How to Choose a Traveling Companion

There's no single 'right' way to travel'it depends on the individuals involved. What is certain is that two people with different expectations traveling together is a recipe for trouble.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Local Guidebooks

1. Talk in great detail about goals and expectations for the trip before agreeing to travel with someone. Why are you going? What do you most want to get from the trip? What will you regret not having done? Be honest with the other person and encourage her to do the same.

2. Consider generating a set of questions to discuss with any potential traveling companion, or look for a questionnaire produced by a commercial outfitter or guidebook. Encourage your potential companion to createher own list of questions'the topics that concern you both may themselves be revealing.

3. Discuss your budget in detail. Consider not just how much money you have for the trip, but also how and where you want to spend it.

4. Come up with a tentative itinerary that includes locations you plan to visit, length of stay in each place, expected travel times from one place to another, and time spent together and separately.

5. Talk about your respective travel styles. Determine whether each of you is a morning or night person, how much shopping you each like to do, how spontaneous you like to be, whether or not you smoke or drink, and how much you expect to immerse yourself in local culture.

6. Consider getting assistance from an organization that specializes in matching travel partners, if you don't know a family member or friend with whom you would be willing to travel. An Internet search on 'partner travel' or 'travel companion exchange' should get you pointed in the right direction.

Tips & Warnings

• Be patient and persistent in looking for a companion. Better yet, make your trip a challenge to overcome any fear of being alone. Don't settle on someone only because you're afraid of traveling alone (see "eHow to Travel Alone," under Related eHows).

on 6/11/2007 It's probable that you and your traveling companion will at least be sharing a room, if not a bed, so pack some ear-plugs, just in case! They're inexpensive and may save you from sleepless nights. They may also save your friendship!

on 11/22/2005 Take a short weekend or even local overnight trip prior to an extended, costly trip.

on 11/22/2005 When an older person travels, he or she may want someone to assist with luggage, medication, and undressing to help enjoy the trip.