How to Travel With Someone Who Sucks

While I prefer solo travel, I know that traveling with another person can be a beautiful thing.

On the flip side, a shitty travel partner might ruin everything.

There are plenty of reasons you might find yourself traveling with someone who sucks.

Reach compromises on matters like daily budgets, morning wake-up times, nightly plans, and bathroom routines.

The more you clarify ahead of time, the fewer surprises down the road.

Make it clear what you will tolerateand what you wont.

Once youre in the thick of your vacation time, youll have to let some things go.

Otherwise, little annoyances can easily blow up into big fights.

Overlook minor irritations and secure your energy for discussing legitimate issues.

No one is perfect, and differences of opinion or travel style are bound to emerge.

ensure to build solo time into the itinerary so each person can explore independently.

Agree to meet up for predetermined activities only.

Unless youre a couple, consider not sharing a hotel room, even if just for some nights.

The ability to retreat to your own space is priceless.

If separate rooms arent feasible, use headphones, sleep masks, and other privacy aids.

How to deal with the worst types of travel companions

What makes someone bad at traveling?

All kinds of things, really.

Here are some of the people you might wish you had left at homeand how to deal with them.

Former Lifehacker editor-in-chief (and experienced picky-eater companion)Alice Bradleyadvises that eatingmustbe the picky eaters responsibility.

I like to offer to split entrees so they can sample local flavors without committing.

Remind them that part of travel is trying new things, even with just a few bites.

And they only eat bread for the duration of your trip, thats their problem.

Non-stop complaining about flights, hotels, crowds, and expenses quickly gets old.

At first, you could try changing the subject or putting a positive spin when they complain.

Remind them you chose this destination and activities together.

From there, suggest breaks from group activities so they can relax if they need.

Dont hesitate to say youre there to enjoy yourself and would appreciate more positive energy.

At best, youll have to start sightseeing without them.

At worst, you might find yourself on a solo trip after all.

Suffering real consequences for their lateness might actually force them to change their bad habits.

Loud, rude, demanding Americans can reinforce negative stereotypes abroad.

Its also utterly cringeworthy.

In this case, you must pull them aside and advise them to be more respectful of local customs.

Offer to help them learn key phrases in the local language.