Kuel Life
No Result
View All Result
  • Login
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Community
    • Business Directory
    • Exclusive Member Content
    • Kuel Conversations
    • Share Your Story
  • Lifestyle
    • Beauty & Fashion
    • Relationships
    • Home
    • Money
    • Work
    • Travel & Adventure
  • Wellness
    • Health
    • Fitness
    • Nutrition
    • Mindfulness
  • Jack’s Smack
  • Membership
  • eShop
    • Books
    • Kuel Swag
    • Services
    • Products
  • Contact Us
  • Community
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Community
    • Business Directory
    • Exclusive Member Content
    • Kuel Conversations
    • Share Your Story
  • Lifestyle
    • Beauty & Fashion
    • Relationships
    • Home
    • Money
    • Work
    • Travel & Adventure
  • Wellness
    • Health
    • Fitness
    • Nutrition
    • Mindfulness
  • Jack’s Smack
  • Membership
  • eShop
    • Books
    • Kuel Swag
    • Services
    • Products
  • Contact Us
  • Community
No Result
View All Result
Kuel Life
No Result
View All Result
Home Lifestyle Travel & Adventure

5 Tips To Evaluate Whether A Friend Is A Good Travel Partner

Maria Olsen January 2023

Maria Olsen January 2023

Positive Aging Thought Leader: Maria Olsen

Sometimes, sharing the world’s wonders with a travel partner can make for a more satisfying travel experience than going somewhere solo. Should you go with a friend?

Friend As A Travel Partner:

Sometimes, however, a friend—even a close friend—is not well-suited to be a travel buddy.

My best friend likes to stay in five-star hotels. I prefer staying in less touristy establishments so that I can gain a better understanding of the local culture. We still travel together occasionally. I just know that trips with this friend will be of a certain flavor.

“It is helpful to collaborate on plans, of course, but having someone get the wheel moving is necessary.”

1. Discuss Expectations:

I love planning trips. Half the fun is in the planning for me. Others do not share this particular task as joyful. It is helpful to collaborate on plans, of course, but having someone get the wheel moving is necessary.

Sharing information and getting others on board before putting any money down is imperative. Give your travel companion agency over the plan. Share ideas online so you each can see the details and costs involved. Ensure that you want the same things out of the experience.  

Travel Partner Compatibility:

2. Determine If You Have Generally Similar Schedules:

It would not likely be fulfilling for a night owl partier to travel with an early-to-bed/early-to-rise sort of companion. I had a nightmarish experience with one friend who asked to come along on a backpacking trip with me. She had never used a travel backpack before and, I learned, had only frequented posh destinations. For a two-month trip, she lasted with me only two days, then booked a trip to the Club Med in Bali.

We had not sufficiently discussed what we wanted out of the trip. I learned an important lesson from that experience.

It may be prudent to take an overnight or weekend trip with someone before committing to something lengthier. This will give you a better idea about your compatibility.

Discuss Expectations:

3. Talk Budget:

It is not fun to discuss money, but doing so may save headaches later. It is helpful to discuss expectations around how much money will be spent. For instance, discuss how often you will eat out, if any meals will be prepared in the apartment, and whether dining out be fancy events. When I travel, I often have a late breakfast and late dinner. Two meals is more economical than three, and gives me more time to tour during the daylight hours.

“Ensure that your partner is on board with that plan before securing reservations.”

I do like to splurge on the best restaurant in a given town for one night. Ensure that your partner is on board with that plan before securing reservations.

I have had the most success on reconciling expenses using the app, Splitwise. My friend and I take turns paying for things and just enter the expense and description on the app. The app determines who owes whom and the amount at the end of the trip.

Traveling Together:

4 Give Each Other A Little Space:

Being with someone 24 hours a day can be wearisome. We are all imperfect humans. Take a solo walk occasionally, get a massage, or go alone to get coffee to give each other a break from constant companionship.  

Breaks allow each of your to reflect on your experiences, as well as to recoup one’s energy reserves. I like to walk around neighborhoods I visit to get a better feel for how the locals live, as well as to discover off-the-beaten-path offerings. I do not mind doing this alone.

If you are worried about safety, spend your solo time during daylight hours. Consider using friend-finding apps with your partner so you can keep track of one another.

5. Be Considerate Of Your Travel Partner:

Most of us are used to our own routines. Traveling together successfully requires cooperation.

“Traveling together successfully requires cooperation.”

For example, make yourself aware of your friend’s food preferences. If your buddy is not a big red meat eater, for instance, don’t suggest an Argentinian steakhouse. If you crave that, suggest one night of solo eating to satisfy your inner carnivore.

Be aware of your travel companion’s allergies and his or her wishes in emergency situations. It is helpful to keep photos in each other’s phones of both of your passports, in case of any mishaps.

One of my favorite travel buddies likes to shower in the evenings, and I am a morning showerer. This works well for us, especially in locations in which hot water is scarce. It is worthwhile to understand your potential travel friend’s preferences before setting out on any lengthy journeys.

Happy Times:

I take care to keep my belongings contained in our room, and to take only half of any bathroom counters or closets. Staying organized helps everyone keep track of their belongings, and not being a space hog is always appreciated.

One of my flaws is that I sometimes snore. So, I keep an extra set of earplugs in my luggage and offer them to anyone with whom I am sharing a room. I also am a frequent social media poster. Having a sense for whether your travel companion desires privacy online is important.

Of course, sharing good experiences magnifies joy. Increase the likelihood of happy times by ensuring that you each are on the same page. Missed expectations breed resentments, so clarify them before you set out on a trip with a friend. Clear communication is key to a successful experience, especially while traveling and spending a lot of time with another person.

Did you enjoy this article? Become a Kuel Life Member today to support our Community. Sign-up for our Sunday newsletter and get your content delivered straight to your inbox.

 

Maria Olsen

About the Author:

Maria Leonard Olsen is an attorney, author, radio show and podcast host in the Washington, D.C., area. For more information about her work, see www.MariaLeonardOlsen.com and follow her on social media at @fiftyafter50. Her latest book, 50 After 50: Reframing the Next Chapter of Your Life, which has served as a vehicle for helping thousands of women reinvigorate their lives, is offered for sale on this website.

Related Posts

How To Prepare For A High-Conflict Divorce: A Survival Guide For Women Over 50
Relationships

How To Prepare For A High-Conflict Divorce: A Survival Guide For Women Over 50

July 10, 2025
How To Build Your Teen’s Self-Esteem: 3 Powerful Shifts That Start With You
Relationships

How To Build Your Teen’s Self-Esteem: 3 Powerful Shifts That Start With You

July 9, 2025
The 5 Fight Languages In Relationships: A Midlife Woman’s Guide To Conflict And Connection
Relationships

The 5 Fight Languages In Relationships: A Midlife Woman’s Guide To Conflict And Connection

July 9, 2025
Next Post
Why Our Egos Need Resolutions

Why Our Egos Need Resolutions

Midlife Reinventions Are Available, Ask Yvonne Marchese

Midlife Reinventions Are Available, Ask Yvonne Marchese

In Menopause? Time To Stop Faking Your Orgasm

In Menopause? Time To Stop Faking Your Orgasm

Comments 4

  1. Lisa Wilson Edwards says:
    2 years ago

    Great tips! Very helpful! So important to choose a compatible travel partner! 😄👍🏽

    • Kuel Membership logo large Kuel Life says:
      2 years ago

      It is key to having a successful trip. Nothing worse than traveling with someone you don’t get along with.

  2. Tina Hudak says:
    2 years ago

    Love this article. True at any age!

    • Kuel Membership logo large Kuel Life says:
      2 years ago

      Yes, it doesn’t matter our age… compatibility is key.

Recommended

How To Build Your Teen’s Self-Esteem: 3 Powerful Shifts That Start With You

How To Build Your Teen’s Self-Esteem: 3 Powerful Shifts That Start With You

7 days ago
The Truth About Functional Fitness For Longevity: A Powerful Guide For Women Over 50

The Truth About Functional Fitness For Longevity: A Powerful Guide For Women Over 50

1 week ago
The Powerful Shift To Interdependence In Midlife: Why Strong Women Over 50 Need Support Too

The Powerful Shift To Interdependence In Midlife: Why Strong Women Over 50 Need Support Too

5 days ago
Senior Fitness And Elder Care: Creating Safe And Supportive Environments

Senior Fitness And Elder Care: Creating Safe And Supportive Environments

3 weeks ago

Don't miss it

  • All
  • Jack's Smack
How To Wear Bold Colors And Prints Over 50: Your Guide To Standing Out In Style
Beauty & Fashion

How To Wear Bold Colors And Prints Over 50: Your Guide To Standing Out In Style

July 11, 2025
How To Prepare For A High-Conflict Divorce: A Survival Guide For Women Over 50
Relationships

How To Prepare For A High-Conflict Divorce: A Survival Guide For Women Over 50

July 10, 2025
5 Smart Reasons To Choose Saliva Hormone Testing For Women
Health

5 Smart Reasons To Choose Saliva Hormone Testing For Women

July 9, 2025
The Beginner’s Guide To Smart Money Management
Money

The Beginner’s Guide To Smart Money Management

July 9, 2025
How To Find Balance In Midlife: 4 Powerful Strategies For A Healthier, Happier Life
Mindfulness

How To Find Balance In Midlife: 4 Powerful Strategies For A Healthier, Happier Life

July 9, 2025
Navigating Grief In Midlife: Kathy Mela’s Compassionate Guide For Women Over 50
Work

Navigating Grief In Midlife: Kathy Mela’s Compassionate Guide For Women Over 50

July 9, 2025

Purchase with a Purpose

  • Metamorphosis in Stanzas Metamorphosis in Stanzas $2.99 – $12.99
  • VitaJuwel – Healthy Water VitaJuwel - Healthy Water
  • Elyse Ryan Jewelry Elyse Ryan Jewelry
  • Better Not Younger – Better Hair Ahead Better Not Younger - Better Hair Ahead
whatsapp image 2024 05 17 at 21.38.19 933b48c6

Kuel Life is committed to normalizing aging for women. With more than 65 KL Thought Leaders, we bring you the latest, most relevant, HOT TOPICS to address the opportunities and challenges for women 50+.

LEARN MORE »

COMPANY INFO
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Press
  • Contact Us
PURCHASE INFO
  • FAQs
  • Payment Methods
  • Shipping & Delivery
  • Refunds & Returns Policy
  • Membership
LATEST NEWS

How To Wear Bold Colors And Prints Over 50: Your Guide To Standing Out In Style

July 11, 2025

How To Prepare For A High-Conflict Divorce: A Survival Guide For Women Over 50

July 10, 2025

5 Smart Reasons To Choose Saliva Hormone Testing For Women

July 9, 2025

The Beginner’s Guide To Smart Money Management

July 9, 2025

Sunday RoundUP Signup Here…

Be part of the movement to normalize aging. Get all your HOT TOPICS delivered directly to you.

 

CopyRight© 2017-2025 | Kuel Life | Created By Kuel Life Developers Team.

 

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
Cleantalk Pixel

Add New Playlist

0
    0
    Your Cart
    Your cart is emptyReturn to Shop
    Continue Shopping
    No Result
    View All Result
    • Home
    • About Us
    • Community
      • Business Directory
      • Exclusive Member Content
      • Kuel Conversations
      • Share Your Story
    • lifestyle
      • Beauty & Fashion
      • Relationships
      • Home
      • Money
      • Work
      • Travel & Adventure
    • Wellness
      • Health
      • Fitness
      • Nutrition
      • Mindfulness
    • Jack’s Smack
    • Membership
    • eShop
      • Books
      • Kuel Swag
      • Services
      • Products
    • Contact Us
    • Sign In/ Sign Up

    CopyRight© 2017-2025 | Kuel Life | Created By Kuel Life Developers Team.