The Benefits of Travelling with a Friend
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Travelling alone can be fun but travelling with a friend also has it’s benefits. On my cruise vacation to the Bahamas and Florida, I went with my long-time friend, Deb. We refer to ourselves as “Thelma and Louise” on our adventures, although we have never robbed or killed anyone, or driven off a cliff. This was our fifth adventure together. It is important to go with someone you get along with.
#1 Travel Friend Benefits with Packing...
The main benefit with packing when travelling with a friend is that you can share some items. Also, if you forget something your friend may have one you can borrow. You don’t have to worry about cramming everything in one bag or suitcase and can distribute the weight more easily.
For this trip I challenged myself to pack in just a knapsack (and a small cross-body bag) and I challenged my friend to pack carry on only. I helped her pack initially and then she added things afterward because she had the available room. But she still managed to get everything in her carry on suitcase and a knapsack. She also didn’t think it was too heavy for her and that is the main consideration.
Have a Packing list that you go over with your friend...
On some of our previous adventures, my friend was not a light packer. I wasn’t exceptionally minimal either, but I didn’t come as prepared as she did for every possible calamity. (We like to be prepared.) Travelling by car also gives you more leeway than flying. We had an equal amount of luggage when we flew to Italy – a large check-in bag, a carry on suitcase and a personal bag for under the seat.
#2 Travel Friend Benefit - you have a navigator...
If you are travelling by car it can be very helpful if your friend helps to navigate. Even with a GPS, it can save time stopping to put in your co-ordinates and research places you want to go along the way. Also, if you get lost it is easier to get un-lost.
#3 Travel Friend Benefit - phone and data plans...
In this day and age most people have a cellphone but it can be very expensive in another country. You may not want to be bothered when you are on vacation too, but it is good to have some of the data features (like Google Maps). Fortunately, my friend had a travel plan on her phone. She needed to keep in touch with her family every day and it was convenient when I had to call about a tenant issue. It was probably cheaper for me to reimburse her for any long distance charges too, than having my own phone plan.
Before I left, I downloaded the Snapchat App (which is free) to my phone so my family could reach me if necessary. I had purchased extra data from the airline while in the US, but I’m not sure it helped because it would only connect to my Galaxy watch. I didn’t answer any phone calls but still was charged $8 for a few texts I received and about $50 for 26 minutes of roaming. (Not sure why that happened.) It still cost me less than having a travel plan added to my phone for ten days.
#4 Travel Friend Benefit - sharing experience & providing moral support...
Having a travel friend to share experiences with can enrich the adventure. Having someone to laugh with (or cry with) just makes it better. Sometimes it’s impossible to leave all your troubles at home. If you are anxious about anything, a friend can provide moral support and help you get through any challenges.
#5 Travel Friend Benefit - You will have someone to help you stay safe...
Finally, it is a good thing to have a friend with you if you happen to drink a little too much. And if you misplace your belongings, they can help you find them.
You can watch the video below for more packing tips with my friend...
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2 Comments
Deborah Montgomery
I’ll travel with you anyday my friend! Thank you for the wonderful pointers and tips ..xo
Carole
Thank you for another great trip Thelma!