Tension, Schmension!

I don't care what people say, I'm determined to avoid grievous buddy-ly harm on this trip, and undue pessimism. At times we might have differing opinions on things, but I remain optimistic that both of us will be able to quickly work things out and be fair and considerate. If not we can act like a mixture of a co-habiting couple and nuns/that boy from little miss sunshine and just sleep in the same places and not speak to each other. I hope you realise I'm joking and in no way expect it to get that dire. Having read Jo's post below I decided that the ground rules were good and that I might look up some third party advice on a cheesy gap year site. Here's what I found, with the addition of moronic comments from myself:

“Travelling with friends may well bring you to a new level of intimacy - with their strange senses of humour, quirky traits, and disgusting habits (you can say that again). Ask anyone who has ever travelled with a friend and they will tell you that it is literally the best of times and worst of times, all at the same time. To make the most of your [journey], and to keep your friendships firmly intact, set some ground rules before you go and remain flexible. A great trip won't be far behind (rather than a monumental bust-up, deportation, and mutual restraining orders). Travel can be a frustrating endeavour. Long lines, delays, unfamiliar foods (crazy stressful European food - argh! sarcasm, obviously) and a lack of creature comforts can all add up to a tiring time. With this in mind, choose carefully which of your friends might make good travelling companions, and which may be better off staying home. Remember, your best friends may not always be the best travelling companions (eep!), and the best travelling companions may not always be your best friends. When you are thinking of a companion for your travels, evaluate:

* Friends who live similar lifestyles (crazy).

* Friends who hold similar values and opinions (more rights for coffee chain customers! Say NO to burnt coffee).

* Friends who you know are patient and flexible (hopefully you think I am).

* Friends who can manage money and be serious when required (I lose on both counts).

* Friends who are mature and responsible, and deal well with tricky situations (you know I can do at least some of this. If in doubt I’ll just scream “RUUUNNNN!”)

* Friends who appreciate and wish to explore foreign cultures and environments (hello!? Anthropologist!)

* Friends who you have travelled well with in the past (there's a first time for everything).

Set Some Ground Rules Early: (...we're one step ahead Watson!)
When you decide to travel with friends, setting ground rules before you leave home can help head off squabbles/a ruckus/scuffles/skirmishes/tiffs/raising of fisticuffs/pistols duels at high noon as you go. Issues to address may include:

* Daily budgets - what do you each expect to spend on food, activities, mementos, etc.

* Responsibilities - how will you divide the cooking, hostel reservations, phoning home, etc. (I imagine we won’t be doing loads of cooking, and if we do, it will most likely be you. Joking. As for hostel reservations, we’ve done them, and phoning home is not an issue seeing as we have mobiles)

* "Must sees" - plan out the regions and sites you each must see, and create an itinerary that values everyone's requests (done, almost done, and done).

* Travel specifics - decide if you are open to all types of travel, and how you feel about being "bumped" from flights, travelling overnight, taking domestic flights and ferries, etc (not an issue! Though I would like to fit a donkey trek in somewhere).

* Respect alone time - during any trip a traveller may feel the need to be alone. If this happens with you or your friends, respect everyone's wishes (certainly).

* Other travellers - decide if you are open to the idea of travelling together with others you meet on the road (yep, but only for a while, and as long as they’re not psychos – agree?).

* Divide the possessions - decide if it is important for you each to bring your own iPod, mobile phone and sunscreen, or if you can share items to lighten your load (hmm we have not yet done this…)

* If you decide to share, remember that you will need to be patient and won't be able to use every item at all times (I WANT TO USE THE SUNSCREEN NOW JO!!! NOWW!!!!!) Travellers must expect the unexpected. No matter how well you prepare, or how finely you plan, life may have other ideas for your [trip] (ruh-roh!).


If you are travelling with a friend who can go with the flow, life will be that much easier, but if you are travelling with a high maintenance model, even more of the responsibility will be on your shoulders. Keep this in mind when you select your travelling companions, and remember that above all, you want to have fun and make memories. A friend who feels the same way will likely be an asset! (we can go with the flow, I’m pretty certain ☺) "


Meg