Article Highlights:

 

  • Compatible Travel Styles Matter: 51% of survey respondents say the most critical trait for a good travel companion is a compatible travel style.
  • The Best Traveler Traits: Flexibility (16%) is the second most important characteristic for a good trip buddy followed by “a sense of humor” (9%).
  • Avoid Negative Traits: Watch out for companions with negative attitudes, recklessness and unreliability, as these traits can significantly detract from the travel experience.

 

Traveling is one of life’s greatest joys, offering the chance to explore new cultures, indulge in exotic cuisines, and forge unforgettable memories. However, the experience can be significantly influenced by the company you choose to keep.

Selecting the right travel companion ensures an enjoyable and stress-free adventure. But what characteristics should you look for, and which traits should raise red flags?

Based on the Summer 2024 Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey of the world’s most experienced travelers the qualities that make a good international travel companion are clear, and the alarming traits to avoid are equally highlighted.

 

The Most Important Characteristic: A Compatible Travel Style

A young white man and a young white woman laugh near an SUV by the beach.
Flexibility and a sense of humor are critical traits in a travel companion.

When selecting a travel companion, the most critical characteristic is a compatible travel style. According to data, 51% of respondents emphasized this trait as paramount. But what does “compatible travel style” actually mean? Essentially, it refers to aligning preferences regarding itinerary planning, pace, activities, and overall approach to travel.

Some people thrive on spontaneous adventures, while others prefer structured plans. If one person is eager to explore every museum in a city and the other wants to relax by the beach, clashes can emerge, leading to frustration. Therefore, having an open conversation about travel preferences before the journey begins is essential.

The Importance of Flexibility

Flexibility is another significant trait that can make or break a travel experience. With 16% of respondents highlighting its importance, adaptability can prevent potential conflicts during travel. Plans can change due to weather, transportation delays, or unexpected opportunities. A flexible travel companion will embrace these changes with grace, allowing for a more enjoyable experience without the stress of rigid expectations.

A Sense of Humor

A sense of humor (9%) can be a travel game-changer. Traveling can be unpredictable—flights can be delayed, accommodations can fall short of expectations, and cultural misunderstandings can occur. Having a travel companion who can laugh off the small hiccups can ease tension and turn challenges into cherished stories.

Open-Mindedness and Good Communication

Open-mindedness and good communication (each 8%) are also vital characteristics of a great travel partner. Traveling often exposes individuals to diverse cultures, customs, and experiences that can challenge preconceived notions. A travel companion open to new experiences will enrich the journey, making it more fulfilling.

Similarly, effective communication is crucial. Misunderstandings can easily arise when individuals have different views on plans or preferences. A good travel companion should be able to express their needs while also being receptive to the opinions of others.

 

The Alarming Traits To Avoid

A white woman and a white man argue on a train station steps while traveling.
Lack of communication and a bad attitude can ruin any relationship, especially while traveling.

While it’s essential to recognize the traits that make for a great travel companion, it’s equally important to acknowledge the characteristics that can lead to a disastrous trip.

  • The most alarming trait, as identified by 32% of respondents, is a negative attitude. This can manifest in various ways—complaining about every inconvenience, dismissing other people’s ideas, or having an overall pessimistic outlook. A negative travel companion can sap the joy from the adventure and create a toxic environment.
  • Recklessness (20%) is also a significant concern. Traveling often requires a certain level of safety consciousness, and a reckless travel partner may put themselves and their companions in precarious situations.
  • Another alarming trait is unreliability (19%). Travel involves a degree of coordination, whether meeting at a specific time or sharing responsibilities like booking accommodations. An unreliable companion can disrupt plans and lead to unnecessary stress.

 

Gender Perspectives on Travel Companion Traits

Interestingly, while men and women largely agree on the characteristics that make up an ideal travel companion, they differ in their views regarding alarming traits.

  • Women rated a negative attitude as the most concerning trait (33%), followed by recklessness (24%) and unreliability (14%).
  • Men also found a negative attitude alarming (32%) but prioritized unreliability (20%) higher than women and recklessness (17%) lower.

This divergence may be due to varying travel experiences and expectations, highlighting the importance of discussing potential concerns before embarking on a journey together.

 

Choose Wisely

A young, black woman and a young, white woman drink bottled water in a city while traveling.
Friendships are often strengthened because of traveling together.

Traveling is an enriching experience that can strengthen friendships, create lasting memories, and expand horizons. However, the right travel companion can make all the difference. By prioritizing compatible travel styles, flexibility, open-mindedness, good communication, and a sense of humor, you can set the stage for an enjoyable adventure.

On the flip side, being mindful of traits like a negative attitude, unreliability, and recklessness can help you avoid potential pitfalls that could mar your trip. Before you set off on your next adventure, take the time to assess your compatibility with your travel companion. Engage in open discussions about your travel preferences and expectations, and be honest about any concerns.

 

Pre-Trip Planning

An essential component of choosing a travel companion is pre-trip planning.

Global Rescue members can obtain a destination report for 215 countries and territories worldwide. They may access Global Rescue services directly from a smartphone using the My Global Rescue Mobile App. Browse destination reports and alerts, activate emergency assistance, schedule real-time virtual health visits and keep track of the people you care about with GPS tracking and messaging. Download the My Global Rescue App for Apple devices or Android devices.