Yes, let’s talk about this because I’m sure we can all relate one way or another. We all keep an invisible list of the kinds of people we just wouldn’t like to travel with for a number of reasons. Whenever we travel, we want it to be as smooth sailing and enjoyable as possible. Sadly, it’s also when we realise that there are personalities among friends that will clash once we start planning our itinerary or land in our desired destination. So, let’s take this opportunity to vent out our frustrations in these following items.
1. The Lazy Planner
I’m sure we all know someone like this or are even guilty of this sometimes. We send each other links to the cheapest travel destinations, articles on tourist-friendly countries, photo pegs of our dream vacation, but someone always lacks the effort to make solid plans for it. In the middle of our fit of inspiration, there’s always at least one person who won’t contribute anything to the preparation and will make excuses. When you’re travelling with friends, it’s very important to put your heads together to come up with available dates and a good itinerary. Otherwise, the whole trip might not push through. If it does, you don’t want to be the only one in the group who knows what to expect when you reach your destination. Everyone should know the game plan.
Also read: Barkada Goals: 8 Must-Visit Asian Destinations In 2018
2. The Last Minute Flake Out
Let’s say you’ve managed to prepare everything with your friends, the date, place, accommodations, itinerary, and you’ve all paid already. But then someone backs out last minute just because that person didn’t file a leave on time, or had coinciding plans that were carelessly overlooked. Doesn’t that frustrate everyone else in the group who set aside other priorities for the trip to push through? Of course, sometimes, the reason for backing out is understandable, especially if it’s a family or deeply personal matter. If it doesn’t sound urgent enough though, then the person flaking out might just come off as unfair.
3. The Big Whiner
People who panic also end up talking too much instead of thinking of a solution first. When it comes to travelling, this usually happens when you get lost or lose something. When you’re with friends exploring a new city and have to be somewhere at a particular time, someone’s bound to start yapping if you get lost. It’s a natural reaction, but if you can’t help find a solution to the problem, such as learning how to read the map, might as well keep quiet and let others solve the problem calmly.
4. The Messy Camper
When you travel often with certain people, you might notice their “bad luck” of losing things, especially if it happens often. It’s one thing to misplace your belongings once, but when you notice a pattern then you know that this has become a habit. It’s a very bad one to have when travelling. If a friend loses his or her passport or wallet, then everyone goes through the trouble of trying to find it. Save each other the hassle, and be VERY careful of your things and aware of your surroundings.
5. The Thoughtless Sloth
Travelling also entails itineraries, tours, and schedules to follow. If you’re travelling with friends who can’t keep up with the schedule of your tour, it’s going to be a waste of money. Plus, it’s stressful to keep reminding everyone of what time you need to be at a certain place, or when you have to meet your tour group. When you just want a fun and stress-free vacation with friends, one big thing that will help is if everyone is accountable and mindful of the time.
6. The Control Freak
In the same way we get annoyed with friends who can’t follow a schedule, we get annoyed with those who want everything to be on the dot. I think it’s important to remember that the point of travel is to learn and enjoy. We can’t do that if we’re forced to schedule everything we do. By everything I mean from the time we eat, go to the restroom, to the amount of time we spend in a souvenir shop. It’s okay to plot your day out, but as they say, everything in moderation. Don’t overdo it.
7. The FOMO Instagrammer
Okay, maybe more and more of us are becoming guilty of this. We live in the digital age where we have to tell everyone on social media where we’ve been. Once we’ve set foot in another country, we automatically pull our phones out to post an IG Story; when we visit a tourist attraction, we snap relentlessly to get the most IG worthy photo. But when most of us can still control ourselves, we definitely have friends or at least know people who can’t keep their eyes off social media when they’re travelling. You’re not able to maximise your time with them, and they’re not able to savour what’s around them because they’re glued to their phone. Get them to shed this habit before they forget the more important aspects of travelling.
Also read: 20 Instagram-Worthy Spots In Metro Manila
8. The Impatient KJ
We travel to make memories, and taking photos is the most tangible way to preserve these memories. It’s always a downer when you’re taking photos with your friends, and someone kills the fun when they say that they’ve had enough of picture taking. This is understandable when you’ve taken more photos than you’ve actually explored the location. But if we’re only asking for a few minutes to get a decent shot and someone isn’t willing to cooperate, it puts us in a sour mood. Patience is a necessity in travelling regardless of the reason. Better tell your “impatient” friends to be more accommodating.
Also read: 15 Different Types of Travellers You Will Meet in the Philippines
Didn’t reading this list feel good? All those pent up travel frustrations brought about by people you wish were better travel buddies are finally out in the open. Now, we dare you to tag them in this post!
