tips for traveling with others?… Read more »