Backpacking with friends can have its ups and downs. There’s plenty of advice out there for solo travellers. But there’s a whole lot more people who choose to travel with friends.
It might seem like an easy option; travelling with people you know means guaranteed fun, right? Well, yes, but travelling can put a serious strain on friendships too.
DO: Zone Out from Time to Time
If one (or two, or three) of your travel mates is particularly chatty, the only way you’ll avoid a headache is by learning to Zone Out. Drown out their gibber-jabber by MENTALLY singing the theme tune to Friends (a personal preference, choose any song you like).
To avoid embarrassment, learn to recognise signs of the Zone Out. Glazed eyes, excessive yawning and – for more advanced users – their instinctively-timed head nods and “mmm” sounds. It all makes for a harmonious trip.
DO: Talk, Talk, Talk
Before departing especially, from out your interests, where you want to go, things you want to do and also your budgets to make sure you have ideas for realistically what you can do.
DON’T: Be Afraid to Miss Out
I’m notorious for wanting to be in-the-know. That’s basically a nice way of saying: I’m nosy. But there comes a time when you realise you’re not going to catch everything that’s going on.
If two of your friends are having a giggle, don’t jump in with: “what? What? WHAT?!” Avoid seeming desperate and needy (both highly irritating attributes) by just leaving them to it. After all, you’ll have your own side-splitting stories later down the line, so there!
DO: Have a Fight
As much as you’d like to, you will NOT get on every minute of every day. So, feel free to blow off some steam now and again, unless you want a) an unprecedented and unprovoked outburst and b) to seem like a crazy person.
DON’T: Expect the Unexpected
You know what you love about them and – deep down – you know what annoys you about your friends too. Don’t expect miracles; nothing good is going to come from entrusting a friend, famous for the world’s most untidy room, with getting all your travel documents chronologically organised.
DO: Share Responsibilities
Split responsibilities according to everyone’s strengths and you’ll become a formidable force… Or at least, a group of people who seem to know what they’re doing.
Have you done much travelling with friends? Got any survival tips of your own? Share your thoughts below. Liked reading this post? Why not take a look at my travel blog for similar posts.
