Partner Up! How to find a travel buddy

You’ve decided - you’re in! That burning desire to escape for a while (or better, to not let life escape you) has taken hold and you’ve made up your mind – if only you had someone to go with. 

Ah, there it is…another hurdle. 

For this post, and most of my posts, I’ll focus on international travel. Getting someone to commit to spending thousands of dollars on a 10 day adventure is no small feat. Your best bet is to find someone who is already dying to go! Even then, the price tag and commitment can be a little daunting. 

Budgeting is key to building confidence in your friend. If you can start the planning and estimate a rough bottom line cost, you’ll have something to work with – because let’s face it, money is tight for everyone these days. Plus sticking to a budget is the best way to have a great, guilt-free time. And it’s a vital skill to master if you want to go on more than one trip in your lifetime (another post on that later).

Another thing to remember is quality over quantity. You may be considering getting a group together - 4, 5, 6 people. The excitement of navigating the ruins of ancient Greece is something you want to share with all your closest friends – I understand the sentiment, but I do have a word of caution. More is not always merrier, especially when it comes to coordinating what everyone wants to do and when. Unless you’re ok with your group splitting off into mini groups, aim for a group of 3 or less.

Also consider personalities – are you Type A and always on the go? Do you prefer to plan every detail and leave nothing to chance? Or do you like to go with the flow in almost everything you do? Is spontaneity your only guide? A little bit of both? Having a friend who compliments (not matches) your personality is key to an enjoyable experience. Pay attention to how your friends react when planning smaller get-togethers, like dinners out or movie nights. Are they decisive and mindful of other’s ideas? Are they flexible when a glitch pops up? Remember, at the end of your trip, you still want to actually be friends! 

Put the word out well in advance of when you’re planning to dig your toes in those black sand beaches. And don’t forget to consider friends you’re not super close with – you’d be surprised who would end up making a great travel partner.

I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Please share below.