You want to travel and see the world, but if you're like many people, you may be wondering if you should invite a friend to come along or go solo. The truth is that traveling with a buddy is so much more fulfilling.
Why travel with a buddy? Sure, it's safer to travel with another person, and it'll help you save money by splitting costs on certain items, but there are so many other reasons why having a travel buddy is better than traveling alone.
Should You Find a Travel Buddy for a Better Trip?
We happen to think traveling with a friend has a lot of perks. Here are five reasons to consider bringing your BFF along on your next trip.
1. You'll grow your relationships.
Spending so much time with someone in a new situation can really help build your relationship. In a few days or a week on the road, an acquaintance can become a best friend. An old pal can become your new go-to travel companion. You'll get to know each other even better than you already did, and on top of it, you'll create memories that last a lifetime.
“One of my dearest friends was just an acquaintance before we signed up for the same study abroad program in Spain,” said Grace Lower, Seven Corners' study abroad expert. “Six months of culture shock, new experiences, and exhausting adventures brought us together, though, and we remain close to this day.”
2. You'll get more amazing pictures.
Not only will you create lifetime memories, but you'll have more opportunities to capture them on camera. After all, two cameras are better than one.
If you want pictures of yourself in front of certain landscapes and attractions, you don't have to stop and ask a stranger — just ask your travel buddy. Say goodbye to sloppy selfies and hello to amazing portraits that really show off your trip.
You can also compare photos at the end of your trip and see who captured something the other might have missed. For example, were you too slow to catch that dolphin jumping out of the water? Your travel buddy may have been poised and ready.
3. You're more likely to get outside your comfort zone.
When you travel alone, it's easy to shy away from new activities. After all, there's no one there to cheer you on.
Bringing a friend along can boost your confidence. Maybe one of you is more adventurous. Perhaps one of you is more likely to try a restaurant the other normally wouldn't visit. Maybe you're on the fence about waterskiing, and your friend says just the right thing to convince you that you only live once.
4. Friends add new perspectives.
You and your travel buddy probably have a lot in common, but you also likely have some different interests. That can make a trip even more exciting.
If your friend is a history buff or an art expert, they can take you through a museum and tell you things you may not know. If your friend is a foodie, they can help you choose what to eat when you're looking at a menu filled with cuisine you don't recognize.
5. You'll never get bored.
Traveling with a friend means never getting bored. You'll have someone to talk to during those long flights, layovers, and train rides. If it's a stormy day at the beach, the two of you can head inside and enjoy a board game. If a reservation is canceled, you can put your heads together and come up with an alternative plan.
How Do You Find a Travel Buddy?
Especially as we get older — with jobs, families, and all those other adult responsibilities — it can sometimes be tough to find someone to travel with. When you don’t have a built-in travel companion from home, try these tips for finding a travel buddy on the road.
- Facebook groups like UTrippers can connect you with like-minded travelers looking for someone to share the experience with.
- Stay at a hostel or bed-and-breakfast. This style of accommodations helps you meet other travelers, solo or otherwise, you might decide to pal around with.
- Join a group tour. It could be for the entire trip or just for an afternoon outing.
- Try a retreat. Maybe you want to learn more yoga or tap into your creative side, learn organic gardening or go biking through the mountains. There are all kinds of retreats that bring together travelers from around the world. You might start your trip solo, but you’ll very likely end it with a buddy.
Safe Travels with Friends
While traveling with a friend can enrich your trip, we know that not everyone has that friend who can come along. That doesn't mean you should stay home.
Whether you're traveling solo or with your travel buddy, consider Seven Corners trip protection with emergency travel assistance, which is available 24/7 to help, no matter where you are in the world.
About the Author
Sarah Anderson has been a professional freelance writer and journalist since 2011. She specializes in a variety of topics, ranging from real estate and agriculture to travel and culture. She has been featured by several news, entertainment, and retail publications and websites, including People magazine, Ask.com, Sotheby's Real Estate, Walmart, and eBay.
