Finding the right travel partner can be challenging. After all, you don’t want to be having drama with someone when you’re navigating unfamiliar streets and alleys.
So Lauren, the woman behind the lifestyle blog Gigs ‘n’ Travel, decided to share her insights on what makes a good companion for her.
In a recent TikTok video, she laid out her list of “no’s”—the behaviors and traits she simply cannot tolerate in someone joining her on an adventure.
Her candid approach resonated with many, sparking a lively conversation in the comments on personal boundaries, planning, and, of course, the purpose of exploring new places altogether.
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Choosing the right travel partner is very important to ensuring you have a good time
Image credits: Ketut Subiyanto / Pexels (not the actual photo)
Blogger Lauren of Gigs ‘n’ Travel shared her red flags in travel companions to help others figure out what they’re looking for
Image credits: gigsntravel
Image credits: gigsntravel
Image credits: gigsntravel
Image credits: gigsntravel
Image credits: gigsntravel
Image credits: gigsntravel
Image credits: gigsntravel
Image credits: cottonbro studio / Pexels (not the actual photo)
People want reliable travel partners who can be flexible even if things don’t go as planned
Some people thrive on spontaneous adventures, while others prefer a more structured approach. If one person is eager to explore every museum in a city and the other wants to relax by the beach, it doesn’t mean that one has a flawed perception of traveling. They just have different priorities.
The Summer 2024 Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey showed that the most important characteristic when selecting a travel partner is, indeed, compatibility.
In this context, the term essentially refers to aligning preferences regarding itinerary planning, pace, activities, and overall approach to travel.
According to the data, 51% of respondents emphasized this trait as paramount. Flexibility (16%) got second place and a sense of humor (9%) came in third, followed by open-mindedness and good communication (each 8%).
While it’s important to recognize the traits that make for a great travel companion, Lauren highlighted that it’s equally important to be aware of the deal breakers.
The survey said the most alarming trait, as identified by 32% of respondents, is a negative attitude. It 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 suck the joy out of any adventure and create a toxic environment for everyone involved.
Recklessness (20%) was also a significant concern. Traveling often requires a certain level of safety consciousness, and someone who’s a loose cannon may put themselves and their group in precarious situations.
Another alarming trait was unreliability (19%). Which also makes sense, as travel involves a lot of coordination, and a person who cannot keep their word will likely disrupt plans, adding unnecessary stress.
Inspired by Lauren’s insights, other people chimed in with their own priorities
