Travel Tips
How to Find a Travel Partner You Won’t End Up Hating
Where Can I Find a Travel Partner?
You can find a travel partner anywhere—they’re all around us! Friends, family, acquaintances and strangers are all people we may end up calling a travel partner. No need to embark on an elaborate search. Finding a travel partner just requires knowing about someone’s personality traits and whether or not they vibe well with yours.
Travel Partner Personalities
Sometimes when we travel with friends, family, or romantic partners, personality clashes can make things tough. But if we understand how people’s different personality strengths can contribute to travel roles, we can appreciate each other and make planning efficient. Consider your best qualities and those of your travel partner to decide what your responsibilities and habits will be while traveling.
The Navigator
It’s true: most modern vehicles are equipped with automated computer guidance but these programs are not infallible. It’s handy to have a human offering directions, especially when roads are closed to detours or other unforeseen circumstances. The navigator helps your travels stay on track—kind of important, right? Watch for signs that indicate restrooms, rest areas, gasoline, and food stops. The Navigator doesn’t just navigate roads. This is the person who can intuitively figure out city streets and remember which trail you took. If a travel partner can listen to the advice of the Navigator, trips tend to go more smoothly. Multiple Navigators can cause conflict, especially if they’re pointing in different directions.
The Itinerary Planner
This party member designs the trip itinerary. They’ll know exactly where you’re going and when—and how, even. Additionally, they’ll have all relevant campsite or hotel reservations and travel documents available, ready for use or reference. They’ll have researched the destination ahead of time to find out what fun activities await, and they’ll plan them for the members of your group. This travel might be a little Type A, but you’ll thank them later. Ideally, this person genuinely enjoys the planning, otherwise they’ll justifiably feel like they’re doing most of the work. Think Monica from friends. Appreciate and cherish this travel partner and try to contribute as best you can.
The Entertainer
Just like the Billy Joel song, the Entertainer ensures that the road trip itself is exciting and memorable. He or she might plan some road trip games to play in the car. Ideally, they’ll ensure plenty of delicious snacks and beverages are available to keep everyone’s energy up. The entertainer typically controls the road trip playlist, and might also research fascinating stops along the way to stretch your legs.
Meeting a Travel Partner Along the Way
Traveling alone can be daunting, but there are plenty of ways to make friends during your trip. Whether you’re staying in a cheap hostel or on an all-inclusive resort, you can always meet new people wherever you go.
Put Yourself Out There!
There are plenty of wonderful reasons to travel alone. You get to know yourself, have some peace and quiet, and reflect on your ability to be self-sufficient. It’s also a great way to meet new people. When we have the security of a travel partner or group, we can forget to meet the other new people around us. Get out of your comfort zone by traveling alone and making an effort to engage with new people. Organized activities are a simple, easy way to be more social. Keep an eye on social media and community boards in places like coffee shops. Pick an activity or event that catches your eye and go! You might feel awkward, but once you meet just one new person, you’ll feel relaxed and glad you came.
Try a local cooking class, or just follow your normal routine in a new place. If you love climbing, head to the local climbing gym and strike up a conversation about local crags. In no time, you’ll probably have a partner for the weekend. If you’re a bookworm, head to your local bookstore or coffee shop. Meeting people in the digital age can be tricky, but if you’re willing to put yourself out there, odds are that your new potential friend will appreciate it!
How do you choose who you travel with?
Do you have a travel partner or prefer to explore solo?
