5 Tips For Traveling With a Best Friend FOR THE FIRST TIME
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I’m a die-hard solo travel fan. The first time I hopped on a plane alone was when I was 8, visiting my then-best friend in Munich from New York. I of course had an escort, but the thought of needing someone to come fly with me never crossed my mind. It was me who wanted to go, why would I require an extra person to come along?
At least that’s how my mind has always worked. I’m much more practiced in solo getaways than I am traveling with friends. So when I went on what was my first few trips with other people the last two years, there were a couple of things I did carefully and consciously to ensure a smooth trip.
Because while you might love your BFF, boyfriend, sister, whoever you’re going with, you’re probably not used to spending 24 hours with them for a week straight. You see them day and night, not just when they’re in their best moods. It’s inevitable that you’ll have different desires, places you want to go, energy levels, etc. So, in order to ensure a drama-less trip and a continued friendship, follow the below tips to traveling with a best friend. Oh, and if you’re still in the planning phase, make sure to check out these top destinations for a soft girl summer!
1. Make an itinerary together before take-off
While this doesn’t guarantee everything will go just like your list, it helps to get an understanding of what your friends prioritize in this trip. It lets you see early on what the expectations are, and you can mentally prepare for it. Starting off on the same foot is key, and then be prepared to do step 2.
2. Go with an “everything’s-a-go” attitude
Don’t be too set in your ways. Make sure to have a flexible attitude to anything that comes your way. “Everything is okay” is the mindset you should be going with. I know it may feel like a once in a lifetime trip and you just want to go to that specific spot at this specific time with your specific person, but if something comes up and it doesn’t go just as planned - it’s okay. What’s more valuable here, that monument that will probably still be there the next 200 years or your bff? Get ready to adjust and switch plans with a can-do attitude.
3. Discuss how you plan on financing the trip beforehand
Talking about finances comes with a bit of a taboo connotation, but this step is crucial. How do you and your friends feel about finances? When you’re all out to dinner, who is going to put the card down and how will it be split later on? Will this person be the dedicated accountant, or will you take turns putting your cards down? What happens if one bill comes out to $80 and when it’s your turn, it’s $130? Is everyone comfortable with you or someone potentially paying $50 more than the rest just because counting each dollar you split is too tedious? It will help to have a rough understanding of what the plans are here, because fighting over money happens too easily and is way too dangerous.
4. Know what each persons quirks are
Maybe you take 10 minutes to get ready, another friend takes 30, and someone else 2 hours. Make sure you are prepared to fall into situations like that and happily adjust plans accordingly. Some other scenarios to think about are:
who’s a morning person and who’s a night person?
who can walk for hours and who has a 3 hour walking limit?
does anyone have any dietary restrictions?
5. If things hit the fan, take 5
Sometimes, fights are inevitable. Everyone just thinks they’re doing their best and what’s right. But remember what your priority is here: your friendship, NOT the Eiffel tower. When you’re absolutely upset, take 5 and go do something on your own. Breathe, journal, reflect, and decide how you want to move forward instead of exploding in front of that person. Be respectful to them, and points 1-4. After day 5 of breathing the same air day and night, it’s only natural you’re going to feel on edge. Make sure you take a step back and center yourself before you do anything rash.
