Travel Tips : The Most Important One
There are countless blogs, articles, and posts out there describing what, the authors believe, are be the best travel tips. A quick search will quickly provide a list of suggestions ranging from “the must-bring items” to “paying for items abroad” and of course “getting off the beaten trail”. While these are all important to research prior to any big trip, there is one tip that must be determined prior to any travel.
No, it is not : What? When? Where? How?
Where to go, when to go there, what you will do, and how you will fund the trip are important decisions in the planning process. Locations change dramatically from peak season to low season - these will impact what you do, how much you will spend, and what you will bring with you. However, with some research and help from an advisor or blog, the traveler can be guided to, and through, an enjoyable experience. After-all, your dream trip has probably been completed by someone else before... There is one major thing, though, that any amount of professional travel advice, guide book, or internet query cannot solve for you!
So What is It?
In one word, it is “WHO”?!
No matter where you venture, those that you share it with matter. Travel partners can make, or break your trip!
Depending on the duration of your trip, you will likely be with others for many, many days - perhaps sharing lodging, cars, flights, meals, drinks, and so on… making it extremely important to be with a person (or people) you not only tolerate, but truly enjoy spending time with.
In short, you want to be around people who are fun, positive, curious, and (generally) interested in the same things as you.
Some Tips for the “WHO”
It is important to identify those who you will enjoy traveling with. Below are a few groupings of people into which we feel almost all successful travel companions can be sorted.
Interest Group (Experiences & Hobbies)
Perhaps the best way to travel in my opinion. Finding a shared interest is key (beer, sport, history, art, relaxation, spa, or whatever!). Aligning expectations in the planning stage is critical, but will yield an unforgettable time. These trips are so enjoyable, you will be planning your next one prior to the current one ending!
People who are Enjoyable to be Around (for a long time)
We all have friends who we love to see from time-to-time in short doses, but when traveling it is very hard to find alone time. Surround yourself with people you like, connect with, even people you “want to be”. These trips will be filled with laughter, and definitely pass too quickly!
Interest Group (Destination)
Traveling to a destination that a group of people all share as a common interest is an easy, rewarding experience. It often leads to a trip with many smiles and memories for all!
Friends you met on a Prior Trip
It does not take long for people to find natural bonds while traveling. If you have ever done a semester abroad, gap year, backpacking trip, cruise, or tour I imagine you met a person or two you just “click” with while on your ventures. These trips will be dependable, as you know what each other is like on the road!
Those in Similar Circumstances
It makes a lot of sense to want to travel with those who share your situation (marital, financial, career, goals, and so on). Often it is easy to determine a location for a trip, since there are many shared ideas between the travelers already. These trips will often lead to good, solid conversation about life, next steps, etc.
Family!
It may seem obvious, but I know some families who would not travel together. I am fortunate to have an amazing, well-connected family who love to experience new things in new places. Trips together with family can include drama, but always are memorable in the end!
Find your Travel Buddies
Over the years, I have traveled often. The best advice I can give to any traveler (even the solo traveler) is to find those who you enjoy experiencing the world with. Travel is about connecting - to the locations you are in, the people you meet, and the people you journey with (your “Travel Buddies”).
