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WHAT'S NEW
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10 relationship-saving travel tips
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Will your trip reveal that you're good travel buddies or sparring partners? Find out how to ensure your relationship survives the journey.
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By Jean Sorensen
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It starts off so innocently. There's intrigue, excitement of the unknown and anticipation. But if you have agreed to travel with a friend, co-worker or mate, you may have just opened the lid to Pandora's box. Vacation can be a time when general personality quirks can be magnified, and things one wouldn't normally do at home seem OK -- like over-drinking, over-spending and being rude. Here's a checklist of points to consider before travelling with a buddy or partner.
1. Money
Before packing the suitcases, have a candid conversation about money and spending. Agree on personal and shared expenses. What will you do if one person loses their money, runs out of money or doesn't want to tip a rude waiter? Decide how financial disagreements should be resolved and set rules for shared expenses.
2. Sleeping arrangements
Sleep deprivation is not a sign of a relaxing vacation and while hotels and cruise lines offer cheaper rates for shared accommodation, this can be troublesome for incompatible roommates. Talk about your sleep requirements and preferences. Who is an early or late riser? Who is a light sleeper? Who snores? You may decide to set guidelines like a curfew to ensure that you're respectful of each other's bedtime; or establish a 15-minute morning preparation time so the early-riser gets out the door, off to breakfast or a swim, with minimal disturbance to the person who is asleep.
3. Taboo behaviour
Be frank -- and serious -- about drugs, dating, and over-drinking. In some countries, being involved with drugs can mean a death sentence. It's no joke when one companion's behaviour may result in another's introduction to a third-world prison. Dating can be another sensitive issue -- set rules to ensure that you're comfortable with each other's preferences. As for excessive alcohol consumption, discuss what's expected if one of you arrives to the room sloppy drunk every night. Set the boundaries of acceptable behaviour and determine the limits to which you will be responsible for one another.
4. Conflicting interests
When there are choices of what to see, where to go, and what to do, conflicts may arise. If one person wants to lie on the beach while the other wants to go explore the town, ask the concierge or resort staff about the best time to lie on the beach (there may be activities happening such as a barbecue or free salsa lessons you don't want to miss.) In some countries, it's too hot to lie on the beach at noon and better to be inside museums, attractions, or stores at that time. This shouldn't be a contest to get one's own way, but a strategy to maximize the benefits of the day. Present options to your travelling companion and if you don't agree on what to do, enjoy separate activities.
5. Flexibility
Travelling with a friend or partner is a give-and-take deal. You may not get to do everything you want to do and your companion may also have to sacrifice. Remember that one expands one's horizons by participating in activities not experienced before so go along with your buddy and experience new ideas, activities, or interests.
Share some of your own tips on the new travel section of our forums.
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