This year, I took a big leap by traveling alone. Even though I must say that I treasure all the lessons and the serenity (wait for the separate blog post!) that come with solo travels, I am not one to pass for some good company and a quick getaway to the beach. So, together with 3 friends from work, we devised a plan to take a trip up north. We filed our leaves waaay ahead, and finalized an itinerary a few days before the date.
It was so funny, because people at work were skeptical that the four of us took a trip together. Each one belongs to a different department, and even though we are all friends, we were almost never seen as a group. And I assure you, coming with them was the best decision I made.
This is why I want to share with you some things to consider when looking for the perfect travel buddy (or buddies!). Think of it this way, the amount of happiness that you will have on the trip will be gravely affected by your rapport with that person. You don’t necessarily have to agree on everything, but you do not want to clash on everything either and harbor ill-feelings throughout your trip.
*Featuring photos from my recent Baler + Sands and Stars trip with my GMA friends
HAGGLE MASTER
This is an essential life skill, and even more important during travels where you constantly find sellers and guides flocking towards you. You wanna have someone who can say “No” and has the patience to haggle down to the lowest price possible. You assign these people to secure accommodations, tour and shop for grocery.
When paying for something as a group, the most important is to consult each member if they are comfortable with the amount. We all have our own budget set for our trip, and we need friends who understand and respect our limit. Nobody wants to come home broke or in-debt after a trip.
HEALTHY
 |
| On our way to Ditumabo Falls, popularly known to the locals as "Mother Falls" |
This is very important. Think about the activities that you plan to do during the trip and assess whether your friend/s can cope and will enjoy them. It will save you and your friend/s huge amount of stress. Can they endure the long trek? Can they swim? Are they afraid of heights? Do they eat this? What are their limits? You do not want to leave anybody behind, and it will be heart-breaking to see anyone not having fun. It’s their vacation too ya know!
PHOTOGRAPHY SKILLS
Oh, come on! We all want to look ravishing in all our travel photos. We want our best angle out there while strutting that artsy pose we learned on Instagram. So, yeah. No need to elaborate much on this.
For me, I really loooove photos of me taken by my tall friends! Hahaha! We were all lucky during this trip as one friend brought her action camera and clip lens. Combined with our personal phones, we had a blast taking pictures throughout the trip.
GOOD WITH DIRECTIONS
Or, at least someone who knows the way back to your hotel! :p Hahaha! Yes, we have GPS, Google Maps, and all other navigational apps, but you want to have someone who knows how to read them and understand the best route. These apps are not always showing us the best one. Besides, when you are exploring a far-flung area in the province, sometimes you do not have access to these things and you will have to rely on asking locals for directions or on a printed map that you got from their tourist desk.
COOKING SKILLS
No need to look for someone with a Master Chef potential, just someone who knows the basics. Uhm, frying! This skill is necessary for those looking to hike or camp.
We went glamping (glamour + camping) at Sand and Stars in Dipaculao, Aurora. The place has very accommodating staff and offers to cook for their visitors, but we are not spoiled travelers like that. Hahaha! We bought stuff from the market and cooked our own food. For only 200 pesos, you may use their kitchen, complete with utensils, stove and cookware.
SOMEONE WITH A PLAN
What if we miss the bus? What if they do not offer food inside the resort? What if there are no more rooms available? You want someone who will offer a solution instead of complaining. Street-smart people are your go-to! And more often than not, they are decisive too, which is a good head-start when you are dealing with a bunch of people, each with his/her own opinion and preferences.
AGREEABLE PERSONALITY
People with this kind of personality are often linked with words such as cooperative, friendly, even-tempered, kind, compassionate, and helpful. Basically, they are made of sugar, spice and everything nice. Hahaha! Kidding. They don’t have to be that perfect, but agreeable people are “light”. Being with them makes people at ease, positive and happy instead of stressful, suspicious and uncomfortable. You want to be with someone who you could be honest with. Their character elicit trust, which is very important between travel buddies.
 |
| Ampere Beach, our last destination before heading back to Manila |
Oh, oh, oh! And don’t forget the word “adventurous”! A vast part of traveling is exploring new things.
BONUS
MULTILINGUAL FRIENDS
It is such great help if someone from your group speaks the native language of the town or country that you are visiting. It lowers the risk of getting scammed, or worst, kidnapped. This is also advantageous when haggling and asking for directions. Some locals are also more comfortable sharing their stories, local legends and insider tips using their mother tongue, and you don’t wanna miss those.
 |
| Inside our tent-slash-spaceship at Sand and Stars Resort, Brgy. Dinadiawan, Dipaculao, Aurora |
No comments:
Post a Comment