Who is your travel buddy?

I know I know I know!...It has been far too long since I posted a blog. I have been quite busy between my 9-5 duties, wifey duties and my new start-up, it has been quite impossible to find time to blog. But I am back and promise to update more frequently.

I have not really been on any major trips since my birthday so you know I have been itching. I have recently been thinking about planning out my year of trips for 2017 and as I was thinking about places, I also thought about people I would go with to certain places. My favorite travel buddy is my husband not because of the obvious but because we have similar interests and whenever I travel with him, I know I will get to do almost everything on my list. My other favorite partner is clearly Chloe! Lol We have an understanding.

The truth of the matter is, it’s not everyone that we (or I) can travel everywhere with. Some people are only good for local destinations, others good for resorts and others just for mall trips. I have had my share of travel buddies from family members to best friends to acquaintances. Today, I want to break down some characteristics of travel buddies that I have experienced and how to deal with them. I am sure all you travel pals out there can relate.

The always down for whatever type- This is probably the best buddy you can have to travel with you. This person is low maintenance and down for anything that will come along during your travels. He/She is spontaneous, open to new cultures and experiences and quite frankly will make your trip a breeze because he/she will do whatever you have planned. Now of course, this person isn’t perfect because while they are down for whatever, sometimes they do not offer opinions about anything. It may be because they do not have much experience or because they simply just want a smooth trip with no confrontations. Sometimes, you need an opinion about things like accommodations or activities to do while on your trip and if this person cannot provide any then you kind of feel alone. Sometimes, you just need someone to say, “No” or intervene to certain plans. Be upfront with this person and let them know exactly what you need from them.

The am fine with whatever type- This person doesn’t offer any inputs whatsoever towards planning and instead tells you they are fine with whatever you plan. Do not confuse this person with the “always down for whatever” type because while this person tells you they are “fine” with it, they end up complaining about every activity or plans when they get on the trip. Rolls eyes and whispers to self, “if you cared so much, why didn’t you offer your opinion?” This person is a total bore! Set clear expectations and let them know they are not allowed to complain if they don't offer ideas.

The penny-pincher type- This person really wants to travel the world and get cultured but often too stingy to go. They hype up every trip but pull out at the last minute. There is nothing wrong with being budget friendly and seeking deals but sometimes you gotta live a little. This person often never goes on any new trips outside of their region. But by way of a miracle when they do end up on a trip with you, they promise to chip in but somehow end up shorting you on taxi rides, meals or borrowing money that they do not intend to pay. This person always has a complaint about every activity that isn’t free. Believe it or not, you can travel with this person. Set an itinerary with the person prior to the trip. Either have them pay upfront or solo time! Ask for taxi fares prior to leaving that way there are no surprises after the taxi ride ends.

It’s all about me type- This person is not a fun partner. This person is only going on the trip for themselves which is perfectly fine but they are not willing to compromise on activities. For God’s sakes, you are on a trip with someone else. It cannot be all about YOU! This person only wants to do what they want to do when they want to. Any attempt to compromise becomes an argument making the entire trip a bust! Avoid traveling with this person unless it is their birthday trip because that should be the only time it should be all about them. If you are unable to, you may want to set boundaries and split up and do your own things on certain days while on your trip. That way each party is happy and gets to experience their interests.

The say whatever is on my mind type- This person has something to say about EVERYDAMNTHING. He or she makes remarks about any and everything that is different from what they are used to. Sometimes these remarks can be viewed by the locals as rude or insensitive. This person isn’t open to trying new dishes or other cultural experiences. Instead they have a 1001 questions to ask about everything and their way of doing things. Suddenly, you realize that this is not the same person you knew back home. Their patriotism comes out full force by expecting everyone to speak English and have a McDonalds on every corner. This person clearly has very little experience with the foreign world. He or She isn't necessarily ignorant, he or she is just uncultured and frankly has diarrhea of the mouth. There is no other way to deal with them but to avoid going certain places with them. You are clearly not going to travel to a 3rd world country with them because they will embarrass the mess out of you.

The 5* Only type- This person owes their snootiness. They know what they want and are not shy about letting you know. You will never catch them in Ecuador while Bora Bora and the Maldives still exists. Their style of traveling involves business class flights, 5 star hotel/resorts and beach front chilling. You know how this person rolls. Only treat them like they deserve.

The pictureMania-This person gives a new meaning to a photographer. He or she spends every moment of the trip taking pictures of everything from the bathroom at the hotel to the utensils given at the restaurant. We all love pictures because how else are we going to update our snaps and instagram? But this person is #teamtoomuch. They often ruin every moment and do not get to enjoy themselves because they are too focused on taking pictures. They can come in handy though because while you take in every moment of your journey, they will provide “FREE” photography services to you. In order for this to be successful, this person has to have good photography skills though. If you are not here for taking advantage of their services, you just don't travel with them or you just have to suck it up and deal with it because any attempt to address this issue will result in an argument.

I honestly fall into every type described above at least that's what my partners say about me. lol Which category do you fall into?

Happy traveling!!