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??