11 Tips for Traveling with Friends
Hey there, dudes. So, here’s the thing: traveling with friends sounds like a dream, right? Shared experiences, midnight shenanigans, and someone to snap those candid Instagram pics. But let's be real, it’s also a true test of friendship. I've had my fair share of adventures, from romping around Iceland with one friend, exploring Scotland’s Isle of Skye with another, and soon, I'll be diving deep into German pretzels and beers with yet another pal.
My best friend Nicole at a waterfall in Iceland!
Here's what I've learned about making it a trip to remember (for all the right reasons):
1. Communication is SO IMPORTANT: Before you even book the tickets, talk about your must-dos, budget, and boundaries. Trust me, knowing your buddy's phobia of birds before you head to an aviary is a lifesaver. I’d recommend using Google Sheets or a shared note on your phone notes app.
2. Plan Together: I mentioned this a moment ago, but collaborating when planning will help everyone make sure they can get the most of their trip. Also, your friend may think of things you hadn’t that you want to check out.
3. Solo Time is Gold: I’m an only child, so nobody really taught me this, it’s just a fact of life. Scotland in 2021 was a great example of this. After five days of constant togetherness, I wanted a chill evening in the hotel and my friend wanted to see a show. So she went and saw Beauty and the Beast at the Edinburgh Playhouse and I played Breath of the Wild on my Switch.
4. Budget Buddies: Be clear on how much money you’re each willing to spend. It’s awkward when one wants a 5-star hotel, and the other's happy with a cozy hostel. This doesn’t just include hotels, think about transportation, admission fees, food, and any other activities that cost money.
5. Fooooood: My upcoming Germany trip already has me dreaming of pretzels and beer. But what if your friend is vegan? Discuss food preferences, it matters more than you’d think. I’m lactose intolerant (but I still have dairy sometimes because it’s just so GOOD), so I need to be conscious of my milk and cheese intake. Cute, I know.
My friend Rayne, we met at a hostel in Ireland!!
6. Share the Load: Literally. In Iceland, we took turns driving the rental car. Best. Decision. Ever. After we walked on a glacier, my lungs and legs were shot, and having my friend take over the driving for the rest of the trip was a sweet relief.
7. Capture Memories but Live the Moment: This is coming from me, I take photos of everything. So sure, those snaps are precious, but so are the laughs and inside jokes that don't make it to social media. It’s important to make sure you have a good balance between taking photos and being with the ones you’re with.
8. Compromise, Compromise: You want the highlands, and they're yearning for the coast? Scotland has both! Switch it up and change the plan - or follow tips 1, 2, and/or 3 so you both have clear expectations of who wants to do what, and how you both feel about that.
9. Early Bird or Night Owl: Sync your schedules or find a middle ground. When I travel alone, I don’t mind completely screwing up my sleep schedule, but my best friend really benefits from 9 hours of sleep. This syncing can be pretty important if you’re considering transportation times at odd hours because they’re cheaper… coughcough me coughcough.
10. Emergency Contacts: Swap them! It's always good to know who to call just in case. Also give your friend’s emergency contacts so that if something happens to both of you, both of your emergency contacts can get in touch.
11. Remember, It’s About the Experience: Sure, destinations are fantastic, but it's the shared memories, mishaps, and moments that make it worth it. Trust me, there will be plenty of mishaps, but collect those stories, you may need to write a speech for your friend’s wedding someday!
My other best friend Nicole (there are multiple, it’s a thing) in Scotland.
So, as you get ready for a trip with your friend - bestie or not - remember, the right balance of planning and chaotic spontaneity makes for the most epic adventures.
Here's to many more memories, from the streets of Boston to the hopefully amazing (I’ll let you know!) Germany.
Stay safe, keep washing your hands (don’t be nasty), and plan a trip!