With your friend, friends, or tribe plan a weekend trip. Do something short and sweet for the first one until you get the feel for traveling with a non-family member. This will give you the opportunity to adjust and develop skills that will make you a better traveling companion with a non-family member. It will also five your friend, friends, or tribe an opportunity to do the same before you venture into a long trip.
The ground rules should be set from the beginning, so sit down with your traveling companion and discuss the following and any other issues you may think of:
Where will you go?
Each should have input. Perhaps you each will make a list of the top 5 places you want to travel to. List 2 short day trips, two overnight trips, and one extended (up to a week) trip. Discuss and make a list that meets and makes all travelers happy.
What will you do?
Each should have input. If there are four or more you can do somethings in separate groups. If there are only two or three of you, then you should stick together and try to do things that everyone can agree with. Sometimes you may do something you are not fond of, but you are doing it for your friend. This can also be a chance to do something you may not have ever thought of or you have never done. Be open to compromise and to new experiences.
What will you eat?
Eating local food is a treat. You experience the life of other cultures even if it is in the states. There are local differences in food from state to state and even within each state. For sure, you will find differences in other countries. Be open to foods you may have never eaten before or even heard of. Be aware of your own food allergies but also the food allergies of your fellow travelers. Compromise, but don't miss the opportunity to try something new and different.
Who pays for what?
Everyone should be responsible for their own expenses including travel. Everyone should pay up front and friends shouldn't have to be “begging” for another friend to pay their share.
This is extremely important:
ALWAYS GO WITH FRIENDS YOU TRUST, KNOW WELL, AND EVERYONE SHOULD AGREE TO PAY BEFORE YOU LEAVE.
Once you have that first trip under your belt, you are on your way. Make it a “club” and plan two or more every year. Whether it is just a weekend or a longer, start a tradition.
Traveling with your friends can be a real joy. (Even if they are not female, a friend is a friend). Give it try.... you may open yourself up to a whole new world.
Make it a girl's weekend!
Have you ever had a girl's weekend? Have you ever gone somewhere and done something new with a good friend and decided to make it tradition? Do you have any good stories to share about your weekend excursions with friends? Share your thoughts in the comments so that we may all enjoy and also learn something.
XOXO