19 Jul 2021 | 3 mins

I have heard all of the horror stories before I jet-setted around the globe with my mate for 5 months. 

"My mate and I ditched each other halfway through the trip".

"I haven't spoken to them since".

"I came home. I couldn't handle it"...

I was a little nervous, to say the least. But I've continued to travel with mates and we've always kept our cool. Here is how!

 

Part 1: Before the trip

Sit your mates down because it's time to get on the same page about:

Money

Money makes most of us cringe and it can be quite awkward to talk about, but it's necessary. You do not wanna be gee'ing yourself up for a cheap trip of hostels, 2-min noodles and free walking tours whilst you're friend wants bougee hotels, brekkie, lunch and dinner at restaurants, Pinterest wothy café's and the most expensive activities they can find.

Establish your budget, share how much dosh you each have and discuss each of your priorities of what you'd rather spend your money on. Maybe you're keen to go to every museum whereas your mate wants to try every restaurant possible. Find a happy balance before you yeet off.

Type of trip

What is this trip? Some R&R time on the beach? A sightseeing extravaganza? A party tour? An adventure trip?

Again, make a list of each of your priorities. Obviously, balance can be made between everything! But tensions started to rise when my mate wanted to party 24/7, and whilst that's all well and good, I still wanted to be alive during the day to actually see the city I had spent so much money to get to. So gage what each of you want from the trip and again, find that yin and yang baby!

Compare daily routines

For example, I'm an early riser and love an early brekkie. The mate I travelled with is a night owl. I am a vegetarian. She is not. I am extremely extroverted and can hang out with groups of people 'til the cows come home. My friend's an introvert and needs a lot of time alone to recharge.

Just compare how you individually do things - that way you can openly talk about how you'll travel together. It's as simple as me saying; "I won't wanna wait hours for you to wake up in the morning, so are you happy for me to make brekkie and do a little sightseeing before you get up?"

Part 2: Travelling with them

You have gotten used to the hostel routine of checking in, showing ID, getting your keys and rushing to the dorm, trying to nab the last bottom bunk. Jetlag is of the past and free wifi has become a luxury. You're travelling! Hip hip hooray!

Now what?

Communication

I mean, Part 1 was literally all about communication, so keep that momentum going!

No matter who a person is, even if they're as perfect as Harry Styles, spending 24/7 with someone will give you the ick one way or another. It's natural! We're irritable beings and we're not sorry for it.

If you've got a problem with them, tell them before it's too late otherwise you just become passive-aggressive. Seriously, tell them. You would rather a little bit of beef, tension or confrontation than make a whole trip stale.

Compromise

Like I said previously, we want all parties to be happy. Compromises will have to be made but stay open-minded! My mate was not interested in going to The Beatles museum in Liverpool in the slightest but that was my top priority there. Afterwards, she couldn't stop listening to them. 

Space

Travelling with a mate is seriously a dream. You're in this together and the memories you'll make are priceless.

Whilst that's all fine and dandy, make sure to get some space too! ITake a long walk every now and then to just be alone with my thoughts for once. Sometimes I went to see a movie on my own (especially because I'm a film nerd and my mate didn't care). Don't be offended when they need space too. It's not you, it's just human beings! We need time to recharge our batteries on our own.

Pull your weight

Strive to be a legend.

Help with researching what hostel to choose or making a schedule. Offer to do the washing or grocery shopping when they're buggered. Do the dishes for both of you after you've made pasta for the millionth time. 

Just be hospitable. Be the travel buddy you would wanna be with.

Have fun and repeat after me. Communication is key!