This article was published on March 18th, 2018

Anyone that has gone on extended travels understands that although it is a wonderful experience, finding the right travel partner makes all of the difference in the world. The perfect companion can keep you grounded and safe, yet still elevate the adventure. It should be someone that you can spend lots of time around and never get bored. You should want someone that you are able to talk to openly and honestly, that challenges your intellect and forces you to broaden your horizons. It’s always easier to step outside the box around those you trust and respect.

Since traveling with a partner is all about connection, being able to reduce smartphone usage is another sure-fire way to heighten the moments and memories shared. They can come in handy when trying to locate the next rendezvous on a trip, but it is also exciting to just get lost in the moment and communicate with locals in the area for the best locales and restaurants.

Last, but certainly not least? A sense of humor is an absolute necessity that will take you far on your shared journeys. Through long waiting lines, flight delays, and other forms of f*ckery, once you’ve gotten used to one another’s rhythms, you will always be in sync and the laughter will become a cornerstone of your overall experience. There are a lot of other components that make up a great travel partner, but at the end of the day, you have to go with your gut and with someone whose personality meshes well with your own. Once you have decided, there are still other considerations to be made.

Set the agenda and expenses in advance whenever possible. The ability to compromise with your partner is absolutely necessary. There is also a difference between being poor and being cheap. Don’t be the latter. Even still, agree that change is also inevitable on trips such as these and to expect it periodically. Staying flexible is the name of the game.

Trick Etiquette

Respect thy hook-ups and those of others. One night, you may get the hook-up while the other strikes out, vice versa, or 2 for 2. Whatever the scenario, keep one another in the loop, don’t be spiteful, and laugh about the stories the next opportunity you get waiting for a late bus to take you to the next destination on the journey.

Me Time 

No matter how much you love your travel partner, the fact of the matter is that we all need our alone time and you should be able to articulate this need for more space as it arises. Whether is a few minutes or a few days, the time spent refreshing yourself can lead to more renewed energy for the trip.

The Selfless Selfie

You want to record the experience through lots of photos, and you both should help one another produce the ultimate selfie and group photos as well. You want everyone to know you not only had a good time, but you looked good while doing it!

Personal Assistant

If you’re delving into drugs on your trip, be one another’s guardian to ensure neither goes overboard. Be aware of any contact numbers in the area you may need to know and the police department.

Related stories: 

• 7 tips to combat jetlag 
• Beat the travel bug: dealing with travel sickness
• Packing tips and trick: pack light, pack right

Final Considerations

The right travel partner can make any excursion one of the highlights of your life, enrich you beyond measure, and connect you to a friend in a more meaningful way.

It’s not easy to find the right travel partner. What may seem like a great idea over a few cocktails with a casual friend, it is best to stress-test your friendship first, before diving into a travel adventure and find out early on that it’s not a good fit. But when you do find your ultimate travel companion, you will find yourself making memories that will last a lifetime.