MWH Travel Tips: 11 - Quarreling Companions

Me and my sister - China, 2010

I have traveled with lots of different people throughout the years. Of course, I started out traveling with my parent and siblings, but I've also traveled with close friends and complete strangers.

Who you travel with doesn't really matter, conflict and irritation are lurking around the corner, no matter what. How come we're so prone to get snappy with travel companions? Even if they're are closest friends and family? I think it has to do with the fact that when traveling, you're forced to compromise on so much more than in your daily life.

Take couples, for example, who may think that living together requires a lot of compromise (it does). When you're traveling, you pretty much have to agree on everything except for what food you order. And in China, even that is something you share!

So how can you avoid conflict and make the journey a positive one throughout? Of course, keeping in mind that the trip is only temporary, may be enough to keep you at ease. But if it isn't, here are 5 more tips on traveling with others:

1. Adjust your expectations. If you're traveling with someone you know, you can guess at what this person will enjoy doing/eating, and what they will most likely try to avoid. Knowing what to expect will help you be more accepting of demands that may require you to compromise.
   
2. Don't let it fester. While traveling for six weeks with a friend, we both found ourselves getting snappier and snappier, and the irritation and discontent between the two of us built up quickly.
   Then, while on a subway ride, we started talking about it. We expressed what we were feeling and could each understand what we could do better to avoid future problems. The conversation after we cleared the air was so pleasant that we actually missed our stop.
   
3. Get enough sleep. Irritation often stems from being too tired. Traveling is a tiresome experience, make no mistake! I don't care if you're hiking 7 hours a day, or lying on the beach from sunrise to sunset, new impressions take a toll on your brain and you'll feel more tired than during your normal routine work days.
   When someone is getting a little cranky, make sure they have enough sleep at night (and do the same for yourself). There's no point partying all night if you'll be fighting the next day.
   
4. Do something thoughtful. Be considerate of your fellow travelers. Look out for needs you know how to fulfill. Think they could use a cup of coffee? Suggest going to a café. Keep in mind that the quality of YOUR trip depends on the quality of the group. Which depends on the energy and emotions of every individual in that group.
   
5. Take time out. When things get too up close and personal, don't feel afraid to take some time off. Sit in your hotel room for a bit, or take a walk by yourself. Just make sure to let your companions know where you're going and when you'll be back. Even the most gregarious among us may need these breaks from time to time, to organize their thoughts and relax their mind.

How do you experience traveling with others? Have you ever gotten into a fight with a fellow traveler? Any other advice you could give would be welcome!