You Cannot Travel with Everybody

So first off, I went back and forth on whether I was going to be polite in my title and call this post, “Everyone Doesn’t Travel Well.” But bump that, I needed to get to the point. It’s simple, you literally cannot travel with everybody. That is why I am an advocate for solo travel… but that is a post for another day.

Most people who’ve traveled in groups can tell you firsthand, that you simply cannot invite everyone on your trip and you cannot accept every trip invite you’re extended. If you’re an early riser when you’re visiting a country, and you have a friend who does not want to get up until after noon while on vacation, you may not want that person on your trip. Alternatively, if you like to sleep in (because you’re not clocking in and have no one to answer to PLUS you paid your money to enjoy yourself AND enjoying yourself means sleeping) then you may not want to travel with the friend who books the 8am free walking tours. Just plain and simple.

Another example. If you’re someone who loves to explore, try new foods, and indulge in every country’s culture; then you likely should not go on the trip with the friend who does not want to leave the hotel (or whatever sleeping arrangement), and who refuses to try anything outside of the McDonald’s on the corner. You two will clash and you will likely end up exploring on your own.

Similarly, be careful in arranging group trips. Personalities. Personalities. Personalities. I’ve experienced firsthand on more occasions than I’d like to admit, being the nucleus of a travel group, and my friends on opposite sides practically hating each other. It spoils the fun and is miserable to experience. Imagine one friend coming to you talking about another friend on the trip, and the other friend coming to you to talk about the original friend who was talking about them. Confusing?! I know. And absolutely no fun. So take assessment in your diverse friend groups before picking who can, and cannot go on a trip with you. I’m still learning this lesson.

I can go on and on about the reasons why you cannot travel with everyone. These were just some prime examples. But there are more nuisances; like the cleanliness of a person, the “get to sleep routine” of a person—Oh, you need the TV on ALL NIGHT???, etc. and etc.

“Figure out what’s important to you and voice that to all invitees”

So before planning a trip or agreeing to join one, figure out who you want to invite, or who’s already invited and committed to the trip. Figure out what’s important to you and voice that to all invitees, or ask the host what things they have in mind for an itinerary. Please note, this does not apply if you’ve agreed to go on a birthday, bachelor, bachelorette trip or anything of the like. Do as the VIP says, and mentally plan how you will fabulously execute your next vacay instead.

I hope this helps before that next group trip!

Happy Traveling Travelsetters!