Have Friends, Will TravelFinding a Good Travel Partner
During the years he has traveled with friends, Siegal has learned what makes up a compatible travel companion: It is one who shares a common interest in travel, a similar sleep/wake schedule,
and the same travel goals. For example, if two friends are early risers, then there is no problem with making 8:00 am sightseeing plans. And if both travelers want a relaxing trip, then a plan
to spend two days on the beach will go off without a hitch.
Of course, there are bound to be some disagreements. Siegel has “learned to watch for ‘travel tremors’--issues that if not properly managed can erupt into full-scale earthquakes.” What are some
common tremors? “Meals and money,” he declares. Siegel finds that “flexibility is key to successful travel, and trying new foods is part of the adventure.” Before a trip, he determines whether his
friend likes to experiment with food. If he does, then mealtime tremors can be avoided.
As for money, Siegel suggests, “going Dutch or keeping a mental balance sheet to ensure expenses are equitable. [This] keeps money from becoming a resentment when traveling with a friend. Keeping a
kitty for common expenses also works well when traveling in groups.”
Since it is unlikely that two people share all the same interests, Siegel advises each traveler to plan some “alone time”. “Time alone permits each to visit attractions exclusive to his interests and
gives both much-needed time alone.” Siegel also suggests bringing a game or a deck of cards. These games entertain during travel delays or laidback evenings. As Siegel states, “Toward the end of a
wonderful trip to Morocco, a friend and I spent a pleasant evening in the open courtyard of our hotel sipping wine and playing gin. We were grateful for a night at "home." *
Next vacation, don’t leave your friend(s) home. Don’t wish you had left them home, either. Simply follow Siegel’s advice above and get some friendly travel advice from Ecotravel.com in the next
part of this article.
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