With whom should you travel? (fewer photos)

With whom should you travel? 

This article is not designed for people who are married, living with a significant other, or living with their parents or children. Generally, if you are living with loved ones, you will happily travel together.

This question is designed for people who do not fit into those categories.

As a veteran solo, world-traveler, I am often asked why I travel solo. I also often hear people say they don’t travel because either they need a companion or because they like someone with whom they can share the price.

I travel because it is my lifelong passion. I have been traveling solo all over the world for more than three decades. Based on the Travelers Century Club’s nations list (http://travelerscenturyclub.org), I have visited 98 nations – – mostly solo!

Importantly, I began traveling solo while studying in Europe, during my junior year abroad in college. I was young enough to be fearless and naïve enough to not know what I did not now. As a result, I developed wanderlust at a tender young age and have been traveling the world solo, fearlessly, ever since.

I feel that having a compatible travel companion is swell. I have moved around a lot for school/work, and always lived alone-- so I have rarely had suitable travel companions. However, I never allowed that to stop me from pursuing my lifelong passion of travel.

If you have a passion for travel, I hope you will not deny yourself this wonderful opportunity to see the world. Don’t let the absence of a companion stop you.

One of the many lessons I have learned as a solo traveler is that you connect with people who share your passion for the destination, that you have both chosen, at that time. The people you meet during your travels are compatible with you in many ways. Your friends and loved ones may not share your passion for travel or for your desired travel destination. As a result, they may put a damper on your travel lifestyle.

So let’s answer the question With whom should you travel?

With whom should you travel?--I believe there are only a few categories, as follows:

Travel companion categories

1) People who live together or have lived together in the past.

2. One of you gave birth to the other.

3. You are in love and planning on spending your life together.

4. Very old, very dear friends who know each other's strengths and weaknesses and who truly value the friendship.

5. Siblings who get along.

6. People who are truly passionate about the destination.

What are some considerations you might explore before choosing travel companions? Here are my lists. I wrote the list based on taking a cruise BUT this applies to ALL travel. 

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this.

Roommate Stuff

• Wake up time.
• Go to sleep time.
• How neat/organized or not?
• Storing items in the room. How much drawer and closet space etc.
• Bathroom time.
• Bathroom habits.
• Television habits.
• Snoring.
• Talkative in AM? PM?
• Climate Control/Room temperature.
• Gender related issues.(Bathroom use, changing clothes, sleeping arrangements, sex expectations etc.)

Travel and General

• Interests: outdoor, museums, water activities, guided tours, history, food, shopping, etc.
• Politics. World View.
• Health: overall, medications, mobility, restrictions, food issues etc.
• Finances. Spending views/habits.
• Acceptance, tolerance, love, kindness, respect, gratitude.
• Humility/teacheability.
• Attitude toward people from other cultures.
• Punctuality.
• Leader/Follower
• Open-mindedness.
• Flexibility.
• Boundaries.
• Ability to navigate new places.
• Do everything together versus meet at meal times. Independence.
• Cruise on board activities: sunbathing, gambling, dancing, game participation, meetings, computer classes etc.
• Airport/airplane habits.
• Compromise.
• Advance planning/research.
• Dexterity to move around with luggage.
• Having an opinion about what to do. (ie. some travelers happily defer to the other party; some do little research yet obstruct all decision-making)

I feel it is important to consider these ideas because I have met many people who have severed ties with friends, colleagues, and even family members because they suffered a bad travel experience. Life is too short for this!

I have also met people who are willing to share a room with a complete stranger in order to save money. Often, I hear horror stories about how they did not get along and ended by paying more to procure a solo accommodation. It never surprises me because – – they are complete strangers! Please don’t make this mistake. Work a few extra hours to make the extra money, and treat yourself to the peace of mind associated with having your own room. You can always join an organized group tour but just pay the single supplement and get your own room. I did this on organized group trips to China, India, Ireland, and Viet Nam/Thailand.

What would YOU add to these lists??

With whom should you travel?

With whom should you travel?

This article is not designed for people who are married, living with a significant other, or living with their parents or children. Generally, if you are living with loved ones, you will happily travel together.

This question is designed for people who do not fit into those categories.

As a veteran solo, world-traveler, I am often asked why I travel solo. I also often hear people say they don’t travel because either they need a companion or because they like someone with whom they can share the price.

I travel because it is my lifelong passion. I have been traveling solo all over the world for more than three decades. Based on the Travelers Century Club’s nations list (http://travelerscenturyclub.org), I have visited 98 nations – – mostly solo!

Importantly, I began traveling solo while studying in Europe, during my junior year abroad in college. I was young enough to be fearless and naïve enough to not know what I did not now. As a result, I developed wanderlust at a tender young age and have been traveling the world solo, fearlessly, ever since.

I feel that having a compatible travel companion is swell. I have moved around a lot for school/work, and always lived alone-- so I have rarely had suitable travel companions. However, I never allowed that to stop me from pursuing my lifelong passion of travel.

If you have a passion for travel, I hope you will not deny yourself this wonderful opportunity to see the world. Don’t let the absence of a companion stop you.

One of the many lessons I have learned as a solo traveler is that you connect with people who share your passion for the destination, that you have both chosen, at that time. The people you meet during your travels are compatible with you in many ways. Your friends and loved ones may not share your passion for travel or for your desired travel destination. As a result, they may put a damper on your travel lifestyle.

So let’s answer the question With whom should you travel?

With whom should you travel?--I believe there are only a few categories, as follows:

Travel companion categories

1) People who live together or have lived together in the past.

2. One of you gave birth to the other.

3. You are in love and planning on spending your life together.

4. Very old, very dear friends who know each others strengths and weaknesses and who truly value the friendship.

5. Siblings who get along.

6. People who are truly passionate about the destination.

What are some considerations you might explore before choosing travel companions? Here are my lists. I wrote the list based on taking a cruise BUT this applies to ALL travel. 

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this.

Roommate Stuff

• Wake up time.
• Go to sleep time.
• How neat/organized or not?
• Storing items in the room. How much drawer and closet space etc.
• Bathroom time.
• Bathroom habits.
• Television habits.
• Snoring.
• Talkative in AM? PM?
• Climate Control/Room temperature.
• Gender related issues.(Bathroom use, changing clothes, sleeping arrangements, sex expectations etc.)

Travel and General

• Interests: outdoor, museums, water activities, guided tours, history, food, shopping, etc.
• Politics. World View.
• Health: overall, medications, mobility, restrictions, food issues etc.
• Finances. Spending views/habits.
• Acceptance, tolerance, love, kindness, respect, gratitude.
• Humility/teacheability.
• Attitude toward people from other cultures.
• Punctuality.
• Leader/Follower
• Open-mindedness.
• Flexibility.
• Boundaries.
• Ability to navigate new places.
• Do everything together versus meet at meal times. Independence.
• Cruise on board activities: sunbathing, gambling, dancing, game participation, meetings, computer classes etc.
• Airport/airplane habits.
• Compromise.
• Advance planning/research.
• Dexterity to move around with luggage.
• Having an opinion about what to do. (ie. some travelers happily defer to the other party; some do little research yet obstruct all decision-making)

I feel it is important to consider these ideas because I have met many people who have severed ties with friends, colleagues, and even family members because they suffered a bad travel experience. Life is too short for this!

I have also met people who are willing to share a room with a complete stranger in order to save money. Often, I hear horror stories about how they did not get along and ending by paying more to procure a solo accomadation. It never surprises me because – – they are complete strangers! Please don’t make this mistake. Work a few extra hours to make the extra money, and treat yourself to the peace of mind associated with having your own room. You can always join an organized group tour but just pay the single supplement and get your own room. I did this on organized group trips to China, India, and Viet Nam/Thailand.

What would YOU add to these lists??

Where are the solo cruise deals?

 Where are the solo cruise deals?

In many social media solo traveler groups, I often hear the question, “How can I find a solo price for my cruise?”

Although there is a growing trend toward solo travel, including solo cruising, pricing is generally still based on double occupancy. In other words--typically, you pay for two people.

Finding good solo deals is like finding a needle in a haystack.

In my response, you will hear many adverbs of frequency such as often, rarely, never, sometimes, occasionally---and needle in a haystack!

Remember--Just as hotel rooms charge one price whether there are one or two people in the room, cruise lines also generally have one price--whether there are one OR two guests in the room.

It is very rare that you will find a solo price.

A small number of ships (less than 5% of all cruise ships), have solo staterooms/cabins --sometimes they are priced higher than a double occupancy room.

Occasionally, usually on short notice, you can find deals on cabins for one traveler.

Solo Cabins-

Only a dozen or so ships (out of more than 250), system-wide, provide solo cabins (at 10-2018: 14 of 269 ships).  These cabins generally sell out quickly, often or year or two in advance. Accommodations are smaller than regular rooms and most have a small double bed. Please recognize they don’t always represent a bargain. Sometimes, solo cabin fares are similar to double-occupancy fares in a larger room. I have seen solo cabins priced at $1200 for a small room, while a double occupancy room may charge $599 per person times two-$1199. In essence, the same price. Searching for solo rooms significantly limits your travel options. Consider that when searching for solo cabins, you must restrict yourself to the limited number of itineraries offered on these few ships.

If you are still interested in these rooms, keep in mind that a third of Norwegian cruise lines fleet, several in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, and a handful of Holland America, Cunard, and (soon one on) Celebrity, offer solo cabins. Check prices regularly, as they tend to fluctuate.

Solo Fares-Solo Supplements

Keep in mind all pricing is based on supply and demand— just like the airlines and hotel industries.

Just as hotel rooms generally charge one room price (whether there are one or two people in the room), cruise lines also generally have one price--whether there are one OR two guests in the room.

Several cruise lines offer solo price discounts on occasion, depending on the season and on how many cabins are booked on individual ships. If you are flexible about your travel plans, you can benefit from some cruise lines that may offer last-minute solo discounts on close-in sailings. Some deals may include single supplements waived completely, especially 1-2 months prior to sail date. These savings are of course, offset by higher, last minute airfares and pre/post cruise hotel stays.  Another consideration for last minute cruising is Visa requirements for itinerary countries.

The bottom line is---You must be willing to invest a lot of time searching for these few-and-far-between deals---if this is a priority for you.

It will be easier to find a double-occupancy-priced cruise that simply has low prices. For example, a 10-day cruise that charges $599 per person is a great deal for a solo traveler @$120 per day!

Bon Voyage!!!!

Good luck!

Please post about your experience here.