Planned a multi-week US road trip, visiting a bunch of national parks. Friend of about ~2 years asked me if they could join. I allowed them and they met me a few days into the trip. We spent 7 days together but suffice to say... the friendship is now over. I wanted to share my experience because it was so bizarre. Traveling with others can seriously show their true colors and just how incompatible you are.
To start, they met me dealing with family problems. Not a big deal but I did feel like I couldn't move on and have fun without prioritizing their unfortunate issue... felt like my trip was on hold. I would provide feedback and advice which wasn't met with really any response but then when they called others, who said the same things, this was reacted to with much support and agreement. This made me start to feel awkward and unappreciated. They began debating if they should return home but they didn't and carried on with the trip. I even purchased a $400 ticket for them to fly home due to the ongoing issue. Since I was randomly blocked on social media, I assume I won't be receiving any of the money back.
They continously vaped inside the booked rooms, after I said they were non-smoking. They complained about some of the places I booked, although I previously sent them links and photos and they provided zero comments. They were dirty and had their items littered everywhere. They complained about the price of items. They incessantly complained about my driving, although when they attempted to drive, they were absolutely terrible and used the excuse they had to "adjust" to the car which was just a regular, automatic. They complained about every little thing, down to the parking spots I chose. They talked on the phone the ENTIRE night which kept me up but then slept the entire car ride the next day while I was left to drive alone. If I tried to turn the music up while driving, they would complain about the noise. Even if they were up while I was driving, if I tried to play music, they'd put their headphones in and blast them. They argued constantly with their ex but then also found ways to string them along and finesse money for the trip. They continuously accused random people of staring at them or being rude when it literally never happened. I think the worst thing was how I learned they were in a "relationship" (the all night phone calls) with someone who was cheating on their significant other. In my opinion, very deluded, toxic, and disrespectful. This trip seriously showed their true colors, which I was completely blinded to beforehand.
Since this trip, I have realized I wholeheartedly prefer solo travel. My solo trips are SO much more stress free and fun!! But in light of how terrible my experience was, I wanted to share some tips I've learned since for traveling with family or friends:
Ensure whoever you're traveling with has the same interests as you (do you like to stay in or go out exploring), review budget basics and how expenses will be split/paid (I encourage everyone to buy their own accommodations and just simply meet up at places), have very open communication (don't let things build and fester but also don't address every little thing - think critically on what you'd like to address and why... sacrifices will likely have to be made to enjoy the rest of the trip), and be aware that there is always a possibility the person you're traveling with will show a whole different side of themselves so maybe before long trips, book a weekend trip with them to test the waters.
Submitted October 15, 2023 at 12:52AM by beywoods https://ift.tt/Sj328Lp
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