Tips For Finding The Ideal Travelling Companion

Travelling with a companion has obvious advantages in terms of security, cost reduction and companionship.

But the disadvantages, if one is unfortunate enough to be stuck with an incompatible travelling companion, far outweigh the advantages. If things go wrong people could find themselves fighting over everything from who should drive to who gets what room in a hotel.

In the end you might return from a trip that was meant to relax, entertain and de-stress you, with clumps of your hair missing.

So how does one decide whom to travel with?

1. Look at the interests
If you like rambling and your companion wants to cycle, you will spend your holiday making compromises.

2. Look at the budget
What a nightmare it will be if you have budgeted for a bed in a hostel and your companion wants a five star hotel!

3. Look for compatible temperament
You may be boisterous and noisy while your friend may want to travel in peace and quiet. On the other hand, you might want to hear bird sounds when your companion may think his jokes are more interesting.

4. Look for a person with matching levels of physical fitness
You don't want to spend your entire trip trying to keep pace with a marathon runner nor do you want to find yourself wasting all afternoon because your companion is tired and needs a nap.

5. Look for a person who can be independent
You don't want to baby sit through your holiday. Your companion should be able to manage his affairs, be it money, reservations or alone time. You companion should not feel offended if you decide to take and evening off by yourself as long as it is not at the last minute that you have decided to change plans.

6. Look for someone who is as punctual as you are
Missing buses, trains or generally getting late because one's travelling companion does not respect time, is very annoying and you don't want such irritations to be a part of your holiday. On the other hand if your sense of punctuality leaves a lot to be desired then you will face a lot of embarrassment making excuses every time you are late.

7. Look for someone who can compromise
If your companion cannot make a compromise or two according to the demands of time and place even a slight disturbance to your schedule will turn into a major crisis.

Happy travelling!