I am a participant in affiliate programs, so basically I earn a small commission if you use any of the affiliate links on this post - at no extra cost to you! Dope right?

The two most important aspects of traveling with someone can be summed up in two words : understanding and compromise. That is at the root of ever travel bff, even if they have completely opposite styles of travel. That said, a couple more factors come into play when traveling with someone, and are crucial to discuss before you jet off with a new travel companion. Nothing kills a mood faster than someone ruining your perfect vacation. To help ya out a little bit, I’ve complied a super short list of 8 topics that you NEED to talk about before you travel with someone!

1 : Budget

THE ABSOLUTE MOSTTT IMPORTANT TOPIC TO DISCUSS WHEN PLANNING A TRIP WITH SOMEONE.

If you dont talk money, then everything else will fall apart. First of all, where are you going and how are you getting there. That’s where the conversation starts. If one of you are on a tighter budget than the other, it might be a little stressful finding out the other person wants to book a first class suite flight to the Cook Islands.

Would you rather book a direct flight that’s more expensive, or a cheaper red-eye with a layover or two? How do you feel about budget airlines? Would you rather take a longer bus or train ride than fly?

If you’ve already agreed on destination and transportation, then there are a few other budget particulars to discuss. I’ll dive into some of them a little deeper, but the other two boil down to : what is their budget for necessities (lodging, food) and extracurricular activities (excursions, tours, museums/attractions). If you want to have a different excursion for every day but your partner’s travel wallet can keep up, that’s bound to make one of you frustrated.

2 : Itinerary/Sightseeing priorities

Speaking of what you want to be doing every day, you should also talk about what you each of you WANT to do while you’re there.

Is there anything you would DIE if you don’t do on the trip? Talk about the top few things you want to do, and make sure they are priorities on the trip. This part of the discussion will definitely require A LOT of compromise, unless you completely agree on everything. Try to keep the itinerary balanced between both of your wants (or however many people are in going).

Speaking of Itinerary, there is a potential to butt heads if both of you are super intense planners. Try to remain civil during the planning process if one of you starts to feel territorial over vacation time management. Magic word: compromise.

Most people usually have one or two things they HAVE TO SEE. Make sure prioritize your top two or three sights/attractions so that the itinerary doesn’t feel too one-sided and everyone is satisfied!

3 : Speed of Travel

This goes along with the itinerary, but a crucial part of travel planning with a new companion is knowing their travel pace.

Are they a slow traveler? Do they like to fully embrace one city at a time and really explore every nook and alleyway at their leisure? Do they like to soak up the sun at the beach and relax for an entire day?

Or are they on the opposite spectrum where they love to stay on the road, hopping to a new city every day to try to take in as much of the place as possible? Do they like to pack as much activity in the day as humanly possible?

If your travel styles are aligned, then that’ll make things easier. If they are not, don’t worry, hopefully it’s not a deal breaker. You’ll just need to compromise. Either alternate “slow” and “fast” days, or balance preferences throughout the day. You could spend the entire morning jetting around to different museums, then spend the afternoon having a picnic and watching the sunset. Find out works best for both of you.

Just because you have different travel speeds doesn’t mean you cant travel together! Know each others limits and be considerate if someone feels rushed from going too fast or bored from going too slow.

4: Sleep Schedule

If you are a cranky person, YOU NEED TO TALK ABOUT THIS.

In fact, it’s better to know someone’s sleep habits ahead of time. Are you the type of person that rises at the crack of dawn and wants to hit the ground running? Or do you prefer to sleep in and hiss at the thought of waking up on vacation before 11am?

On the other end of the day, are you a complete night owl that can party until the sun starts to rise? Do you start getting sleepy past 10pm? How much sleep do you want?? These are small, but important things to know. Especially if you’re trying to plan excursions.

5: Accommodations

This one plays a bit into budget, more more specifically, what do you want your lodgings to be?

Do you like to ball out for the views and amenities? Or are you the type of person that literally just needs a place to lay your head because you’re going to be out exploring all day anyway? How important is a private bathroom to you? Do you mind sharing beds if you get an awesome infinity pool?

What about location? Does a 20 min walk to the public transport make your feet hurt or would you rather just find a “less cool” place that’s in the city center?

Some things that I always talk about with my travel partners are how much they value : WiFi, views, counter space in the bathroom, a kitchen (also a budget concern, more on that later), distance from public transport.

For some destinations, hotels might be the same price as Airbnbs. Some all inclusive resorts are an extremely affordable when you bundle with flights. Some hostels are EXTREMELY LUXURIOUS. Make sure to check all options before ruling something out as too expensive or not luxe enough.

Are you guys willing to share a room? A bed? Is anyone okay with sleeping on a couch? All important topics to talk about when you’re trying to pick accommodations that makes everyone comfortable.

6: Food Preferences

Okay, getting back to the food thing. I feel like this is too often overlooked when planning. First of all, how often do you need to eat?

Are you someone that needs breakfast immediately upon waking up? Does it take you until midday to work up an appetite? DO YOU NEED SNACKS TO PREVENT STARVING TO DEATH?!

After you figure out each other’s eating patterns…what kind of food do you want to eat? Are you perfectly content with good cheap eats, surviving on street food kabobs and iced coffee on your way to the next destination?

Do you want to eat the best of the best when you’re on vacation? Are you a Michelin star hunter?

Some people don’t have a strong preference either way, while others seek out “the most authentic” food experience and want to try a local dish for every meal. If you juuust can’t seem to agree on a restaurant, try picking one with different menu options! Though, this usually only works in cities.

Another route is to find food carts or food courts – that way everyone can pick something different and you still sit together to eat! Food courts are PERFECT when eating in a group or with someone with TOTALLY different tastes than you. Plus, they can be a great way to try local dishes!

For future reference, I like to eat at a McDonalds for every new country I visit. It’s INSANELY interesting to me how each menu caters to its surroundings and incorporates a piece of the culture into such an iconic chain. PLUS, McDonalds abroad is DANK. Like, that QUALITY THOUGH. Don’t knock it until you try it. THAT CURRY CHICKEN NUGGET DIPPING SAUCE???  It’s not up for debate.

Leave me under the Golden Arches if you not bout it *dueces emoji*

7: Travel Style

The last topic you should discuss is your companion’s travel style. What kind of traveler are they? What kind of traveler are you? And what kind of vacation do you want it to be?

Some people are history buffs or artist lovers. They love going to museums and galleries and taking walking or biking tours through the city.

Others are total foodies and love to travel and eat EVERYTHING IN SIGHT. Their favorite activity is waking up for morning c & c (coffee and croissant – or whatever accompanying treat is in that country), then they get breakfast/brunch, then lunch, then high-tea, then happy hour, then a mid-afternoon cafe insta-worthy snack, then dinner, then dessert, then late night munchies.

Is their travel style the ultimate form of RELAXATION? Do they travel to de-stress and pamper themselves. Spa dates, massages, going to see a show…aka – not stressing.

Are they someone who CRAVES the authentic “travel like a local” motif and wanna see all the casual day to day stuff and staying off the beaten trail? Are they instagrammers that want to find all the colorful walls and greatest sunsets? Even harder to keep up with – ARE THEY OUTDOORSY?!

It’s important to consider someone’s travel style, probably even before you agree to travel together. What kind of activities do they prioritize? But fret not, as long as you compromise, you’ll find a way to find a balance of everyone’s interests. Either that…or you’ll separate to do your own thing.

Yanno, whatever works for you guys. Time-budgeting for a lil solo adventure can be nice after spending days attached at the hip.

Travel style can especially make or break a trip – like if one person loves touring museums and the other wants to go kayaking through remote canyons. This will probably require the most compromise, so make sure to keep an open mind!

8 : Questions and Concerns

This isn’t really a suggestion, but just a reminder to be open and understanding to your companions concerns and questions if/when they arise. They could have past experiences that might make them more weary about certain things. Hear them out, listen, and believe them. Don’t question someone else’s vulnerable truths.

Like. Don’t be that guy.

It goes the other way too. If you have any questions or concerns, hopefully you feel comfortable enough to let your travel companion know. Bad things can happen on trips. Passports can get stolen, expensive equipment can break…oh and you might get kicked out of your Paris hotel room in the middle of the night. 

Travel is one of the ultimate bonding experiences, and part of that is because you are forced to be vulnerable and step out of your comfort zone. Be there for each other, for the laughs and the tears.

So those are my recommendation topics to talk about before traveling ANYWHERE with someone new. The more you travel with other people, the more you will fine tune your own list.

What are some of your MUST-DISCUSS topics before traveling with someone? I’d love to hear them in the comments! Have you ever had a trip fall to pieces because of incompatible travel preferences? 

Sharing is caring!