I’m lucky as I have a big family and I can usually tempt one of them to go with me. They know what they’re getting into…someone who likes to move fast and often, likes to eat, doesn’t mind if she can’t speak the language, and is conscious of a budget even if she forgets sometime. Sleep is something that can be done when back at home (at least when we’re talking the morning).

Next,  phobias and preoccupations of my potential companion do make a difference when deciding what trip to take with whom. For example one of my daughters likes to sleep in and is a vegetarian.  One of my sisters likes 5 star accommodations, and another one likes everything planned well ahead of time.

There are times when it is best to go alone, as in my trip to Bangladesh. I’m not the easiest person to travel with either….I usually have a preconceived idea of how the trip will advance and can adjust when things go awry, but do it better when it’s just me.  I get along with myself.  I’m not the most social person in the world and don’t need people around me but like it when I can split the cost!

It is important to know ahead of time what their expectations are; one friend recommends  that one day you decide what we will do and the next day it’s my turn….that can work out I guess, except I’m a little too type-A.

I oscillate between wanting to travel with someone who is very similar to me or someone who is completely different. I once went on a short trip to Montreal with a sister who had rarely travelled at that time.  She was up for anything and her delight with the simple things made the trip most memorable.

My most regular travel buddy and I are too much alike. We agree on the places to visit, enjoy lots of walking and have no need to spend hours in any museum.  Differences though are that he spends most of his time with his nose in a book or a map when I like to just amble along and look at signs, people and buildings.  His idea of soaking in the local culture is market shopping and mine is eating typical foods.  After the fourth day we usually are tired of one another, so we usually just do shorter trips together.