They say you never truly know someone until you travel with them. The intense proximity and unpredictable nature of holidays can put even the strongest friendships to the test. While the idea of a 'mate-cation' sounds idyllic, recognising the warning signs of a potentially difficult travel companion beforehand can save your holiday and your relationship.
Ainura Kalau, who recently declined a friend's holiday invitation based on a gut feeling, has shared her expert advice on spotting those who might prove challenging to travel with. Her insights come as more young Britons prioritise holidays with friends over family or partners, with 'buddymoons' and 'mate-cations' emerging as significant travel trends.
The Budget Avoider
The first major red flag is someone who avoids conversations about budget and trip expectations. Before making any concrete plans, it is crucial to ensure all travellers align on activities and dining options, particularly if there's an income disparity within the group.
While discussing money can feel uncomfortable, it prevents painful dynamics or outright arguments when facing luxury experiences or splitting bills. Those who brush off these talks or claim they're 'happy with anything' might seem easy-going, but this often indicates they haven't properly considered the financial implications or are dodging an honest discussion.
'People who are genuinely easy to travel with will engage in planning conversations,' Ainura explained to VegOut. 'They'll tell you their comfort zone with spending, what matters most to them, and what they're hoping to get out of the trip. That clarity makes everything smoother once you're on the road.'
The Solo Decision-Maker and The Indecisive Planner
Ainura's second warning sign is the person who makes plans without consulting the group. This behaviour clearly shows they view the holiday solely through their own lens, with little regard for the preferences or needs of their companions.
Equally taxing is the traveller who is constantly changing their mind about basic logistics. 'The most exhausting part is that this indecisiveness rarely stops at logistics,' Ainura noted. This tendency often spills over into daily decisions about where to eat, what time to depart the hotel, or which route to take, turning minor choices into drawn-out negotiations.
Spotting the Signs in Daily Life
Many tell-tale signs of a problematic travel partner can be observed in their everyday interactions. If a friend consistently takes hours to respond to group planning messages, it could signal a lack of commitment to making the trip a success. This low-level engagement during the planning phase often foreshadows their level of involvement during the holiday itself.
Ainura's final piece of wisdom is simple: trust your gut. Having clear, upfront conversations can help iron out potential issues before they escalate on the trip. 'Not every friendship translates well to travel,' she concluded, 'and that's completely fine.' Recognising this early can preserve both your holiday peace and your valued friendships.
