trip switcher

Friend or Foe

Have you ever taken a long vacation with a friend only to end up flying back prematurely on separate flights after a big fight? Going to dinner, movies or to a club around your home town can lead to some good laughs but is it possible that this same laughable friend is not fit for doing those same activities overseas? You can`t be sure but this guide will try and help you stay out of that possible scenario and, if you find yourself in it anyways, cope as well as you can.

Choosing the Friend

Don`t turn a friend into a foe. A key element when traveling with a friend is to make certain that the friend you invite is the right person for the adventure you are about to embark on. Determine the type of trip you are seeking, whether it is pure relaxation or action and adventure. Choose a friend that will be the right fit based on activities, budget, and travel style before taking the plunge.

Personality Fits the Place

It is important to communicate with your travel partner about how you vacation, preferably before arriving at the airport. This includes everything from budgets to diet to sharing a room. Even something as small as a friend being a picky eater can put a dent in enjoying countries with exotic cuisine like China or India. Discuss your expectations for the trip ahead of time. My friend Carrie loves to lounge by the pool, sleep in till noon and party into the wee hours of the morning. I on the other hand want to see all the sights, shop for souvenirs and finish the day with good food and drink. Carrie and I have taken weekend trips but we may not be compatible for 2 weeks in Europe.

Money Matters

Ensuring that you both have the same type of budget in mind whether it`s shoestring or luxury can alleviate some potential headaches, as well. The last thing you want is for your pal to run out of money three days into your week long trip leaving you to pick up the tab. Sharing a room can reduce expenses, but keep in mind that accommodations in a foreign country may be different than what you are accustomed to. For example, living space in Europe can be smaller than in the United States so you may be fine sharing a room in Vegas but feel cramped in London. Also, beds in some places, like, China are very firm compared to American beds so if your travel partner has problems sleeping naturally, this may amplify the issue.

Plan in Advance

Though you may be spontaneous and easy going, when traveling with another person or a group it creates much less chaos if there is a general plan. I`m not saying every minute of your trip should be scheduled but it is a good idea to discuss any major events that you want to take in. If you`re trip switching, your local friend may have some off the beaten path sights to show you but if want to see the Eiffel Tower or the Taj Mahal, by all means make it known.

Taming the Foe

So what if you`ve followed the rules and chose the right friend, but your friend is turning into a foe before your very eyes? Now what? Make the best of it. You`re both probably using some valuable vacation days and dropping some even more valuable cash, you can`t let this all be for naught. Remember the reasons the two of you decided to travel together, be flexible and communicate openly. Don`t let a difference of opinions ruin an opportunity to enjoy all that is offered by a foreign country.

Save the Drama fo` yo` Mama

Try to be the bigger person and swallow your pride for the sake of your vacation. Even if it eats you up inside, you`ll thank me later when your friend is more manageable and you find your vacation going smoothly again. If it comes down to it, have a sit down and seriously discuss hiding your emotions about each other until you`re on the plane back home. Tell him or her that you really want this vacation to work out and the two of you have to be cordial until it does. If your friend is reasonable, that should do the trick, but be prepared for the fireworks when you get home.

Going on vacation with your friend is one of the most exciting things you can possibly do. Just make sure that you choose the right friend and for the right reasons or you`ll be enjoying a headache more than the sights.