No matter how well you know someone, traveling together will probably teach you something new about them.
Maybe they get up early and have tons of energy.
Maybe theyre a terrible tipper.
Sometimes these things are annoyances, and sometimes they can lead to a big falling out.
It doesnt have to be that way, though.
With some planning, you could check that your travel adventure is a successful one.
I made this mistake when traveling with my best friend years ago.
Its easier to come to a compromise before the trip rather than after.
Review all of your travel expenses and the issues that come with them.
For example, if youre splitting the AirBnb down the middle, who will get the bigger room?
There may be some travel expenses that catch you by surprise, too.
Hotel deposits: Are you cool with forking over your credit card for the hotel deposit?
It can also be problematic when one friendearns significantly more or less than the other.
Your higher earning friend might want to do things that you cant afford to do.
Or you might be cool with sleeping in a hostel, while theyre planning on a 5-star hotel.
Its hard to enjoy a trip when youre feeling guilty.
Whatever the scenario, you want to talk about these topics beforehand.
You might even consider setting a trip budget for both of you.
What is the number one thing you want to accomplish with this trip?
I just wanted to relax.
Okay, well I want to do some exploring, she said.
Are you cool with me taking your car a couple of days on my own?
And that was perfect, because that meant I would get some time alone to chill.
Your vacation goals might be more specific.
Your friends top priority might be checking out Venice.
It also helps to spend some time alone.
My girl friend and I, for example, have very different TV viewing habits.
As you could imagine, this drove my friend a bit nuts.
Either way, its easy for your quirks to clash.
Compatible travel styles are probably more important than identical interests in predicting a successful travel partnership.
Respect each others style and be prepared to meet in the middle.
There is no way but negotiation to settle such fundamental differences.
It definitely put strain on our friendship.
After a while, you might feel shafted.
There will be times when your friend is, for whatever reason, unable to help out.
Maybe shes violently ill, or perhaps shes lost her wallet and cant take out cash.
Nows the time to actually be a best friend and step up to the plate.
Finally, communication is everything.
Do what you’ve got the option to to stay on the same page while youre traveling together.
Voice your concerns as soon as you sense some friction, otherwise it can lead to resentment.
When I felt like being alone, for example, I made sure to communicate that with my friend.
