Travel buddies

Potato's motto for travelling with good friends has always been "Go as friends, come back as friends"

I think there is a lot of truth in that. Travel should be all about enjoying the experience and the moment, and a big part of that is the companionship (or lack thereof).

Travelling together can be stressful, so it is important to set the right expectations when holidaying with others, especially when you still want to remain friends after the trip! While I don't think it is necessary to be on the same page all the time, there must be agreement and ground-rules (budget, pace, sights come to mind)

Even with good friends, it is important not to take things for granted, be presumptuous or generally behave like a spoilt brat. (This is particularly true when you travel with a partner, as one tends to be more selfish and all princessy! Not a good habit at all)

Anyway I've realised that I travel well with particular types of people. I hope the feeling is mutual!

1. "Impromptu"/non- decision makers

I've noticed that a lot of my friends are really last minute when it comes to making travel decisions-- so our trips always are rather haphazard. At the same time, such people are perfect travel companions as we tend to be easy-going about itineraries and do not really mind taking a detour down an interesting looking street.

This is my preferred travel style-- so I seldom do much planning. I usually only have a couple of things that I really want to do, but otherwise I'm happy to go where the mood brings me. 

I used to struggle with this as I felt that I was not maximising my tourist experience and taking in all the attractions, but now, I've come to realise that I much prefer walking around randomly and "feeling" a place rather than rushing around taking photos of key tourist sights which more often than not, are simply underwhelming. Having said that, I do recognise the need to take some effort to read up, as I sometimes so come away from a place feeling like I haven't experienced it at all. 


2. Inquisitive, observant and introspective people

Sometimes I feel I go through life like a horse with blinkers on. As a result, I miss out on interesting sights, people and sounds. So I really like travelling with people who are more curious and observant. as they often point out to me really cool things that make a trip so special. And I always love hearing about people's reflections on trips. 

Oh dear, not sure what I can offer in return?


3. Fun, interesting and sociable people

This is a no-brainer. I've quite boring myself, so I always love to travel with people who know how to have a good time, can talk about anything and everything, who can be silly and liven up a long train-journey when boredom sets in. oh it helps if they don't judge me for indiscriminate cam-whoring.



I'm such a leech, I know.

4. People who can shut up

You know how some people are uncomfortable with silences? Being with anyone twenty-four seven is no joke (not sure how married people do it), and introvert that I am, I need to have down-time, without feeling guilty for not making conversation all the time.

Usually in the evenings, I like to stare at the TV (In my defence, I'm deprived without cable-TV at home, so soaking up mindless entertainment in hotels is a must for every trip) or something. 

Sorry to everyone who has had to endure my slack-jaw, non-communicative self when travelling with me!


5. Navigators

Hoping my furry friends would read the map for me

Writing this post makes me realise how lazy I am with trips! I hate to navigate so it is always great to have someone who knows how to read a map or is instinctively good with directions! I am perfectly happy to take a wander around blindly. 






Gosh i think I must come across as a lazy, boring, stroppy, uncommunicative travel brat. I'm amazed at why people want to go on hols with me. I think I better reflect on what kind of travel buddy I am. Otherwise, people won't want to travel with me anymore!!