First Person Singular by Wendy Braitman

filed in Excursions

How to Travel with a Friend, and Not Hate Each Other in the Morning.

May 22, 2009 ⋅  Email This Post ⋅  Print This Post ⋅ Post a comment

I’ve tracked enough single years by now, to enjoy my own company. I don’t hesitate heading out to the movies or a gallery by myself, shoppng is a no-brainer, although dining alone at a 3-star restaurant still isn’t my first choice. (A bar or the counter, no problem.) But what about recreational travel, when roommates are a necessary part of the itinerary? My fearless and spirited travel mentor, Marybeth Bond weighs in on the subject.  

TIPS FOR REMAINING FRIENDS WITH A ROOMMATE by Marybeth Bond,
author of 50 Best Girlfriend Getaways

Pre-trip Check List

Bed Time: Prior to your trip ask your future roommate how late she watches television or reads before turning off the light. Agree on a time to turn off the television.

Temperature: Discuss with each other if you like to sleep in a cold or warm room so you understand what room temperature you both expect.

Snoring:  Be honest with each other. If your roommate lives alone, she may not know if she snores. What to do if your roommate snores: use silicone ear plugs. If you feel you have to move to a new room, it’s correct etiquette for the person making the change to pay the additional cost for another room.

Wake up Time: Talk about how much time you each need to shower, dry your hair and get ready to leave the room. You’ll find out if she spends an hour blow drying her hair every morning.

Fragrances: Does your roommate use a strong perfume or hair spray? Talk about the smells that get on your nerves; acetone fingernail remover, perfume, smoke.

Smoking: Even if your roommate does not smoke in the hotel room, sharing with a smoker can mean her smoke-scented clothing will leave an odor on your clothes.

Stamina: If your physical abilities and stamina are different from your companion, you many not travel well together. Do you both have similar physical fitness levels for walking, stair climbing, carrying luggage, and dealing with jet lag?  No matter how considerate you want to be, if your physical abilities are vastly different, traveling together may be stressful. Cruises are an exception; they offer more options for companions with different physical abilities.

Budget: Be honest about your spending patterns and your travel budget. How often do you like to splurge and for how much? Do you like to eat long, luxurious lunches or do you prefer to picnic or pick up a snack on the go?  Do carry your own luggage or use porters?  Do you prefer to take taxis instead of walking a few blocks or taking public transportation? Do you order expensive drinks?  If your budgets and spending styles differ, talk about it prior to the trip. Each person will have to accommodate the other person a few times.

Chill Out: Each of you should discuss what your most tired times of the day and agree, prior to the trip, to give each other some alone time. Persistent talking, TV watching, long distance calls can be irritating. Even if you’re very close friends, it’s helpful to have a break at the end of each afternoon; a quiet rest time before dinner. If you don’t want to rest, you can still go your separate ways and reflect upon the day. 

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