Embarking on a journey with a travel buddy is more than just a shared adventure. It’s an opportunity to forge unforgettable memories, strengthen bonds, and get out of your comfort zone to experience life to its fullest.
Whether you’re getting lost in a new city, trekking remote landscapes, or immersing yourself in new cultures, being an awesome travel buddy is an essential part of having an unforgettable adventure. After visiting 40+ countries together, the Bros have learned a thing or two about not getting on each other’s last nerve while traveling together.
In this blog, we’ll tackle the top 9 ways to elevate your travel buddy game and have a memorable journey filled with good vibes only. Loosely follow these tips and you’ll be well on your way to becoming the ultimate travel buddy, keen to embark on any adventure that comes your way. Let’s dive in!
9. Celebrate Differences
Ya gotta do YOU, and be yourself! When you travel with a buddy, embrace the fact that you are two unique individuals. That means different interests, different personalities, and different ways of approaching and looking at travel. You should celebrate each other’s differences and use them as opportunities for growth and discovery.
Everyone brings a fresh perspective to the table and this is an awesome way to look at things. When you start by celebrating each other’s differences, it will translate to appreciating foreign backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs that differ from your own.
8. Respect Each Other’s Space
Spending 24/7 together can be intense, so it’s important to give each other space when needed. Don’t be afraid to take solo excursions, enjoy quiet time alone, or read a book. It’s easy, simply respect one another’s boundaries.
Remember to have your own unique experiences and interactions by yourself as well, so that you’ll have something new to talk about. You don’t have to do everything together. When you allow each other space, it will help prevent feelings of suffocation or resentment.
7. Compromise
Traveling long-term or even short-term means compromising on various aspects of your journey. This includes activities, accommodations, and even food choices. The saying, “Take one for the team,” has never been more true.
When you travel with somebody, you must be willing to compromise and find a balance between your interests and preferences. Of course, it helps when you have similar interests, but when you compromise, plans and agendas roll out much smoother.
6. Set Expectations
Discuss your expectations for the trip upfront. Set expectations, then manage them—everything from the budget to the itinerary and travel style.
Setting clear expectations from the beginning will help avoid misunderstandings and any disagreements that may arise later on.
5. Be Flexible
Being flexible when traveling with another person can be super important. Travel is unpredictable and plans can change at the drop of a hat. Travel brings so many different variables and unanticipated situations. The funny thing is, they usually arise when least expected.
Staying flexible, adaptable, and being willing to roll with the punches when things don’t go as planned, will keep everyone cool, calm, and collected. Flexibility is a solid character trait that will translate to any situation in life.
4. Practice Patience
Traveling whether short or long-term can surely test your patience. Now mix in a hangover, fatigue, stress, or cultural differences, and you may be struggling to keep your composure.
Somedays it can feel like you’re being tested, but when you practice patience with each other and yourselves, it will get you much further than having a shouting match or showing frustration. Remember to take deep breaths and stay chill in challenging situations.
🌎 BROS TIP: In Thai Culture they have a mantra called “losing face.” When you lose face, it’s an easy way to diminish your credibility and respect among people in the community. Unless physical harm is imminent, there are very few reasons to shout angrily in Southeast Asia—particularly Thailand. Raising your voice with someone in public is strictly frowned upon. Causing a scene makes bystanders lose face through embarrassment suffered on your behalf. So remember, never lose face!
3. Communicate Openly
Maintaining a solid relationship while traveling requires communication. Address any issues that arise openly and constructively. Be honest about your feelings, preferences, and concerns. Nobody is a mind reader, so say what’s on your mind and don’t assume that the other person feels the same or knows what you are thinking.
If you don’t feel like doing something or going somewhere, just say that. It will be much better than having to bring bad vibes to an activity or place you don’t want to be.
2. Divide Responsibilities
Nobody ever wants to feel like they are doing all the dirty work, so sharing responsibilities is key. This means planning, budgeting, logistics and even cooking meals. This helps avert the feeling of being overwhelmed or burdened.
When you divvy up tasks based on each other’s strengths and preferences, you’ll work together as a team to ensure a smooth travel experience. Sometimes this will take a little getting used to and when there’s any doubt, refer back to #3 and communicate openly.
1. Focus on the Positive
Finally, focus on the positive aspects of your journey and the incredible experiences you’re sharing. There’s so much to be said about the power of positive thinking. After a few missed connections, food poisoning, or getting ripped off, it’s easy to get stuck on the shitty things that are happening to you when you travel. However, if you take a minute to look around, you’ll realize how truly blessed you are, and doing what you are doing.
Nobody wants to be around someone who is killing the moment, so high vibes and high fives only! Be positive and express gratitude to yourself, your friends, locals, fellow travelers, and anyone you meet! By being grateful, you can boost your morale, motivation, and satisfaction.
Focusing on the positive, look at those smiles!
As you embark on your next adventure with your travel buddy, remember that the journey is not just about the destinations, but the experiences you share and the bonds you strengthen along the way.
🍻 Safe travels and here’s to more adventures with friends!
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