There are many reasons to visit the country Vietnam. History, scenery, cuisine, coffee, incredibly friendly people, the list goes on. It’s a place that captured our hearts when we visited and look forward to a time when we will return once again. Today we’ll travel from the North to the South and everywhere in between (in no particular ranking) to explore the Top 20 Places to Visit in Vietnam.
Going to Vietnam the first time was life-changing for sure; maybe because it was all so new and different to my life before and the world I grew up in. The food, culture, landscape and smell; they’re all inseparable. It just seemed like another planet; a delicious one that sort of sucked me in and never let go.
-Anthony Bourdain
We’ll said Tony, we couldn’t agree more 😂
-The Bros
We’ve met a lot of travelers who are surprised by all the places we’ve traveled together. Often met with the response, “I could never travel with someone else, “Solo travel is way better,” or “How aren’t you sick of each other yet!?” To each their own, the Bros say.
Traveling long-term gives you an immense sense of freedom and independence. Invoking feelings that few people in this world get to experience. And traveling solo is priceless, so don’t get it twisted, we’re all for it. It allows time for self-reflection, and personal development, and even creates a sense of internal peace, all wonderful things. However, many solo travelers often fail to mention the price of being alone in a foreign place for an extended period of time.
When you’re constantly making new friends while traveling, sometimes it helps to reflect on those newly formed relationships. Am I surrounding myself with people who care about me? How deep are these hostel friendships, are they ride or die, or just a drinking buddy for the night? Friendship is a two-way street that involves both giving and receiving. It’s about mutual respect, trust, and support. If you had to ask yourself, are you forming a majority of connections based on those principles?
If you had the opportunity to go out into the world by yourself or share awe-inspiring travel experiences with a best friend, wouldn’t you choose the latter? This is the quintessential spirit of Bros Around the Globe, built into our ethos:
“Best friends making memories and pushing each other to the boundaries of what we ever thought was possible not only in travel but in life. On a mission to help friends build bonds, create memories and grow though travel experiences.”
That’s what we’re all about. Forming insane itineraries, getting out of our comfort zones, crossing items off a bucket list, and sharing incredible experiences with someone who understands the true you. Someone who, if you’re lucky, you’ll get to look back on those crazy times with, and recall all the wild places and wacky people you’ve met.
It doesn’t matter if you are bros, sisters, cousins, buddies, colleagues, classmates, partners, a couple, or even long-lost pen pals. Just get out there with someone authentic who knows the real you, and the world is yours. Here are 21 reasons why we think traveling with your best friend beats solo travel…
21. Two Minds, One Itinerary
Planning becomes a breeze when working together to create the ultimate travel itinerary or route. Maybe there was a restaurant or attraction you missed in your travel research. When different likes and interests come together, you’ll be sure not to miss all the must-see places.
Add in two sets of enthusiasm to discover a new place, and you’re more likely to stumble upon those unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences.
20. Celebration Partner
From birthdays and holidays to achieving travel milestones, you have someone to celebrate with. Nothing is sadder than having to spend a special moment alone or with some strangers who don’t know you. Traveling with your best friend can create new traditions or rituals that you look forward to repeating on future adventures.
19. Supporting Each Other’s Goals
Whether you’re conquering a hiking trail or exploring a new culture, your best friend will cheer you on and celebrate your achievements. Receive honest feedback about your travel choices and uncover new places you might have missed. When you are with someone with your best interest in mind, it will help you reach and crush your travel goals and aspirations.
18. Double the Wardrobe
Maybe one that is more for the females, but the Bros have tried it with socks once! Forget packing light, when you have a Sis around the globe and you’re the same size, you can share clothes and accessories. Maybe you’re looking to switch things up for a night out, they have a stylish top you want to try, or your laundry is overdue.
When you travel with your BFF, you can instantly double your travel wardrobe. Or at least that’s what a British girl told me in a hostel once.
17. Making New Friends
Traveling with a friend opens up opportunities to meet new people and connect with locals and fellow travelers. The more the merrier! It is always fun to bring new friends into your circle.
Some of the best nights out are from being randomly invited by others at the hostel bar. We’ve even helped play matchmaker for each other’s hostel crush. You are more likely to put yourself out there when you have a true friend as a fallback.
🌎 BROS TIP: When you travel with a partner in crime, one must approach #17 wisely. We advise you to not fall into the trap of only sticking together and being anti-social! It’s easy to go with the safe route and not approach others, but that’s not what we travel for! Remember to get out of your comfort zone if talking to strangers is a skill you want to get better at. All I’m saying is, just, don’t just be conjoined by the hip, you’ve got to put yourself out there!
16. Safety in Numbers
Ever have to walk back to a hostel or hotel from the bar on a night out in a foreign country? You know, that scary back alley, Google Maps routes you to a strange city. Even dealing with a feisty cab driver doesn’t seem as intimidating when you’ve got a buddy there with you.
Wherever you find yourself, unfamiliar places feel safer when you have a trusted friend around. It makes everything feel a little safer in your mind, or at least it appears that way.
15. Dual Perspectives
Discovering new places becomes richer when you share and discuss your different perspectives on the same experience. Your homie may have a different take on a war or history of a region or feel a location is overrated.
Bringing two perspectives to the table can open your eyes to something you may not have noticed otherwise. You can share your beliefs, takes, and opinions on a wide range of topics. Looking at something through a different lens can make you a more well-rounded individual and a great listener.
13. Built-in Entertainment
Inside jokes, shared playlists, watching a new series, you’ll never be bored with your best friend around. The amount of inside jokes will become impressive, almost like you both start speaking another language. Just be sure to build in some solo time or activities by yourself so you can do your own thing and have some of your own unique experiences.
14. Problem-Solving Duo:
At some point, shit hits the fan. Because we’d be lying if we said our travels always go to plan. Travel comes with its share of problems and having a partner in crime makes solving them quicker and more fun. You both weigh out the good the bad and the ugly and plot the next moves accordingly. Two minds think better than one!
12. Always Have Someone to Talk To
Long bus rides, delayed flights, or quiet evenings are never lonely when you have your best friend to talk to. Those mundane travel moments always seem to fly by when you’re talkin’ shit. It sure beats keeping all those thoughts to yourself when you’re bored.
Sometimes you can’t get deep into topics when you first meet new people. Things remain surface-level and nobody wants to offend anyone with their opinions. From our experience, when you can have those deep chats with people you just met, they’re usually pretty fun to hang with.
11. Photography Dream Team
When you travel with your best friend, you’ll be capturing moments with ease. They’re like a designated photographer who knows all your best angles, though we think the candid shots always turn out the best.
Whether it’s capturing that shot that’s impossible to snap in selfie mode, or even sharing photos taken along your journey, the photos you get when traveling together are priceless. Just don’t abuse the unspoken code and be like the “Instagram girlfriend” who’s always asking for a million photos every two seconds.
10. Support System
Whether it’s navigating a new language or dealing with travel hiccups, you have immediate support from someone you trust. Having someone to call an audible aids decision-making on the fly when something goes awry.
You are less likely to beat yourself up over a wrong step made along your journey, and having a voice of reason will keep you in check. When you have those missteps, you are less likely to get hung up on it when you talk about what went wrong.
9. Easier Decision Making
Making decisions is faster when you have someone to share thoughts and preferences. Where are we eating? Where are we staying? How will we get there? Sometimes it’s nice when someone else takes the reigns to handle the logistics and bookings.
A team effort goes a long way. It’s all about creating a balance so everything is not so one-sided. For all you couples, we can categorize this as debatable.
8. Divide and Conquer
Tackling travel responsibilities is easier when you can divide tasks based on each other’s strengths. Whether it’s booking a plane, train, bus, or any combination of the three, mapping out the necessary logistics becomes less overwhelming and easier with two heads tackling the task.
Bouncing ideas off of one another also leads to smoother laid-out logistics. Maybe you’re under the weather and can’t be bothered with getting that next booking done. No worries, your travel buddy got you.
7. Motivation Boost
When the going gets tough, your best friend is there to motivate and push you to overcome challenges. Maybe you miss a bus or train and start to question all your decisions. Surrounding yourself with friends will keep the vibes high. Nobody likes a downer. Countless times, I’ve woken up not in the mood to get on that tour or do that activity we planned on doing. H
aving a friend there will convince you to get up and get moving because the unexpected is out there waiting for you. This can be especially true on those days when you may be a little hungover. We try to always remind one another how lucky we are to be doing what we’re doing.
6. Mental and Physical Health Support
Travel can be both emotionally and physically challenging. Having your best friend along for the ride provides crucial emotional support. We’ve both been there when a call from your family comes in with bad news on the homefront.
It gives you a sense of reassurance when you can talk openly about how you feel to someone who understands. We also know from first-hand experience having someone you trust when a medical emergency arises is a lifeline you never thought you needed.
5. Cost Sharing
This one is a no-brainer. Splitting expenses means you can indulge in more experiences without breaking the bank. This is especially true when it comes to lodging. Airbnb and other forms of accommodations often have more amenities when booking for more than one. Maybe you get a discount for a tour when reserving more than one person.
Think about that taxi fare, or when you hit up the local market or grocery store, it sure is nice when you can split the bill with someone else. We recommend coming up with a system that works for you both, that way, you don’t have to whip out a calculator for every transaction.
4. Pushing Each Other’s Limits
Your best friend can encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and try new things, leading to personal growth and self-discovery. We can’t tell you how many times we’ve helped push each other out of our comfort zones.
Maybe if you were solo, you’d shy away from walking a riskier line or doing that one thing that scares the hell out of you. For the Bros, it’s not really about FOMO or one-upping one another, but what we like to call a stoke booster.
3. Adventurous Eats
Trying local cuisine is twice as enjoyable when you can share and savor various dishes. On the fence about your order? Go half-sies and split it! Then you can argue over who won the order. More friends = more dishes to try!
Food is one of the best ways to learn and understand a country. And who are you going to share that 2-for-1 drink special with? Plus, you’ll never have to be the person sitting at a dinner table with headphones on watching Netflix on their phone…Unless that’s your thing.
2. Shared Memories
Every moment, from spectacular sunsets to laughable mishaps, is a shared memory that strengthens your bond. Imagine 20 years from now and looking back on a random place you were. Are you going to reach out to the person you met in the hostel who you shared that one day with? Will they even remember you?
Who knows, every relationship is unique. But oftentimes when traveling, those friendships are just a snapshot of a person during a time in their life. Lately, we reminisce more about the journey and the characters we’ve met than the actual locations themselves.
1. Deeping a Lasting Friendship
The experiences you share while traveling create a bond that will last a lifetime. Something that truly has your back when you are in a foreign place where nobody knows you hits differently than rolling solo.
Like anything in life, when you put it to the test, you see what your friendship is made up of. Will it stand the test of travel? Your relationship will evolve and grow over time spent abroad, for the better.
Now that you know why traveling with your best friend is awesome, check out our keys to traveling over 40 countries together:
Top 9 Ways to Be The Best Travel Buddy
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20. Sapa
Tucked away in the mountains of northwest Vietnam, Sapa is a popular trekking base. With a higher altitude than the rest of the country, it overlooks the terraced rice fields of the Muong Hoa Valley. Sapa perfectly combines culture and natural beauty in one place. Backed with breathtaking views and a variety of nature, Sapa comes highly recommended by most travelers. It can even be seen on a day or weekend trip from the capital. It definitely gets much colder in the mountains, so pack accordingly.
19. Ha Giang Pass
The Ha Giang Loop is a motorbike trip in Ha Giang Province of northern Vietnam. This 4-5 day motorbike trip through the rolling mountains is quite possibly one of the most extremely adventurous things to do in the country. Dangerous sketchy roads and incredible views get your adrenaline pumping. For some backpackers, it’s a write of passage to complete the tour and will certainly be a highlight of your trip if you brave the journey.
The Ha Giang Loop is becoming increasingly popular in the Vietnam motorbike tour scene. You’ll find plenty of tour companies ready to guide you along so you don’t have to wing it on your own. Prepare for every kind of weather and incredible stories and memories, you will never forget.
18. Cao Bằng
Bordering China on the north and east sides, seasoned travelers are claiming this mountainous region is the most beautiful place in all of Vietnam. While the city is not the highlight, it gives you easy access to the surrounding lakes, minority villages, karst peaks, caves, and the unbelievable Ban Gioc Waterfall.
Sparsely populated, saying Cao Bang is picturesque is an understatement. Getting off the grid and losing service is no problem here. Far off the beaten track, tourism is not very popular, and you can enjoy the peace and nature easily.
17. Cát Bà Island
Known as the cheaper option to Halong Bay, Cat Ba Island National Park is the largest of the 367 islands of the Cat Ba Archipelago. Due to its unique access to Halong Bay, Cat Ba can be argued as one of the most beautiful places in Vietnam. The fishing community at Cat Ba town has been around for centuries so there is plenty of history there too.
Enjoy the beaches, go snorkeling, visit the floating village or simply just relax and take in the scenery, this charming island will keep you busy. Not to mention, UNESCO recognizes it as a World Biosphere Reserve.
16. Hạ Long Bay
I don’t know what we can say about Ha Long Bay that hasn’t already been said before. So we’ll keep this one short and sweet to keep it moving. Named among the world’s new seven wonders of nature, this is truly a bucket list experience.
The bay is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and its natural beauty makes it Vietnam’s number one tourist site. You won’t be the only person there but you gotta see it to believe it.
15. Hanoi
The capital of Vietnam is known for its centuries-old architecture and rich culture. Here you’ll find influences from Southeast Asian, Chinese, and French cultures. Completely different from Saigon, Hanoi has a population of over 8 million and this city is buzzing day or night.
The happy and peaceful city is highlighted by its bustling Old Quarter. With incredible food and an abundance of things to see and do Hanoi is usually on every Vietnam itinerary.
🌎 BROS TIP: The Vietnamese enjoy a good party and are no strangers to appreciating a fresh cold beer. When we say fresh we mean it. Bia hoi is a type of draught beer popular in Northern Vietnam and it literally translates to “fresh beer.” The beer is brewed daily and quickly matures before each bar gets a fresh keg delivered every day. Did we mention it’s insanely cheap too? For less than 25 cents a glass, this brew is really light and refreshing. Pull up a plastic stool and enjoy a bia hoi while in Hanoi! Mot, Hai, Ba, YO!
14. Ninh Binh
Know as Halong Bay on land, Ninh Binh has a fascinating landscape. With boat tours and karst hikes, it’s easy to take in the scenic terrain of this city south of Hanoi. It can even be accessed easily from Hanoi on a day trip. Nature is in abundance here and you’ll be in for a treat if you visit this hidden gem.
Rent a bike or a scooter and just get lost in the beautiful surroundings of Ninh Binh. Taking a boat tour through Tam Coc is one of the most popular things to experience. Due to their unique rowing style, a sampan (wooden boat) ride along the river is one of a kind. There will be plenty of photo opportunities no matter what you do.
13. Phong Nha
Phong Nha is located in the center of the country and is the perfect place to Experience the Unique Countryside of Vietnam. Once a struggling small town, today it’s a growing international tourist destination with plenty of adventure. This is all thanks in part to one incredible discovery, the Phong Nha Caves. The largest karst caverns in the world, are hidden in the lush jungles and mountains. Feeling adventurous, you can even camp and explore them on a multi-day excursion.
A highlight of the region includes Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, a protected area in north-central Vietnam. Phong Nha is still in the early stages of development and is ready for the tourism boom. Now is the time to get there and beat the masses. The caves are unreal, the locals are friendly, and you’ll feel like you’ve got the wilderness all to yourself.
12. Huế
Unlike the rapid urbanization and cultural assimilation that happening around Vietnam, Hue prides itself on staying true to its roots. Temples, royal palaces, and the Imperial City (a walled enclosure within the citadel) highlight the rich cultural heritage of this former capital.
Sadly, Hue was really affected by the Vietnam war, in terms of losing lives as well as the amount of physical destruction. This city is resilient leaving it with its own feel, unlike any other part of the country. Set overlooking the vast Perfume River, if you are interested in the cultural history of Vietnam Hue is a can’t-miss.
11. Da Nang
Halfway between Hanoi in the north, Saigon in the south, and located on the west coast Da Nang is the tourist capital. Additionally, the fifth-largest city in Central Vietnam. Hotels are everywhere, this place caters to the masses. Though it has a population of over a million people, it can still give you a small-town vibe. With neither the ambiance of Hanoi nor the hustle and bustle of Saigon, Da Nang is uniquely its own.
It’s really modern and can certainly be a stand-out for digital nomads looking to settle in the country. There are tourist attractions everywhere you look in Da Nang. Visiting the Marble Mountains, Ba Na Hills, the Dragon Bridge, Lady Buddha, My Khe Beach, or the Golden Bridge. There is no shortage of things to see or do in Da Nang.
10. Hội An
One most photogenic towns in Vietnam, Hoi An is on most travelers’ radar. Found on the central coast, it’s most know known for its well-preserved Ancient Town. The old port used to be an important Southeast Asian trading route between the 15th – 19th centuries.
It’s charming, has awesome food, and a laid-back atmosphere. You can even get bespoke clothing tailor-made to your liking for extremely cheap. They’ve even got a beach. It’s easy to see why travelers flock to this hotspot. Tourist heaven or hell? Well, that’s up to you to decide.
🌎 BROS TIP: Everyone knows about Pho, but have you ever heard of Cao lầu? (Pictured above) It’s a must-try and the staple dish of Hoi An. It typically consists of pork and greens on a bed of rice noodles made from rice. The noodles are soaked in lye water, giving them a distinct characteristic texture and color that sets the dish apart from other Vietnamese noodle dishes.
9. Qui Nhon
Quy Nhon is reasonably untouched by mass tourism. This place is not even close to being on the beaten trail. If you are looking for an adventure where you may just be the only foreigner in the city this may be it. Since it is yet to be discovered, it has a very different feel to places like Hoi An and Nha Trang.
Quy Nhon beach is definitely the highlight of the city. The snorkeling is pretty solid and there are even ancient ruins to check out. A sleepy coastal city with raw beauty that is still undisturbed by mass tourism, referred to as the Maldives of Vietnam. Yeah, it’s worth checking out.
8. Ninh Van Bay
Ninh Van Bay is an hour north of Nha Trang. Home to high-end resorts and spas, the best option to stay in is Vietnam Backpacker’s Ninhvana Resort. This quiet getaway makes for a perfect escape – whether you’re looking for a non-stop party or endless pampering this place is made for relaxing.
You won’t find crowds here due to its remote location which makes it a bit more difficult to get to. The bay is surrounded by impressive rock formations and a golden sand beach with towering mountains in the backdrop, all the scenery just adds to its magic.
7. Nha Trang
Nha Trang has been steadily growing every year. Well known for its beaches and scuba diving this coastal city has developed into a busy destination for international tourists, backpackers, and even wealthy travelers. It’s become a popular spot on the southeast Asia circuit and is already very favored by Russian and Vietnamese tourists.
Nha Trang Bay can even be considered among the world’s most beautiful bays. Visit Vin Pearl amusement park, check out the waterfall or even go sailing. This place will cater to every type of tourist.
6. Phan Rang
Phan Rang small tranquil city located between Nha Trang and Mui Ne. The center for Cham culture, the heritage of the Cham temples has been perfectly preserved to this day. Although Phan Rang is not a tourist destination, it is worth checking out because there are quite a few things to do.
Visit Po Klong Garai temple, Ba Moi vineyard, or Bau Truc pottery village, (one of the oldest pottery villages in Southeast Asia) and sample the local cuisine. Phan Rang chicken & rice, Banh Canh Cha Ca (fish cake noodles) and Banh Xeo (Vietnamese sizzling pancake) are staple dishes. If that isn’t enough to sell you, the weather is spectacular and locals call Phan Rang the kingdom of the sun.
5. Đà Lạt
Đà Lạt is the capital of the Lâm Đồng Province in southern Vietnam’s Central Highlands. It’s a smaller city centered around a lake and golf course. Dalat is surrounded by hills, pine forests, lakes, and waterfalls. Little Paris AKA The City of A Thousand Flowers AKA City of Eternal Spring has a really comfortable year-round temperature to enjoy.
There are a few nice hikes within the city limits including Lang Biang and Samson Mountain. To get your adrenaline pumping, you’ve got to try Canyoning. Abseiling down a huge waterfall while water pours down onto you is certainly an exhilarating experience. Cap your visit by grabbing a drink and getting lost in the Hang Nga Crazy House for a really unique experience.
4. Mũi Né
Mũi Né is the mecca for water sports in Vietnam. A beach resort town situated along the Southeast Vietnamese coast, it’s a popular weekend getaway from Ho Chi Minh City.
Steady wind conditions make it ground zero and the ultimate destination for kiteboarding, kitesurfing, windsurfing, sailing, and other aquatic sports. Checking out the sand dunes, fairy stream, and fishing village round out some of the other popular things to do in this tourist haven.
3. Hồ Chí Minh City – Saigon
It’s hard to describe this city in just a few words but, exciting, chaotic, moving, and bustling is a good place to start. It blends a little bit of ancient and a little bit of European all in the heart of Vietnam. It is vibrant and charming, giving you all the modern conveniences of a metropolis and no lack of attractions to enjoy.
Exploring the largest city in Vietnam is a whole adventure on its own. Sociable locals, a booming nightlife with some of the best and cheapest street food in the world, what’s not to love? Not just the traffic moves fast here, but this city has a lot of personalities and if you spend a little time here you’ll find the Saigonese are some of the nicest people in the world.
🌎 BROS TIP: Tao Dan Park is a green oasis in the middle of the city. Strolling through the park will give you a unique glimpse into the lives of locals. Here you’ll find some local bird owners who come to the park to socialize and show off their prized birds. Take in the scene of something you’ve never seen before while enjoying the tranquility of the city chaos. Can’t forget a cup of freshly brewed Vietnamese coffee.
2. Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta or the Nine Dragons is a region in southern Vietnam consisting of a vast maze of rivers, swamps, and islands. Home to floating markets, Khmer pagodas, and villages surrounded by rice paddies.
There’s plenty of exploring to be done by boat which is the main means of getting around. Tours of the region often start in the nearby Ho Chi Minh City and the area can also be accessed via Can Tho, a lively town in the heart of the delta.
1. Phú Quốc
Officially added to the country in the 1960s after being occupied by the French and Cambodia, Phú Quốc is a Vietnamese island in the Gulf of Thailand. Known for its white-sand beaches and resorts, Phú Quốc makes for a perfect place to cruise on a motorbike along its palm-lined southwest coast.
More than half of the island is part of Phú Quốc National Park, which features mountains, a dense tropical jungle, hiking trails, and wildlife. Visit the night market, take the cable car, and eat some seafood, living that beach life is the thing to do in Phú Quốc.
Discover The Highlights of Vietnam!
There you have it, the Top 20 Places to Visit in Vietnam (in no particular order)! Vietnam has it all. From unique culture, friendly locals, tasty signature food, and an abundance of places to see and things to do.
Vietnam is inexpensive and easy to get around with a cheap and easy bus system popular with locals and travelers alike. Vietnam is so welcoming, and if you travel to this beautiful country with an open mind, the people, the food, and the beauty will stand out and speak for themselves.
What did we miss? Anything to add to the list?! Have you been to Vietnam?!
Tell us about your experience! Drop us a comment below!
We’ve met a lot of travelers who are surprised by all the places we’ve traveled together. Often met with the response, “I could never travel with someone else, “Solo travel is way better,” or “How aren’t you sick of each other yet!?” To each their own, the Bros say.
Traveling long-term gives you an immense sense of freedom and independence. Invoking feelings that few people in this world get to experience. And traveling solo is priceless, so don’t get it twisted, we’re all for it. It allows time for self-reflection, and personal development, and even creates a sense of internal peace, all wonderful things. However, many solo travelers often fail to mention the price of being alone in a foreign place for an extended period of time.
When you’re constantly making new friends while traveling, sometimes it helps to reflect on those newly formed relationships. Am I surrounding myself with people who care about me? How deep are these hostel friendships, are they ride or die, or just a drinking buddy for the night? Friendship is a two-way street that involves both giving and receiving. It’s about mutual respect, trust, and support. If you had to ask yourself, are you forming a majority of connections based on those principles?
If you had the opportunity to go out into the world by yourself or share awe-inspiring travel experiences with a best friend, wouldn’t you choose the latter? This is the quintessential spirit of Bros Around the Globe, built into our ethos:
“Best friends making memories and pushing each other to the boundaries of what we ever thought was possible not only in travel but in life. On a mission to help friends build bonds, create memories and grow though travel experiences.”
That’s what we’re all about. Forming insane itineraries, getting out of our comfort zones, crossing items off a bucket list, and sharing incredible experiences with someone who understands the true you. Someone who, if you’re lucky, you’ll get to look back on those crazy times with, and recall all the wild places and wacky people you’ve met.
It doesn’t matter if you are bros, sisters, cousins, buddies, colleagues, classmates, partners, a couple, or even long-lost pen pals. Just get out there with someone authentic who knows the real you, and the world is yours. Here are 21 reasons why we think traveling with your best friend beats solo travel…
21. Two Minds, One Itinerary
Planning becomes a breeze when working together to create the ultimate travel itinerary or route. Maybe there was a restaurant or attraction you missed in your travel research. When different likes and interests come together, you’ll be sure not to miss all the must-see places.
Add in two sets of enthusiasm to discover a new place, and you’re more likely to stumble upon those unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences.
20. Celebration Partner
From birthdays and holidays to achieving travel milestones, you have someone to celebrate with. Nothing is sadder than having to spend a special moment alone or with some strangers who don’t know you. Traveling with your best friend can create new traditions or rituals that you look forward to repeating on future adventures.
19. Supporting Each Other’s Goals
Whether you’re conquering a hiking trail or exploring a new culture, your best friend will cheer you on and celebrate your achievements. Receive honest feedback about your travel choices and uncover new places you might have missed. When you are with someone with your best interest in mind, it will help you reach and crush your travel goals and aspirations.
18. Double the Wardrobe
Maybe one that is more for the females, but the Bros have tried it with socks once! Forget packing light, when you have a Sis around the globe and you’re the same size, you can share clothes and accessories. Maybe you’re looking to switch things up for a night out, they have a stylish top you want to try, or your laundry is overdue.
When you travel with your BFF, you can instantly double your travel wardrobe. Or at least that’s what a British girl told me in a hostel once.
17. Making New Friends
Traveling with a friend opens up opportunities to meet new people and connect with locals and fellow travelers. The more the merrier! It is always fun to bring new friends into your circle.
Some of the best nights out are from being randomly invited by others at the hostel bar. We’ve even helped play matchmaker for each other’s hostel crush. You are more likely to put yourself out there when you have a true friend as a fallback.
🌎 BROS TIP: When you travel with a partner in crime, one must approach #17 wisely. We advise you to not fall into the trap of only sticking together and being anti-social! It’s easy to go with the safe route and not approach others, but that’s not what we travel for! Remember to get out of your comfort zone if talking to strangers is a skill you want to get better at. All I’m saying is, just, don’t just be conjoined by the hip, you’ve got to put yourself out there!
16. Safety in Numbers
Ever have to walk back to a hostel or hotel from the bar on a night out in a foreign country? You know, that scary back alley, Google Maps routes you to a strange city. Even dealing with a feisty cab driver doesn’t seem as intimidating when you’ve got a buddy there with you.
Wherever you find yourself, unfamiliar places feel safer when you have a trusted friend around. It makes everything feel a little safer in your mind, or at least it appears that way.
15. Dual Perspectives
Discovering new places becomes richer when you share and discuss your different perspectives on the same experience. Your homie may have a different take on a war or history of a region or feel a location is overrated.
Bringing two perspectives to the table can open your eyes to something you may not have noticed otherwise. You can share your beliefs, takes, and opinions on a wide range of topics. Looking at something through a different lens can make you a more well-rounded individual and a great listener.
13. Built-in Entertainment
Inside jokes, shared playlists, watching a new series, you’ll never be bored with your best friend around. The amount of inside jokes will become impressive, almost like you both start speaking another language. Just be sure to build in some solo time or activities by yourself so you can do your own thing and have some of your own unique experiences.
14. Problem-Solving Duo:
At some point, shit hits the fan. Because we’d be lying if we said our travels always go to plan. Travel comes with its share of problems and having a partner in crime makes solving them quicker and more fun. You both weigh out the good the bad and the ugly and plot the next moves accordingly. Two minds think better than one!
12. Always Have Someone to Talk To
Long bus rides, delayed flights, or quiet evenings are never lonely when you have your best friend to talk to. Those mundane travel moments always seem to fly by when you’re talkin’ shit. It sure beats keeping all those thoughts to yourself when you’re bored.
Sometimes you can’t get deep into topics when you first meet new people. Things remain surface-level and nobody wants to offend anyone with their opinions. From our experience, when you can have those deep chats with people you just met, they’re usually pretty fun to hang with.
11. Photography Dream Team
When you travel with your best friend, you’ll be capturing moments with ease. They’re like a designated photographer who knows all your best angles, though we think the candid shots always turn out the best.
Whether it’s capturing that shot that’s impossible to snap in selfie mode, or even sharing photos taken along your journey, the photos you get when traveling together are priceless. Just don’t abuse the unspoken code and be like the “Instagram girlfriend” who’s always asking for a million photos every two seconds.
10. Support System
Whether it’s navigating a new language or dealing with travel hiccups, you have immediate support from someone you trust. Having someone to call an audible aids decision-making on the fly when something goes awry.
You are less likely to beat yourself up over a wrong step made along your journey, and having a voice of reason will keep you in check. When you have those missteps, you are less likely to get hung up on it when you talk about what went wrong.
9. Easier Decision Making
Making decisions is faster when you have someone to share thoughts and preferences. Where are we eating? Where are we staying? How will we get there? Sometimes it’s nice when someone else takes the reigns to handle the logistics and bookings.
A team effort goes a long way. It’s all about creating a balance so everything is not so one-sided. For all you couples, we can categorize this as debatable.
8. Divide and Conquer
Tackling travel responsibilities is easier when you can divide tasks based on each other’s strengths. Whether it’s booking a plane, train, bus, or any combination of the three, mapping out the necessary logistics becomes less overwhelming and easier with two heads tackling the task.
Bouncing ideas off of one another also leads to smoother laid-out logistics. Maybe you’re under the weather and can’t be bothered with getting that next booking done. No worries, your travel buddy got you.
7. Motivation Boost
When the going gets tough, your best friend is there to motivate and push you to overcome challenges. Maybe you miss a bus or train and start to question all your decisions. Surrounding yourself with friends will keep the vibes high. Nobody likes a downer. Countless times, I’ve woken up not in the mood to get on that tour or do that activity we planned on doing. H
aving a friend there will convince you to get up and get moving because the unexpected is out there waiting for you. This can be especially true on those days when you may be a little hungover. We try to always remind one another how lucky we are to be doing what we’re doing.
6. Mental and Physical Health Support
Travel can be both emotionally and physically challenging. Having your best friend along for the ride provides crucial emotional support. We’ve both been there when a call from your family comes in with bad news on the homefront.
It gives you a sense of reassurance when you can talk openly about how you feel to someone who understands. We also know from first-hand experience having someone you trust when a medical emergency arises is a lifeline you never thought you needed.
5. Cost Sharing
This one is a no-brainer. Splitting expenses means you can indulge in more experiences without breaking the bank. This is especially true when it comes to lodging. Airbnb and other forms of accommodations often have more amenities when booking for more than one. Maybe you get a discount for a tour when reserving more than one person.
Think about that taxi fare, or when you hit up the local market or grocery store, it sure is nice when you can split the bill with someone else. We recommend coming up with a system that works for you both, that way, you don’t have to whip out a calculator for every transaction.
4. Pushing Each Other’s Limits
Your best friend can encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and try new things, leading to personal growth and self-discovery. We can’t tell you how many times we’ve helped push each other out of our comfort zones.
Maybe if you were solo, you’d shy away from walking a riskier line or doing that one thing that scares the hell out of you. For the Bros, it’s not really about FOMO or one-upping one another, but what we like to call a stoke booster.
3. Adventurous Eats
Trying local cuisine is twice as enjoyable when you can share and savor various dishes. On the fence about your order? Go half-sies and split it! Then you can argue over who won the order. More friends = more dishes to try!
Food is one of the best ways to learn and understand a country. And who are you going to share that 2-for-1 drink special with? Plus, you’ll never have to be the person sitting at a dinner table with headphones on watching Netflix on their phone…Unless that’s your thing.
2. Shared Memories
Every moment, from spectacular sunsets to laughable mishaps, is a shared memory that strengthens your bond. Imagine 20 years from now and looking back on a random place you were. Are you going to reach out to the person you met in the hostel who you shared that one day with? Will they even remember you?
Who knows, every relationship is unique. But oftentimes when traveling, those friendships are just a snapshot of a person during a time in their life. Lately, we reminisce more about the journey and the characters we’ve met than the actual locations themselves.
1. Deeping a Lasting Friendship
The experiences you share while traveling create a bond that will last a lifetime. Something that truly has your back when you are in a foreign place where nobody knows you hits differently than rolling solo.
Like anything in life, when you put it to the test, you see what your friendship is made up of. Will it stand the test of travel? Your relationship will evolve and grow over time spent abroad, for the better.
Now that you know why traveling with your best friend is awesome, check out our keys to traveling over 40 countries together:
Top 9 Ways to Be The Best Travel Buddy
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