Ever rolled your eyes at a “fun” suggestion from a travel buddy that felt more like torture? Or, conversely, felt that surge of pure joy when your trip companion just gets you, making every moment sparkle? Because let’s be honest, while the destination is dazzling, the journey is often made infinitely better – or delightfully chaotic – by your chosen travel companion.
Here at Opodo, we’re all about making your travel dreams come true, and that includes decoding the magic (and occasional madness) of holiday companions. We recently polled a whopping 9,000 globetrotters from around the world (including 2,000 savvy Brits!) to get the lowdown on what truly makes an ideal travel buddy. So, buckle up, buttercups! Here are some of our biggest discoveries on travel buddies’ latest trends and some (hopefully useful) tips to pick your own ideal companion for your next adventure.
Choosing your perfect partner: Who makes the cut?
So, who gets the coveted spot on your holiday itinerary? According to Opodo’s poll, it seems love (and family ties!) often lead the way. Globally, a solid 59% of respondents would prefer to travel with their partner, followed by 47% who’d pick family, and 29% who’d bring along friends.
Interestingly, some prefer solo travel. As for exes, very few would consider them holiday companions – probably a wise choice for a drama-free getaway. On the flip side, travelling with your boss was globally ranked highest on the “no thank you” list (wonder why…).
Finally, pets and in-laws also found themselves on the “least preferred” list for some travellers, while younger Brits (18-24) prefer family or friends as travel companions. Besides this, in the UK, women are more family-focused travellers, while men are more likely to prefer solo adventures.
Who is your ideal travel companion?
Ever wondered what kind of travel personality you are, or what you should look for in your next trip companion? Our survey gave us some delightful insights into the archetypes of ideal holiday companions. Whether you’re a meticulous planner or a spontaneous wanderer, there’s actually a travel buddy out there for you. Which one would you go for?
- The planner: This companion thrives on creating detailed itineraries. They’re the ones who’ve got the maps marked, the reservations sorted, and a backup plan for their backup plan.
- The chill nomad: This is the adaptable buddy, happy to go with the flow, no schedule needed. The Chill Nomad is your go-to if you love spontaneity and hate being tied down.
- The foodie: For some, picking destinations based on local cuisine is key. This travel buddy will lead you on a delicious culinary adventure, ensuring you taste every local delicacy and find the best hidden eateries. Be warned, though, food choices can sometimes lead to fallouts too!
- The selfie pro: This companion documents every moment of the trip, ensuring your memories are perfectly captured. If you love a good photo op and want your holiday documented from every angle, the Selfie Pro is your ideal match.
- The budget master: The one who always finds the best deals, a crucial trait considering disagreements over budget and spending are a main cause for most disagreements with a travel partner (**25%** respectively). The Budget Master is great at ensuring you stick to your financial plan and finding savvy ways to save money during your trip.
Navigating the bumpy roads: What can cause travel tensions?
Even the most perfectly matched travel companions can hit a rocky patch, with a surprising number confessing to holiday disagreements. While many quarrels are smoothed over before the trip ends and rarely ruin relationships, some nationalities report a higher likelihood of drama, and for a select few, these rifts have unfortunately led to permanent splits.
Interestingly, men in the UK seem more prone to holiday disagreements than their female counterparts. So, choose your travel buddy wisely, especially if you’re an American or Spanish traveller, as these nationalities were more likely to report a permanent relationship rift after a holiday fallout!
How to spot a bad travel companion
While we all dream of seamless trips, sometimes a travel companion can turn paradise into a predicament. Certain traits and habits are often red flags that can lead to friction and holiday conflicts. Keep an eye out for these potential pitfalls when choosing your next travel buddy:
- The chronically tardy or indecisive: These are the ones who are always running behind or can’t make up their mind about anything, which can throw off itineraries and test even the most patient traveller.
- The budget buster: Do they consistently disregard the agreed-upon spending limits? Watch out for these traits, as financial disagreements are a top cause of travel tension.
- The constant complainer: When everything from the weather to the Wi-Fi becomes a reason for them to grumble. We all know how such a negative attitude can quickly dampen the spirits of the entire trip.
- The compromise-phobe: Are they unwilling to bend on plans or try new things? Travel often requires flexibility, and a rigid companion can lead to missed opportunities and resentment.
Top conflicts when travelling with someone
As we all know, even the most harmonious holiday can encounter a few bumps in the road. Our poll dug into the nitty-gritty of what actually sparks those travel tiffs, revealing the main causes of disagreements among travel companions. Understanding these common friction points can help you navigate your next adventure with ease – and perhaps avoid a mid-trip meltdown! Here are some of the main sources of conflict while travelling:
- Money matters, which can quickly turn a dream trip into a nightmare, as disagreements over spending, perceived value, or who pays for what are common culprits. Besides this, conflicting interests or one person dominating the itinerary can also lead to issues, with one person’s ideal day being another’s worst nightmare. Furthermore, travel can be exhausting, and jet lag, long days, and general fatigue can make even the most patient individual irritable, leading to unexpected clashes.
- On top of this, where you lay your head at night can also surprisingly become a source of contention, from debates over hotels versus Airbnbs to complaints about comfort or cleanliness. Finally, deciding where and what to eat can become a daily challenge for travel partners, especially with differing dietary restrictions or constant indecision.
Solo travel vs. Companion travel: Which one is for you?
The age-old travel dilemma: to wander with a buddy or venture forth alone? Both solo adventures and shared journeys offer distinct charms, promising different kinds of memories and personal growth. Our recent poll sheds some light on this popular debate, revealing preferences that might just surprise you.
While the poll highlights the joy of shared experiences, solo travel offers its own unique benefits like freedom and self-discovery. On the other hand, travelling with a companion provides shared experiences, emotional support. Globally, 12% of respondents report a preference for solo travel. In the UK, 9% of UK women also reported they’d prefer to travel alone compared to nearly double that in men (16%).
The unexpected joy of travelling with…
While our hearts (and survey results!) might point to partners, family, and friends as the go-to travel buddies, there’s a whole universe of other potential companions just waiting to hit the road with you! Interestingly, our survey did reveal that 15% of folks would least prefer to travel with their pets or in-laws. But hey, don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it! Here are some unexpected, and surprisingly delightful, travel companions to consider:
- Grandparents: Think slower paces, rich stories, and a treasure trove of wisdom. They might just help you rediscover destinations with a brand-new, wonderfully gentle perspective. Who needs a tour guide when you have living history by your side?
- Children: Prepare to rediscover the world through wide-eyed wonder! Travelling with little ones can transform even the most mundane moments into magical memories, opening your eyes to simple joys. While 18% of Americans are least keen on holidaying with kids, only 11% of Brits feel the same. So, grab those tiny hands and get ready for an adventure filled with pure delight.
- Work colleagues or teammates: Yes, really! You might be surprised how much you have in common once the spreadsheets are put away and the adventures begin. Bonding outside the office can lead to unexpected friendships and hilarious shared experiences.
- Pets: Becoming an increasingly popular choice for solo travellers seeking companionship. For many, a furry friend is the ultimate loyal travel companion, offering unconditional love and making every walk an exploration. Just imagine the joy of a beach stroll with your best four-legged pal!
So, whether your ideal holiday companion is a beloved partner, an adventurous friend, a wise grandparent, or even your furry best friend, the perfect trip awaits. Ready to find your next unforgettable journey and the ideal travel buddy to share it with? Head over to Opodo to explore incredible deals and start planning your next adventure today!
